09/19/2025
Developing Scrum Master competences through Gamification
Room 6
2:00 – 2:45 pm
Discover how targeted gamification elements can foster sustainable competency development for Scrum Masters.
Description:
How can the role and competences of Scrum Masters be effectively developed beyond rigid training formats and standardized certifications? A qualitative study highlights key success factors: hands-on learning formats, meaningful spaces for peer exchange and a learning environment that strengthens intrinsic motivation for growth.
Gamification elements can significantly support the development of Scrum Masters’ competencies, provided that the learning concepts are truly aligned with their real-world needs. Interviews with Scrum Masters, Agile Coaches and gamification experts make it clear: it’s not about points, badges or leaderboards. What truly counts are personalized learning paths, visible progress indicators and social interaction instead of pure competition.
The study outlines specific requirements and illustrates how a gamified learning concept can be designed. This includes onboarding journeys, skill trees and the integration of mentors. This experience-driven approach not only supports knowledge acquisition but also enables lasting, competency-based development.
Key Takeaways:
Learn how to create an engaging, connectedand sustainable learning journey for Scrum Masters using gamification. The findings provide practical insights for modern agile learning strategies and encourage a new mindset toward ongoing professional development.
All Participants will Receive the Academic Paper:
Scrum Master Development: Implications for a Gamification Learning Concept.
Christoph Dennenlöhr
Christoph Dennenlöhr, M.Sc., M.A., works as an Agile Team Coach at Vodafone Germany and has over ten years of experience in both traditional and agile project management, spanning industries such as mechanical engineering, aviation and telecommunications. His expertise lies in developing high-performing teams and leaders. He supports organisations in building the capabilities needed to guide leadership roles, teams, departments, and business units safely through change processes. He holds certifications in PRINCE2 Agile (Foundation), SAFe, Scrum Master, and Scrum Product Owner.
Dr. Olya Neef
Dr. Olya Neef (SAFe SPC, ITILv4, Scrum Master Professional) is Vice President for Digital Transformation at Project Management Group in Germany. She acts as agile coach, trainer and researcher over 10 years and has been observing projects since 2007. She believes that managing projects, be it using agile, hybrid or traditional approaches, should bring satisfaction to their stakeholders. Thus, her focus are soft skills and her inspiration is to educate and share with people basics and depths of managing temporary endeavours, as well as developing and implementing suitable methods and tools.
