From car pool dating services to socially dedicated diversions that claim to donate to charity with every click, these gamified giving examples will seem, to some, an uneasy approach to social and environmental problems -- to say the least. Essentially, crudely speaking, it melds clicktivism with gaming, while some have a stronger awareness component than others.
Gamification, coined by computer programmer Nick Pelling, is a term used to refers to the idea that humans have a "natural" leaning toward elements that come with games such as competition, rewards and achievement (especially that step-by-step kind you get by reaching levels in video games, for example). As such, these gamified giving examples correspond to a growing use in social entrepreneurship for marketing purposes.
11 Gamified Giving Examples
From Car Pool Dating Services to Socially Dedicated Diversions:
Tiana Reid — May 15, 2013 — Social Good
11
Ethical Decision-Making Apps
'Oroeco' Links Your Life to the World in Order to Make a Choice
10
Car Pool Dating Services
Carpooling.com Brings Together Commuters in Europe to Lower CO2
9
Tree Planting Initiaves
Forest Nation Offers Commercial Solutions to Companies in Sustainable Need
8
Social Good Entertainment
Global Good Games Aims to Shift the Video Gaming Paradigm
7
Gamefied Sustainable Living Apps
Practically Green Provides Simple and Personalized Green Tips
6
Gaming for Mental Health
The SPARX 3D Fantasy Game Helps Players Cope with Depression
5
Socially Dedicated Diversions
Good World Games Aims to Make a Difference Giving Through Fun
4
Ethical Virtual Goods
The PlayMob 'GiverBoard' Lets Gamers Fundraise for Real Causes
3
Social Good Photo Apps
FoodShareFilter is an Instagram Supported Filter That Profits an NGO
2
Charitable Village-Building Games
WeTopia Turns In-Game Item Purchases into Real-World Donations
1
Global Strategy Video Games
Red Redemption Ensures Gamers a Socially Conscious Experience
Related Ideas
Lush Mini Hobbit Homes
The Bag End Bonsai Trayscape is Fit for the 'Lord of the Rings' Set
Global Street Art Sneakers
BucketFeet Shoes Support Artists and Empower Children
City Grid Sinks
The Water Map Washbasin Directs the Faucet's Flow into Street-Inspired Channels
Futuristic Amphibious Autos
The Urban Pod is Evolved For Modern Metropolitan Transportation
Planter-Inspired Sidewalks
Grey to Green Adds a Touch of Nature to Urban Areas
Botany-Adorned Attire
The Akomplice Magic Plant Series is Hypnotizing and Sleek
Worker-Focused Shoe Companies
'soleRebels' was Founded to Create Jobs in Ethiopian Communities
Stylish Social Good Sacks
The Wayuu Taya Bags are Handmade and for a Good Cause
Inspired Altruistic Vino Brands
Cultivate Wines is a Nonprofit That Gives Back
Alternative Education Enterprises
KO2 is a Community Interest Company with a Love for Dirtbiking
Sustainable Wood Sunglasses
Each 'Proof Eyewear' Purchase Funds a Sight-Giving Surgery
Upcycled Rugby Balls
The TOUCH Initiative Recycles Garbage while Creating Jobs
Root-Inspired Seating
The NaMu Chair by Peter Yong Ra Symbolizes Family Traditions and Heirlooms
Ethical Decision-Making Apps
'Oroeco' Links Your Life to the World in Order to Make a Choice
Innovative Reorienting EVs
The MONO Electric Vehicle Would Improve the State of Urban Traffic
12 TOMS Innovations
From Chic Charitable Shoes to Bearded Botas Kicks
Anti-Theft Bicycle IDs
Cycling Boom's Tagging System Discourages Thieves from Stealing Bikes
Bike-Promoting Community Companies
'Get Cycling' is a Social Enterprise Promoting a Healthy Life
Like-for-Like Businesses
'One' Products Fund Similar Items in the Developing World
Urban Street Accommodations
The Faktum Hotels Allows Guests to Sleep Like a Homeless Person
Social Good Matching Sites
Sparked MicroVolunteering Network Makes It Easy to Donate a Little Time
High-Quality Altruistic Hoodies
The Vanity Project Collaborates with Charities on Its Designs
Neighborhood Crowdfunding Websites
Spacehive is a Fundraising Platform for Public Space Projects
Soulful Business Solutions
Yoga Company 'I AM.' Sees Itself as an Idea and Not a Brand
Social Good-Fueling Photography
Nuru Project Sells Photojournalistic Prints to Support Non-Profits
Tree Trunk Turntables
Audiowood Creates Record Players Using Wooden Components
Educational Gaming
Johnny Lee Demonstrates How to Transform Basic Technology into Useful Tools
Poverty Business Development
TechnoServe is an International Nonprofit Founded in 1968
Social Capital Databases
ImpactSpace Gives Information on Companies, Entrepreneurs and Investors
Socially Savvy Houses
Social Housing in Brussels is Cleverly Compact and Aesthetically Clean
Cause-Oriented Deals
Roozt Lets You Support Social Enterprise Brands and Products
Micro-Volunteering Platforms
Raise5 Enables the Charitable Giving of Your Time and Talents
Social Crowdfunding Platforms
The Buzzbnk App Helps Ventures Gather Support and Raise Funds
Charitable Virtual Gifts
Buy a Present from the Cabinet of Dreams & Support Women's Aid
Social Good Performance Venues
Creative Common is a Place Where Community Comes Together
Eco-Conscious Yoga Accessories
JadeYoga Creates a Mat That is Good for You and the Environment
School Bags for Good
The Ark Collective Backpacks Help with a 'Get to Give' Model
Sickly Anatomical Scultures
Leo Ferdinando Demetz's Disturbing Sculpture Contaminates Confusion
Co-op-Made Honeycomb Crunches
Divine's Milk Chocolate Bees is the Result of a New Partnership
Sustainable Car Hires
GUTSi Executive Transfer Offers Transportation in the United Kingdom
Futuristic Carbon-Fiber Cars
The New Aston Martin 'Vanquish' Commercial is Mind Blowing
Virtual Reality Test Drives
South African Audiences Take Virtual Hyundai i30 Test Drive
Designer Digi-Games
The Dior Video Game Ad Brings Geek to Chic
High-Powered Gaming Handhelds
Project Fiona is a Tablet for Serious Gamers
Sustainable Face Masks
Akamuti is a Skin Care Company with Ethical Policies
Real-Life Video Games
The Explorence App Provides Activity Incentives Through Races and Wagering
Gaming for Social Good
Decide Toi Clement is a Hip and Interactive PSA
Impact Investor Networks
Clearly Social Angels Attempts to Bring Ideas Together
Streamlined News Site Apps
Minimalist Read-only Reeddit App Designed for Redditors
Photorealistic Video Game Graphics
'The Streets of Asia' Showcases the Power of Design
Eco-Friendly Fashion Sites
The Green Tree is an Online Shopping Site Devoted to Eco Fashions
Market-Based Poverty Solutions
Khosla Impact Invests in Products and Service for the World's Poor
Gaming for Mental Health
The SPARX 3D Fantasy Game Helps Players Cope with Depression
Viral Political Combat Videos
Slate Turns the Obama/Trump Rivalry into a Comical Video Game Battle
Code-Based Interactive Documentaries
The CLOUDS Documentary Lets You Narrate Your Own Story
Poverty-Fighting Purses
The Sass & Bide ITC Project Promotes Ethnical Fashion and Social Good
Economy-Focused Sustainability Projects
Borderstep Institute Takes a Success-Driven Approach
Good Karma Web Dev
PICnet Offers Tech Services for Non-Profits and Social Businesses
Hyperreal Video Game Designs
Outerra World Rendering Technology Virtually Replicates the Earth
Resumes for Water
'Thirsty Talent' Offers Professional Writing that Funds Clean Water in Africa
Surgery Sponsoring Web Donations
Watsi is Making Medical Care Affordable for the Developing World
Community Funding Platforms
Smallknot Helps You Invest in Small Businesses in Your Neighborhood
Challenge-Based Charity Sites
'Do Whatever It Takes' Site Has People Doing Anything for Pledges
Ads That Nourish Kids
Lazy Angel Browser Add-On Easily Fights Malnutrition in Children
Charitable Holiday Apps
The Apple Donation Box App Donates the Price of Unwanted Apps to Charity
Classroom Gaming Statistics
Educational Video Games Can Help Children Enhance Their Skills
Beers for Social Good
Exotic Drinks at the Shebeen Bar Benefit Developing Nations
Motivational Well-Being Games
Mindbloom Life Game Helps You Improve Your Quality of Life
Thrifty Furnishing Infographics
Learn How to Decorate on a Budget With This Handy Chart
Concentration Challenges
Focus Pocus is a Mind-Controlled Game That Alleviates ADHD in Children
Mobile Life-Saving Enterprises
Dial 1298 Provides Emergency Medical Attention to Individuals
Ethical Product Emails
Designed Good is a Members-Only Socially Conscious Shopping Newsletter
Gendered Business Distribution Channels
Crea Works with Low-Income Women in Mexico
Crowdsourced For-Purpose Conferences
The 2012 Social Good Summit Covers A Range of World Issues
Socially Conscious Outsourcing
Samasource Micro-Tasks Employ the World's Less Fortunate
Purpose-Driven Workouts
The Good Gym Mobilizes Volunteers Through Social Good
Interactive Children's Book Apps
The 'Goodnight Moon' App Recreates an Iconic Story for Kids
Ethical Shopping Mobs
Carrotmob Organizes Consumer Purchases to Encourage Social Change
Suburban Video Game Realities
‘Super Mario Beads 3’ Follows Mario Through the Neighbor
CO2 Reduction Rides
Carbon Voyage Fosters Collaborative Consumption Transportation in London, UK
One for One Eyewear Lines
The Warby Parker Do Good Initiative Provides Reading Glasses to the Poor
Incentivized Charity Sites
The Mutual Awards Do-Gooders with Deals and Discounts
Professional Couchsurfing Communities
Startup Stay Helps Entrepreneurs Find Easy Accomodations
Idea-Led Purpose Companies
BeCause LLC Consults and Invests in Business Models
Social Media for Social Good
Canadahelps Launches Great Canadian Giving Challenge
Social Conscience Media
Jumo.com Will Connect Users to Non-Profit Organizations
Pay-As-You-Play Game Consoles
The Contracted Xbox 360 Can Now Be Purchased in Installments
Purpose-Driven DNA Tests
The GameChangers 500 Ranks Heart-Centered Social Businesses
Subsidized Medical Crusades
Fledglings is a Not-for-Profit Organization That Helps the Disabled
Transportation Industry-Sustaining Loans
Own Your Own Boda Serves Taxi Drivers in Uganda