Overview

This system calculates the experience points (EXP) earned after completing a task, providing a metric of skill progression and user growth. The formula incorporates task complexity, skill level differences, and a starting bonus to create a balanced reward system. Based on Metcalfe's (2017) research and the Challenge Point Framework (Guadagnoli & Lee, 2004), users are encouraged to engage in tasks that match or slightly challenge their current skill levels (15-20% above current ability), fostering sustainable growth.

Task Complexity Components Definitions

• Difficulty: Represents how challenging the task is to complete.
• Importance: Reflects the priority or significance of the task.
• Urgency: Indicates how time-sensitive the task is.

Formula

The total experience points (EXP) for a task are calculated as follows:

$$ \text{Total EXP} = \big(\text{Base EXP}(SL) \times TC' \times g(\tfrac{SD}{SL}) \big) + \text{Starting Bonus} $$

Where:

• Base EXP(SL): The habit-based base experience points at current skill level.
• TC' (Normalized Task Complexity): Calculated based on task Difficulty, Importance, and Urgency, ranging from 0.25 to 1.0.
• g(SD/SL) (Challenge Multiplier): Adjusts EXP based on the ratio between skill difficulty level and user's current skill level.
• Starting Bonus: A small fixed reward for acknowledging and completing the task.

Base EXP Calculation

Base EXP is anchored in habit formation psychology (approximately 66 days to establish a new habit):

$$ \text{Base EXP}(SL) = \frac{\text{EXP Requirement of Current Level Band}}{66} $$

This ensures one "habit-unit" of growth corresponds to approximately 1/66th of a level. As supported by Fitts & Posner's (1967) three-stage model and Ericsson et al. (1993), even experts continue forming new habits as they restructure and refine their skills.

Task Complexity Calculation

Task Complexity (Difficulty + Importance + Urgency) ranges from 3-12 and is normalized as: