Spelliknande

Spelliknande is a Swedish adjective meaning "game-like" or "resembling a game." It is formed from spel (game) and liknande (similar to) and is used to describe activities, systems or experiences that incorporate characteristics commonly associated with games, such as goals, rules, feedback, challenge and reward.

The term appears in discussions of design, education, marketing and user experience to characterize interfaces or processes that borrow game mechanics to increase engagement, motivation or clarity. Examples of spelliknande elements include points, leaderboards, badges, timed challenges and levels. In research and practice it is closely related to the concepts of gamification and ludic design, though spelliknande is often used more broadly to denote resemblance rather than a formal methodology.

Applications of spelliknande approaches range from classroom learning and corporate training to health apps and public services. Proponents argue that game-like features can improve learning outcomes, adherence and user satisfaction by making tasks more intrinsically motivating and providing immediate feedback. Critics caution that superficial use of spelliknande mechanics can trivialize complex tasks, encourage extrinsic motivation, create unhealthy competition or raise ethical concerns about manipulation and privacy.

As a descriptive term in everyday Swedish and in Scandinavian design discourse, spelliknande functions as a flexible label for any intervention that intentionally or accidentally evokes the look, feel or structure of a game.