Smart City Bamberg: Lecture as part of the Smart City Ring Lecture Series on January 22, 2026

Abstract

A “smart city” thrives on data—yet relevant information often cannot be derived from existing data sources alone. This is where crowdsourcing comes into play: it leverages the systematic involvement of a large number of people connected via the internet to collaboratively solve problems. One popular application of crowdsourcing is the distributed collection, preparation, and evaluation of data, as required in smart cities. But how can as many people as possible be motivated to participate actively and sustainably?

In this lecture, Prof. Dr. Benedikt Morschheuser provides insights into current research and practical projects in which games and gamification, i.e., the use of design elements from video games, are employed to make crowdsourcing approaches more effective and engaging. Using concrete examples, the lecture demonstrates how playful approaches can influence the motivation, quality, and quantity of data contributions. It also highlights key insights into the interaction between game mechanics, user behavior, and technological solutions in smart city contexts and outlines future development perspectives.