This study investigated the impact of juiciness-enhanced gamified leaderboards on learning, fun, and learning interest in fourth-grade literature education. the research employed a quasi-experimental, applied quantitative pretest–posttest design with a control group. A sample of 75 fourth-grade female students from a school in District 18 of Tehran was selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three groups: the Juiciness Leaderboard group (JLG), the Simple Leaderboard group (SLG), and the Control Group (CG). Research instruments included a 16-item parallel-form learning test, the 18-item Fun Questionnaire (FunQ), and a 9-item learning interest questionnaire. The intervention lasted six weeks, using standard literature curriculum materials. Statistical analyses with pairwise comparisons showed that the JLG significantly outperformed both the SLG and CG in learning outcomes, fun, and learning interest, while the SLG also performed significantly better than the CG across all variables. The findings indicate that the design of leaderboards plays a critical role in shaping students’ educational experiences. Specifically, the Juiciness Leaderboard intervention consistently produced superior outcomes compared to both the Simple Leaderboard and the Control group, highlighting the added value of sensory-rich features in fostering fun, learning interest, and academic achievement. This study contributes to the growing literature on gamification by emphasizing the importance of incorporating juiciness-enhanced elements into educational environments. By leveraging such strategies, educators can create more dynamic and immersive learning contexts that not only boost short-term performance but also nurture sustained motivation and a lifelong interest in learning.
