As part of my Internet Studies, I had to write a conference paper on the subject of Social Networks and Online Communities. At the time, I was (and still am) fascinated by the theory of gamification – the idea of solving real-life problems using mechanics and designs inspired by computer games. I ended-up presenting a concept for an iPhone/mobile app that can help people quit smoking cigarettes using the theory of gamification (click on the logo to head straight there).

Final mark for this paper was 78%, and the main loss of marks was due to my writing style; the lecturers expected academic writing, while I chose to go for more of a personal story. I love the good-old TED talks, and I just couldn’t help myself from trying to emulate some of the speakers from these conferences. I felt that by giving a more personal touch to the paper, the reader could identify and feel what I feel, making them more immersed the idea that I was presenting.

I believe that this concept could really help a lot of people. I’m actually trying to get this idea of the ground, and turn it into reality. Will keep you posted how it all goes…