Based on the bestselling learning book, “The Gamification of Learning and Instruction” this keynote address introduces, defines, and describes the concept of gamification, games for learning and interactivity. It then dissects the elements of games and describes how they can be applied to the design and development of interactive learning. The keynote is based on solid research including peer-reviewed results from dozens of studies that offer insights into why game-based thinking and mechanics makes for engaged employees, consumers and fans. Not all games or gamification efforts are the same, creating engaging experiences using game-based thinking requires matching content with the right game mechanics and game thinking. Moving beyond the theoretical considerations, the presentation explores methods for designing interactive experiences based on concepts from games with examples from various industries.