I see there is are several topics for this same idea but they have been waiting for years.

Badges and gamification have been added to desk - which is great - but they are a requirement for running an external connect network. Users need to be awarded for contributions and be able to compare with others. Users expect them. They same may be said for an internal network.

The goal is to encourage users to contibute to the network and feel rewarded when they do.

Adding a field to user profiles currently does not allow for this as showing a dropdown would show no for the badges a user does not have. Single and multiline would also look odd and have no image or link.

For example early adopers or people who ask or answer others questions etc

The badge could be created by admin users and given a name, description and image.

The badge could be assigned or removed by users with the permission.

Users viewing a profile would see the badges assigned to that profile, hover over to see description and click to see other users with the same.