SuperBetter is an innovative mobile and web-based application designed to improve mental health, resilience, and overall well-being by leveraging the psychology and mechanics of game design.
What SuperBetter Does
SuperBetter is built on the premise of “Living Gamefully,” a methodology developed by Jane McGonigal, which applies the engaging and motivating elements of video games to real-life challenges. The app helps users tackle various personal challenges, such as anxiety, chronic pain, or the desire to adopt healthier habits, by transforming these tasks into a game-like experience.
Key Features and Functionality
Customizable Experience
Users can select their own challenges or create custom tasks to address specific issues like depression, anxiety, or other personal concerns. This customization allows the app to be tailored to the individual’s needs and goals.
Game Elements
The app incorporates familiar game mechanics such as quests, power-ups, and villains (referred to as “Bad Guys”). These elements motivate users to complete real-life activities that contribute to their mental and physical well-being. For example, drinking a glass of water or taking a walk can be logged as completing a quest or activating a power-up.
Power Packs
Users can access various “Power Packs” that contain specific quests, power-ups, bad guys, and science cards related to their chosen challenges. These packs provide structured activities and resources to help users achieve their goals.
Social Support
SuperBetter includes social features that allow users to recruit allies for support. Allies can interact with the user through positive comments, suggestions for quests, and other forms of encouragement. This social aspect is designed to be supportive rather than competitive.
Daily Engagement
The app is designed to be used daily, with users spending around 10 minutes per day completing activities. It limits the number of achievements that can be completed in a day to prevent overloading on instant gratification and encourages consistent, long-term engagement.
Educational Integration
SuperBetter also offers a classroom product, “SuperBetter Classroom,” which helps schools improve student mental health, resilience, and social-emotional skills. Teachers can host challenges and monitor student progress through a web-based dashboard, integrating the gameful methodology into their teaching practices.
Scientific Validation
The effectiveness of SuperBetter has been validated through randomized controlled studies and clinical trials. For instance, studies have shown that SuperBetter can reduce depression and improve concussion recovery in teens.
Usability and Accessibility
The app is designed to be easy to use and visually appealing, with a user-friendly interface across both mobile and web platforms. It includes features like push notifications and a community group on Facebook to enhance engagement.
In summary, SuperBetter is a unique and scientifically-backed tool that uses game design to empower users to build resilience, improve mental health, and achieve personal goals in a fun and engaging way.
