{"ID":2828145,"CreatedAt":"2026-06-01T04:54:23.091178241Z","UpdatedAt":"2026-06-01T04:54:23.091178241Z","DeletedAt":null,"paper_url":"https://arxiv.org/abs/2512.15630","arxiv_id":"2512.15630","title":"One Size Doesn't Fit All: Age-Aware Gamification Mechanics for Multimedia Learning Environments","abstract":"Gamification is widely used in digital learning. However, most systems neglect age-related differences. This paper investigates how gamification can be designed in an age-aware way to address learners' diverse motivational and cognitive needs. Based on a targeted literature review, we present a mapping of age groups, mechanics, and effects. Furthermore, we derive five design principles for age-specific gamification and identify three technical patterns for implementation in multimedia learning environments. The results indicate that gamification is not universally effective, but rather requires a differentiated design to support engagement and inclusivity across the lifespan.","short_abstract":"Gamification is widely used in digital learning. However, most systems neglect age-related differences. This paper investigates how gamification can be designed in an age-aware way to address learners' diverse motivational and cognitive needs. Based on a targeted literature review, we present a mapping of age groups, m...","url_abs":"https://arxiv.org/abs/2512.15630","url_pdf":"https://arxiv.org/pdf/2512.15630v1","authors":"[\"Sarah Kaißer\",\"Markus Kleffmann\",\"Kristina Schaaff\"]","published":"2025-12-17T17:41:22Z","proceeding":"cs.MM","tasks":"[\"cs.MM\",\"cs.HC\"]","methods":"[]","has_code":false}