Lauren S. Ferro is a gamification consultant and designer of game and game-like applications. She has worked, designed, consulted, and implemented strategies for a range of different purposes, including professional development, recommendation systems, and educational games. She is an active researcher in the area of gamification, player profiling, and user-centered game design. Lauren runs workshops both for the general public and companies that focus on designing user-centered games and game-like applications. She is also the creator of a game design resource, Gamicards, which is a prototyping tool for both games and game-like experiences, which is centered on player’s preferences for game elements and mechanics.
She is passionate about the future of games and the technologies surrounding them, as well as their potential to improve the lives people.
When she is not playing or creating games, you can find her flying kites, creating music, or whipping up a storm in the kitchen.
Whether directly or indirectly, it takes a combined effort to create something wonderful. For this reason, I would like to thank the following for their contributions towards the development and completion of this book: Packt Publishing and everyone involved in publication of this book. Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to write about gamification. It has been a fantastic journey and I have enjoyed being a part of the community. In particular, I would like to thank Sachin Karnani for his help through the development of this book. Your comments, suggestions, and edits through each stage have helped to make this book great. The reviewers who have taken the time to read this book and provide suggestions and feedback to improve it for the future readers. Francesco Sapio, for his help and support throughout the process of writing this book. His knowledge, experience and expertise has been more than valuable. My parents, who have done everything to support me and for always believing in me. Thank you for being my inspiration and motivation in life, and the reason that I entered into the world of games. Lastly, to you, the reader. Thank you for entering the world of gaming, and allowing me the opportunity to provide you with information and resources that will take you on many adventures in creating your own gaming experiences. Don’t just be a gamer, be a game changer.