The psychological effect of gamification mechanism in XR immersive environment on user willingness to behave
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: With the rapid landing of XR technology in the fields of architecture, education, medical and other fields, how to effectively guide user behavior through interaction design and content mechanism has become the core topic of human-computer interaction research. This paper examines how gamification mechanisms in an XR immersive environment influence users' behavioral intentions. Drawing on self-determination theory as the overarching framework and incorporating spatial narrative structure and the Octalysis framework, it systematically examines the mediating roles of the three basic psychological needs—autonomy, competence, and relatedness—in the immersive experience. The study uses a combination of literature review and theoretical analysis, and constructs a theoretical model of "gamification elements → psychological needs to meet → willingness to act" through the depth analysis of typical XR cases such as medical training, building space guide, safety education and other types of XR cases. The study suggests that XR's distinctive sense of presence and interactivity may amplify the psychological effects of gamification drivers, such as a sense of mission and progression, while excessive competition and manipulative design may undermine intrinsic motivation.
Author: Tianchen Meng
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7223177737