Designing a system that works for everyone isn’t a simple task. It’s more like trying to build a jigsaw puzzle while the pieces keep changing shape. But that’s exactly what makes it interesting, isn’t it? The Hexad Framework gives us a good start by identifying six key user types—Players, Achievers, Socialisers, Free Spirits, Philanthropists, and Disruptors. Each has its quirks and motivations, but these aren’t fixed in stone. People grow, and their motivations evolve.
This isn’t about creating a system that forces users into static categories. It’s about recognising that motivations shift over time and building something that adapts and supports that evolution.
Understanding the Pathways
Every user starts with a dominant motivation. It’s what draws them into the system in the first place. But that’s just the beginning. Over time, users move through phases, driven by new needs, goals, or just curiosity.
- Players might start with extrinsic rewards like badges and points but often grow into Achievers, Philanthropists, or even Disruptors, looking for mastery, connection, or impact.
- Achievers begin with a focus on personal success but may shift toward helping others (Philanthropy), building communities (Socialising), or challenging the status quo (Disruptors).
- Socialisers often deepen their relationships and become Philanthropists or seek creative independence as Free Spirits, occasionally questioning norms as Disruptors.
- Free Spirits start with autonomy but often find joy in mastery, collaboration, or even reshaping the system.
- Philanthropists focus on helping others but may develop personal goals or challenge inefficiencies, transforming into Achievers or Disruptors.
- Disruptors start by breaking things (hopefully for good reasons) but may shift to collaboration, creativity, or mastery.
The key takeaway? People don’t stay where they start, so neither should your system.
Designing for Balance and Evolution
Here’s how to create a system that doesn’t just engage users but grows with them.
1. Start With Phase-Based Engagement
Design for the now but plan for the future. Activities should cater to users’ initial motivations while introducing opportunities for evolution:
- A Player might start with rewards but eventually encounter mastery challenges (Achievers) or collaborative opportunities (Socialisers).
- Free Spirits could have the freedom to explore but later unlock pathways for deeper engagement, like crafting or mentoring.
2. Layered Mechanics
Intrinsic motivators—Relatedness, Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose (RAMP)—should form the backbone of your system. Add extrinsic rewards thoughtfully, as bait for Players, but always guide them toward more meaningful engagement.
3. Balance the Tensions
The Hexad isn’t just six user types sitting politely in their corners. It’s a dynamic mix of motivations, overlaps, and occasional collisions:
- Philanthropists and Disruptors can be at odds. The former nurture, the latter break. Channel Disruptors’ energy into improving the system rather than tearing it down.
- Achievers might get frustrated with the chatty Socialisers, while Socialisers find Achievers’ single-mindedness boring. Give each their own space to shine.
- Players love structured autonomy (rules and rewards), while Free Spirits loathe it. Offer guided pathways for Players and open-ended freedom for Free Spirits.
4. Support the Transitions
Transitions don’t just happen. Your system needs to facilitate them:
- Include Challenges for Achievers and Disruptors.
- Add Collaborative tools for Socialisers and Philanthropists.
- Provide Creative freedom for Free Spirits to explore new roles.
5. Diverse Opportunities
Each type and phase should find meaningful opportunities:
- Mentorship programs for Achievers and Philanthropists to guide others.
- Creative toolkits for Free Spirits and Disruptors to innovate.
- Leaderboards that keep Players happy while nudging them toward mastery.
6. Iterate. Iterate Again.
Feedback loops aren’t just for the users; they’re for you. Track user behaviour, listen to their feedback, and tweak the system. Design isn’t static—your system shouldn’t be either.
A Final Note on Balance
Balance isn’t about pleasing everyone all the time. It’s about creating a system where each user type can thrive without stepping on each other’s toes. By understanding pathways and managing tensions, you’re not just building a system that works today—you’re creating one that evolves alongside your users.
Motivation is fluid. Build for the present, but design for the journey. That’s where the real magic happens.
Appendix: User Evolution Pathways in the Hexad Framework
This appendix maps the evolution pathways of each user type in the Gamification Hexad Framework. It provides a comprehensive view of how users’ motivations evolve across three distinct phases, allowing for the design of systems that adapt and grow with users.
Player Evolution Pathways
- Player → Achiever → Philanthropist
- Phase 1 (Player): Engages with extrinsic rewards such as points and badges.
- Phase 2 (Achiever): Focuses on mastery through challenges and personal goals.
- Phase 3 (Philanthropist): Contributes to the community by mentoring and helping others.
- Player → Socialiser → Philanthropist
- Phase 1 (Player): Drawn by incentives and rewards.
- Phase 2 (Socialiser): Participates in teamwork and collaboration.
- Phase 3 (Philanthropist): Develops a drive to support and uplift others.
- Player → Free Spirit → Disruptor
- Phase 1 (Player): Motivated by rewards to begin participation.
- Phase 2 (Free Spirit): Seeks autonomy and exploration.
- Phase 3 (Disruptor): Challenges norms to innovate or improve the system.
- Player → Achiever → Disruptor
- Phase 1 (Player): Starts with extrinsic incentives.
- Phase 2 (Achiever): Pursues mastery through skill-building.
- Phase 3 (Disruptor): Critiques and modifies inefficiencies within the system.
Achiever Evolution Pathways
- Achiever → Philanthropist → Socialiser
- Phase 1 (Achiever): Pursues personal mastery and goals.
- Phase 2 (Philanthropist): Begins helping and mentoring others.
- Phase 3 (Socialiser): Builds community through collaboration.
- Achiever → Disruptor → Free Spirit
- Phase 1 (Achiever): Motivated by skill mastery.
- Phase 2 (Disruptor): Seeks to address and reform inefficiencies.
- Phase 3 (Free Spirit): Explores autonomy and creative freedom.
- Achiever → Free Spirit → Disruptor
- Phase 1 (Achiever): Focuses on goal-oriented mastery.
- Phase 2 (Free Spirit): Enjoys exploration and autonomy.
- Phase 3 (Disruptor): Seeks to challenge and reshape systems.
- Achiever → Player → Socialiser
- Phase 1 (Achiever): Engages with mastery-driven tasks.
- Phase 2 (Player): Re-engages with extrinsic rewards.
- Phase 3 (Socialiser): Embraces social collaboration and teamwork.
Socialiser Evolution Pathways
- Socialiser → Philanthropist → Achiever
- Phase 1 (Socialiser): Focused on connections and collaboration.
- Phase 2 (Philanthropist): Transitions to mentoring and helping others.
- Phase 3 (Achiever): Pursues personal mastery and goal achievement.
- Socialiser → Free Spirit → Disruptor
- Phase 1 (Socialiser): Engages socially with others.
- Phase 2 (Free Spirit): Finds joy in autonomy and exploration.
- Phase 3 (Disruptor): Challenges norms and seeks systemic change.
- Socialiser → Achiever → Player
- Phase 1 (Socialiser): Prioritises social interaction.
- Phase 2 (Achiever): Focuses on personal goals and mastery.
- Phase 3 (Player): Shifts to enjoying extrinsic rewards.
Free Spirit Evolution Pathways
- Free Spirit → Socialiser → Philanthropist
- Phase 1 (Free Spirit): Motivated by autonomy and creativity.
- Phase 2 (Socialiser): Builds relationships through shared discovery.
- Phase 3 (Philanthropist): Focuses on helping others.
- Free Spirit → Achiever → Disruptor
- Phase 1 (Free Spirit): Begins with autonomy and exploration.
- Phase 2 (Achiever): Shifts toward mastery and goal achievement.
- Phase 3 (Disruptor): Evolves into challenging norms and driving innovation.
Philanthropist Evolution Pathways
- Philanthropist → Socialiser → Achiever
- Phase 1 (Philanthropist): Driven by helping others and altruism.
- Phase 2 (Socialiser): Builds a community around altruistic goals.
- Phase 3 (Achiever): Develops personal goals and mastery.
- Philanthropist → Free Spirit → Disruptor
- Phase 1 (Philanthropist): Focuses on altruistic actions.
- Phase 2 (Free Spirit): Seeks autonomy and creative exploration.
- Phase 3 (Disruptor): Evolves into questioning or reforming the system.
Disruptor Evolution Pathways
- Disruptor → Free Spirit → Achiever
- Phase 1 (Disruptor): Begins by questioning and challenging systems.
- Phase 2 (Free Spirit): Seeks autonomy and personal exploration.
- Phase 3 (Achiever): Refocuses on mastery and personal goals.
- Disruptor → Socialiser → Philanthropist
- Phase 1 (Disruptor): Pushes boundaries and seeks innovation.
- Phase 2 (Socialiser): Engages collaboratively with others.
- Phase 3 (Philanthropist): Shifts to mentoring and community building.
Similar Posts:
- Some AI Insights into the HEXAD User Types
- Gamification User Types 2.0
- User Types Test: Stats and conclusions
Also published on Medium.
