Session Abstract

Most Power Apps fail for one simple reason: They feel like forms. Not like products people want to come back to. This session focuses on Canvas Apps and shows how to steal proven UX and UI patterns from game inspired apps like Duolingo and apply them to business apps in a professional way. The session introduces an engagement toolkit that can be used in real projects. It covers progression systems, clear goals, feedback loops, micro rewards, streak mechanics and simple UI patterns that reduce friction while increasing motivation. Each pattern is translated into concrete Canvas app design decisions. What to show. When to show it. How to guide users. How to make success visible. Concrete examples and clear do and dont guidance help to avoid common mistakes, so the app feels useful and enjoyable, not like a toy. Attendees will leave with a practical pattern library for Canvas Apps that includes progress, feedback, rewards, quests, streaks, and social proof for the specific use case of a Copilot Adoption "Buddy". They will also learn UI tactics to reduce drop offs through microcopy, visual hierarchy, empty states, and nudges. Finally, the session explains what gamification can achieve in business apps, what often backfires, and how to keep it professional.

Sandra Kiel

I’m Sandra Kiel – gamer, Playpreneur and founder of Event Punks. I help organisations turn dry, complex topics into playful experiences: from gamified Power Apps and Copilot adoption journeys to learning quests in Microsoft 365 and Gaming Platforms like Minecraft. My heart lives where people, play and technology meet. I work with game design principles, storytelling and UX to make change, learning and new tools feel less scary and more human. As an introvert, a mum and a non-native English speaker, I don’t fit the classic “loud tech speaker” stereotype – and I’m totally fine with that. On stage, I share real-world projects, honest lessons and practical patterns teams can reuse the next day. My talks are for people who want less buzzword bingo and more concrete ideas on how to bring play, curiosity and adoption into their everyday work.