Gamification is all about psychology. Here's a good article on the psychology of badges: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2328684 http://news.ycombinator.co

Gamification is all about psychology. Here's a good article on the psychology of badges: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2328684 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2328684 . And here's one about achievement design: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2356944 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2356944 . Badges motivate users to set goals. Badges are also symbols of status and reputation.