The MITX Innovation Awards are almost upon us. And we’re almost done profiling the finalists, the Boston companies in the running for awards at the event on June 12th. Once again, remember to sign up for the awards today. Today’s categories are Best Use of Game Mechanics and Best User Experience.
Here’s how those categories are defined:
Best Use of Game Mechanics
The line blurs. In the old days (pre-Foursquare and SCVNGR), games were specific things that we did instead of work, or as a way to socialize with other people. Those days are over. Gamification is now utilized across a range of applications to drive commerce, enhance social stature and recognition, or convey knowledge. This category recognizes applications that have effectively integrated Gamification, game mechanics and gaming elements into broader applications to improve user engagement and application effectiveness.Best User Experience
Think of this as the “Steve Jobs was right” award. Interface and usability design are critical to users as they embrace new technology products, whether on the desktop, tablet or handheld. Winners in this category will feature engaging, intuitive user interface and navigation that enhances the overall user experience and simplifies the use of the product.
And here are the finalists for Game Mechanics:
Alleyoop recommends just the help you need, exactly when you need it. Chat with a math tutor, complete Algebra missions, earn Yoop rewards and get ahead. The more you use Alleyoop, the smarter it gets and so do you.
My colleague Lauren Landry explained how Alleyoop works here.
Bullhorn’s Recruitment Software and applicant tracking system are a full featured web based recruitment solution for your ATS and staffing needs.
Check out Bullhorn’s awesome BostInno channel here.
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I covered the company’s recent $1 million fundraise.
The Tap Lab is a social mobile gaming company based in Cambridge, MA. Our company mission is to bring daydreams to life through games that spark the imagination and seamlessly integrate with today’s fast-paced mobile lifestyle.
I covered these guys raising $550,000 here.
And here are the finalists for Best User Experience:
Apperian is empowering the Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) revolution. We are a Mobile Application Management (MAM) company. We enable many of the world’s leading brands to securely deploy and manage the full life-cycle of mobile apps for iOS, Android, HTML5 and BlackBerry.
The company raised $12.4 million in March.
Brass Monkey® is video game console that uses smartphones as controllers and any screen with a web browser as the main display.
A “bloody brilliant” UI design shop in Boston.
HubSpot Inbound Marketing Software gives you all the tools you need to make marketing that people will actually love – earning quality leads and loyal customers in return.
I did an in depth look at Hubspot here.
Nuance designs and delivers intuitive technologies that help people live and work more intelligently. They provide the tools to inform, to connect, and to empower people to be more productive and creative.
Nuance is working on a TV that is activated by your voice. Check it out.
TripAdvisor® features reviews and advice on hotels, resorts, flights, vacation rentals, vacation packages, travel guides, and lots more.
The company is a core part of Boston’s impressive travel cluster.
Any favorites for these categories?
