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Levels

Levels are unlocked by reaching thresholds of one or more points. They provide an effective way to indicate progress or convey status to users. When designing levels, it's recommended to make each subsequent level progressively harder to unlock, ensuring that advanced levels carry more value than beginner ones.

What are levels?​

Levels are achievements that users unlock by accumulating a specified amount of points. Unlike one-time achievements, levels typically form a sequential progression path where users advance through multiple tiers.

Common use cases​

Progress indication​

Levels can effectively track and display a user's progress through a training curriculum or learning path. As users complete more training modules or activities, they earn points that increase their level, reflecting their growing knowledge and advancement.

For example, a language learning application might have levels such as:

  • Level 1: Beginner (0-100 points)
  • Level 2: Elementary (101-300 points)
  • Level 3: Intermediate (301-600 points)
  • Level 4: Advanced (601-1000 points)
  • Level 5: Fluent (1001+ points)

You aren't limited to a single set of levels. You could create separate level progressions for different skill categories or training topics, allowing users to track their proficiency across various domains.

Status recognition​

Levels can also represent status or loyalty in your programme. Users who engage more frequently or intensively earn higher status levels, similar to airline loyalty programmes or hotel reward schemes.

For instance, a customer loyalty programme might feature levels like:

  • Bronze Member (0-500 points)
  • Silver Member (501-1500 points)
  • Gold Member (1501-5000 points)
  • Platinum Member (5001+ points)

You can implement expiring points to ensure that users must remain active to maintain their status levels, encouraging consistent engagement.

Configuring levels​

Important fields​

When creating levels, pay attention to these key configuration options:

  • Level points: Define which point types users must earn and the quantity required to unlock each level. You can require a combination of different point types to unlock a specific level.

  • Reputation: This option determines whether a level can only increase or if it can both increase and decrease (reputation-based):

    • Standard levels (reputation disabled): Once unlocked, these levels remain with the user permanently.
    • Reputation levels (reputation enabled): These status-based levels require consistent engagement to maintain. If a user's points fall below the threshold (due to expiring points or negative point behaviours), they will lose the level.

Creating a reputation-based level system​

To implement a reputation system:

  1. Create points with an expiration date to ensure they don't last indefinitely
  2. Set up levels with the "Reputation" option enabled
  3. Configure appropriate thresholds for each level
  4. Consider implementing behaviours that can award negative points for undesired actions

This approach creates a dynamic status system that rewards continued engagement while potentially penalising inactivity or unwanted behaviours.