How can digital credentials such as Open Educational Badges (OEB) be designed so that they are truly relevant to young people?

This question is explored in the new interim report on accompanying research in the MINT.OBadges project.

In over 90 pages, Prof. Dr. Ilona Buchem (Berlin University of Applied Sciences) provides insightful insights from focus groups, interviews, and surveys with school and university students. The results show that open badges have great potential—provided they are credible, compatible, and individually meaningful.

What is particularly exciting is that the study combines findings from self-determination theory with the HEXAD typology of player types. This makes it clear which design elements really work for different users – from “achievers” to “free spirits.”

👉 The interim report is now available for download: