Games and Gamification in Research Data Management: Engaging methods to foster better data practices

Research output: Contribution to conferences › Presentation slides › Contributed

Abstract

Gamification \uD83C\uDFAE — the use of game elements in non-game contexts — offers promising ways to raise data literacy \uD83D\uDCCA and promote more mindful research data management (RDM) \uD83D\uDDC2️. By incorporating playful elements \uD83E\uDDE9, training participants can engage in active learning \uD83E\uDDE0 and receive immediate feedback ✅ that strengthens reflection and long-term retention \uD83D\uDD01. Researchers can benefit from gamification by turning routine activities — such as documenting datasets \uD83D\uDCDD, curating metadata \uD83C\uDFF7️, or checking file completeness \uD83D\uDCC1 — into engaging challenges \uD83C\uDFC6 that encourage consistency, collaboration \uD83E\uDD1D, and a culture of continuous improvement \uD83C\uDF31. In this hands-on workshop, participants will: \uD83C\uDFAF Learn about the differences between games and gamification \uD83D\uDCDA Explore concrete examples of games that can be reused in research data management training, based on a collection of the Sub-WG Training/Further Education of the DINI/nestor WG Research Data \uD83D\uDCA1 Brainstorm how RDM tasks could be gamified to inspire behavioural change — for example, better metadata \uD83C\uDFF7️, more complete documentation \uD83D\uDDC3️, or data publication \uD83D\uDE80. The session targets RDM professionals (such as data stewards) and RDM trainers. It provides a space to exchange experiences \uD83D\uDCAC, to explore playful approaches \uD83C\uDFB2, and to discuss how game elements could support behavior change in research data management \uD83D\uDD04.Max Participants: 20 \uD83D\uDC65Language: English \uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDE7

Details

Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 25 Feb 2026
Peer-reviewedNo

Symposium

TitleResearch Data Alliance Deutschland Tagung 2026
Abbreviated titleRDA-DE 2026
Duration24 - 25 February 2026
Website
LocationHelmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam – Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum
CityPotsdam
CountryGermany

Keywords