In this paper we propose an approach towards designing social games or game elements for changing people’s social behavior for serious applications. We use the concept of the magic circle, which outlines the experience of a game world as different from the real world. We can design a connection between these worlds through space, time, and people. A rules-perspective proves to be helpful, particularly on the social level. Rules not only shape social behavior but social behavior also shapes the rules.Industrial DesignIndustrial Design Engineerin