Changing the Current Badge System

[Meetjain1]

@sanjay-kv Sir, The current badge system, while effective, has some limitations. Currently, badges require descriptions to explain their significance. This can sometimes lead to confusion or a lack of clarity about what each badge represents.

To address this, I propose transitioning to a level-based badge system. In this new system, badges would be awarded based on the number of points contributors have scored. This would provide a more intuitive and straightforward way for contributors to understand their achievements and progress. Level badges would be more directly tied to contributors' activity, making it easier to recognize and celebrate their milestones without needing additional explanations.

By introducing level badges, we can create a clearer, more motivating system that encourages continued contribution and engagement.

So, To improve the current badge system and enhance contributor engagement, I suggest the following changes:

Enhancing the Current Badge System:

1. Introduction of Level-Based Badges:

   • Transition from the current badges to level-based badges that reflect the number of points contributors have scored. This system would provide clearer milestones and more intuitive recognition for their efforts.

2. Automated Badge Unlocking Notifications:

   • Implement a feature where contributors automatically receive a congratulatory email whenever they reach a specific points threshold and unlock a new badge. This immediate recognition will boost morale and encourage further contributions.

3. Customized Badges for Milestones:

   • Introduce specialized badges for key milestones, such as the first pull request merged or the first issue assigned. These unique badges will celebrate significant achievements in a contributor's journey.

4. Dual-Level Badges for Issues and PRs:

   • Create a dual-level system where badges are awarded based on the contributor’s level in both issues and merged pull requests. This dual tracking system will reward consistent contributions in multiple areas.

5. Category-Specific Badges:

   • Introduce badges for various activities beyond just code contributions. For example, badges could be awarded for answering the most questions on GitHub discussion pages, solving the most bugs, implementing the most feature enhancements, updating the most documentation, or exploring the most issues. This would allow all categories of contributors to earn badges.

6. Dedicated Badges Page:

   • Create a separate page listing all badges along with the milestones required to achieve them. This page will serve as a clear guide and motivator for contributors, showing them exactly what they need to do to earn each badge.

7. Integration with Contributor Stats Page:

   • Integrate badge-related information into the Contributor Stats page at which we’re currently working on. This could include displaying how many more points are needed to earn a particular badge, further encouraging contributors to stay active and motivated.

8. Early Announcement of Badge Criteria:

   • Announcement of badge criteria and rewards at the start of the event rather than as last-minute announcements. This will engage contributors from the beginning, ensuring consistent participation throughout the program.

9. Category-Based Swags:

   • In addition to leaderboard-based rewards, introduce swags for top performers in different categories, such as "Most Discussions Answered," "Most Bugs Solved," "Most Feature Enhancements," "Most Documentation Updates," and "Most Issues Explored." This would recognize a broader range of contributions and encourage participation across the entire community.

These proposed changes aim to create a more inclusive and motivating environment, engaging the entire community of contributors and driving higher levels of participation from the start of the event.

• I've consolidated all ideas related to the badge system and to enhance contributor motivation that I think into a single discussion. I believe implementing these suggestions within one discussion will provide a more cohesive and comprehensive approach, ensuring that all related information is easily accessible and well-integrated.