# Combining Gamification and Augmented Reality to Raise Interest in Logistics Careers
###### Abstract  
The logistics and transport industry is currently facing the major challenge of having a global shortage of skilled workers. To address this challenge, this paper evaluates the application of gamification in combination with augmented reality (AR) as a new approach to attract the interest of people of all ages to the logistics sector. The aim of the paper is to determine whether a gamified AR-based application called _Logistify_ is a feasible approach to make logistics jobs more attractive. We used a qualitative approach in three phases by collecting and analysing data from different perspectives of players, teachers, instructors, and programmers about the application: (1) analysing game characteristics with programmers and workshops instructors, (2) collecting feedback from players and teachers, and (3) evaluating game scores. The evaluation shows that gamification in combination with augmented reality is a promising tool to attract people to the logistics sector and to change their perception of logistics professions. It can be concluded that the gamified AR approach is capable of increasing interest in jobs in a particular sector.  
augmented reality; gamification; green logistics; logistics careers; lack of logistics personnel 2022202022022022022022022022022022022202220  
actively employed [18] and therefore it is an effective way for individuals to familiarize themselves with the capabilities of logistics jobs.  
Since several studies have already demonstrated that gamification combined with AR is an impactful method to increase interest and engagement in a certain area [19; 20; 21], this paper has a different aim. Most of these studies analyse the effectiveness of gamified AR to increase interest, learning motivation, knowledge transfer, and awareness of a particular topic [19; 20; 22; 23]. Yet, there is a gap in using this approach to increase the attractiveness of jobs in a certain sector. Since there is a shortage of skilled workers [6], especially in the logistics sector, there is a need to investigate the effectiveness of gamified AR in this context. Current studies dealing with gamified AR in the logistics context mostly focus on increasing current job satisfaction (e.g., through gamification of a warehouse environment) rather than on attracting new employees [7; 8; 9]. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate whether this is also an effective method to promote logistics careers by using a gamified AR app called _Logistify_.  
Based on a three-phase methodology adapted from [24], the first phase involves developing the app based on the expertise of programmers and workshop leaders within focus groups. Workshop leaders are experts in the field of logistics who are able to address the current shortage of skilled workers in this area appropriately [25; 26]. The developed app is tested while workshop leaders observe the players while using the app. Feedback from these observations is gathered by a questionnaire and analysed using a thematic analysis approach according to [27]. In phase two, the gamified AR app is tested with students and teachers in a workshop environment. A semi-structured survey is used to analyse the effectiveness of _Logistify_ in attracting people to logistics jobs. Phase three focuses on analysing data from the game-based app to gain insights into user motivation and performance.  
The paper is structured as follows. Section 2 discusses the theoretical background and practical environment of augmented reality, gamification, the combination of both, and the description of our gamified AR app _Logistify_. Section 3 gives an overview of the methodology by describing our three phased approach. Section 4 outlines the results based on the three phases. Finally, Section 5 discusses the results, and finishes with a conclusion and an outlook on future research needs.