Concepção de uma Plataforma Online Gamificada para Coordenação de Ações de Voluntariado

Abstract

This dissertation centers on a project proposed by the Volunteering Commitee of the University of Porto for the conception and development of an online platform to coordinate the university's volunteering activities. Considering the individual characteristics of this project, it was determined that there was enough potential to conceive a solution with gamification features, a modern technologic concept that consists of applying game elements and principles in non-game contexts, as is in this case the online platform to develop. In order to conceive a solution for the proposal that was presented, an initial study was made on similar projects, as well as on the state of the art on website development, user psychology, user-centered design, game design and gamification. After the platform requirements were gathered and priorities were defined, a first version of the project was conceived and developed, with features such as the publication of volunteering activities by organizations, registration in those activities by volunteers, and the validation of the volunteers' participation by the responsible organizations, as well as the respective certification. In the implemented gamification system, several game mechanics were created such as points, a level progression system, a collection of trophies acquired by completing certain tasks in the platform, medals to award to volunteers and collective goals for activities, all of these based on the previous work and also typical volunteer motivations. Finally, a study was made on the use of this initial version of the platform by its target users, as they were asked to complete certain tasks in order to determine that the platform went according to their pretensions, and that the gamification of the platform contributes to its success.