Gamified Model for Positive Social Impact

This document outlines the conceptual framework and practical implementation details of ETHDenver MakerSpace. In this model, participant engagement, game-based quests, missions, and philanthropic donations all converge to produce quantifiable positive impact. Specifically, the ETHDO.ME Gaming Engine leverages on-chain point tracking, NFT-based rewards, and a real-time fundraising dashboard for Joy’s Kitchen, ensuring a transparent and verifiable record of social contribution.

1. Introduction

The concept of gamification for social good has gained momentum as emerging technologies enable new forms of user engagement. ETHDO.ME extends this paradigm by integrating blockchain-based point systems with a clear philanthropic objective. Our aim is to show that game mechanics and user-friendly smart contracts can drive tangible impacts, both educationally and charitably.

2. System Overview

ETHDO.ME is designed as a multi-faceted immersive experience encompassing a makerspace, live music, art, builder-themed events, interactive activities, and a cohesive set of quests or “missions.” Each quest completion is recorded on-chain via the ETHDO.ME Gaming Engine.

2.1 The ETHDO.ME Gaming Engine

• Points Issuance: The system awards Points for each quest or mission completed, aligning the user’s “play” with progressive achievements.
• NFT Rewards: Non-Fungible Tokens serve as “proof-of-participation,” enhancing user engagement and providing a verifiable record of accomplishments.
• On-chain Transparency: By utilizing smart contracts, point tallies and NFT ownership remain transparent, traceable, and tamper-resistant.

2.2 Quest for Joy: Fundraising Backbone

While players accumulate points, the system concurrently raises funds for Joy’s Kitchen. Each dollar translates to 8.8 meals, and the collective impact is tracked via a live donation calculator. The total meals provided thus grows in real time, offering donors and players immediate feedback on their combined effect.

3. Gamification Approach

Central to ETHDO.ME is the concept of using structured incentives to catalyze active participation. Research in both behavioral economics and motivational psychology suggests that well-designed systems of reward and recognition can significantly enhance user engagement. In this model, “points” play the dual role of measuring individual contributions and fostering a sense of shared progress toward a philanthropic goal.

This synergy encourages deeper community involvement:

• Quests and challenges make the user experience enjoyable and goal-oriented.
• Donation goals provide a clear societal benefit, boosting user motivation.
• Transparent records via blockchain support trust in the process.

4. Mathematical Model of Impact

In order to demonstrate how play-based engagement correlates to meals donated, we reference the following notations:

1. PP (Player Points): 
   The number of points earned by an individual player.

2. TP (Total Points): 
   The sum of points held by all participants in the system.

3. HP (Holding Percent): 
   HP = PP ÷ TP. 
   This value represents a player's fractional share of the entire point pool.

4. TMP (Total Meals Provided): 
   The aggregate number of meals funded by all donations.

5. MDP (Meals Donated by Play): 
   MDP = TMP × HP. 
   This yields the estimated portion of meals attributed to an individual’s participation.
          

These equations enable a direct correlation between a player’s engagement level (i.e., their percentage of total points) and the real-world impact they effectively “generate.” By providing straightforward calculations, users can continuously assess their contribution to the philanthropic mission.

4.1 Example Calculation

Suppose the total donation pool translates to 88,000 meals (TMP), and the sum of all points (TP) among participants is 50,000 points. A specific player has accrued 5,000 points (PP). Thus:

• HP = 5,000 / 50,000 = 0.10 (10%)
• MDP = 88,000 × 0.10 = 8,800 meals

This means the individual’s share of the total impact is 8,800 meals, demonstrating how engagement quantitatively maps to social good.

5. Expected Outcomes

• Deeper User Engagement: By gamifying each phase of the event, participants are incentivized to complete more quests, attend more activities, and deepen their community connections.
• Transparent Donations: The blockchain-based tracking system allows donors to monitor the direct impact of their contributions in an immutable, auditable fashion.
• Measurable Social Benefit: Using MDP calculations, players are empowered to witness the direct translation of their playful activities into tangible resources for Joy’s Kitchen.
• Scalability & Replicability: This model can be adapted to future events and diverse charitable contexts, providing a template for other organizations to foster engagement-driven fundraising.

6. Conclusion

By merging educational elements, playful engagement, and on-chain verification, ETHDO.ME illustrates how gamification can be harnessed to create meaningful real-world outcomes. The ETHDO.ME Gaming Engine not only tracks individual achievements but also elevates collective effort, reinforcing the concept that group participation amplifies philanthropic impact.

We invite builders, sponsors, and participants to explore the ETHDO.ME system, engage with the quests, and push our communal goals forward. With every point earned, every NFT minted, and every donation received, we move closer to providing 1,000,000 meals—and demonstrating how purposeful play can reshape the landscape of community support.