Gamification of Operational Tasks in Manufacturing: A Literature Review

Abstract

Gamification is a growing topic of interest across all industries, including manufacturing. We conducted a literature review to determine the past and current research being conducted in the realm of gamification within manufacturing. We found that significant research is being performed, with growth in recent years. However, our analysis also found that the research is widespread, and not one group of researchers are focused on a niche area for gamification in manufacturing. Gamification in manufacturing research often focuses on three different research areas: knowledge acquisition, training, and operational tasks. Gamification research is conducted in equal parts of in-industry and in-lab settings. Literature reviews, empirical studies, and case studies are commonly used and published, and no specific methodology stands out as being preferred over the other. We found that conducting statistical hypothesis testing is feasible and appropriate when conducting an empirical or case study. Our paper summarizes the analysis by drawing additional conclusions and suggesting future research avenues for other researchers interested in how gamification is and can be incorporated within the manufacturing domain.