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Alternate Reality Game Disguised as a Tech Company Website
Inspiration
Inspired by the internet sensation ARG (Alternate Reality Game), we are inspired by the idea of making a website/story that you can physically interact with. Feeling as if you the user are a part of the story unfolding as you break codes and puzzles put in your way.
What it does
The interactive website is a captivating and immersive experience designed to unravel the mystery surrounding a suspicious company. Users embark on a journey of discovery, delving into a series of intricate puzzles strategically woven into the the site. Each puzzle serves as a gateway to unlocking secrets about the questionable tech company, compelling users to exercise their problem-solving skills and critical thinking. The puzzles range from cryptic riddles to intricate web challenges, while using an interactive, personalized chat bot, creating a diverse and engaging experience. As users progress through these mind-bending tasks, they gradually unveil the layers surrounding the sketchy company, fostering a sense of curiosity and suspense. The website not only entertains users with its interactive elements but also encourages them to piece together the puzzle and uncover the truth behind the mysterious entity, turning the exploration into an educational and entertaining adventure on ethics in computer science.
How we built it
To bring our interactive website to life from scratch, we employed a combination of fundamental web development technologies, including HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript. The foundation of the site was laid with HTML5, providing the structural framework and content organization. CSS was then utilized to enhance the visual appeal and styling. The interactive and dynamic elements were implemented through JavaScript, allowing us to incorporate the intricate puzzles and engaging user experiences seamlessly. In addition, to make our website accessible to the public, we secured a domain through GoDaddy. Additionally, we implemented a chatbot in Python that is a basic conversational program that responds to user inputs using predefined rules or patterns. The combination of coding expertise and strategic domain acquisition allowed us to seamlessly integrate the website and domain, providing users with a captivating and immersive digital environment to explore and uncover the secrets of the suspicious tech company.
Challenges we ran into
Throughout the development process, we encountered challenges that required innovative solutions to overcome. One significant hurdle was related to website hosting and HTML execution. We navigated through these challenges by conducting thorough research, seeking guidance from experienced developers, and experimenting with different hosting solutions until we achieved optimal performance. Additionally, crafting engaging and interactive elements that seamlessly blended with the storyline required a delicate balance between functionality and user experience. Testing and refining the puzzles were essential steps, involving feedback loops to enhance the overall gameplay experience and maintain the coherence of the narrative.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We take pride in our team's achievements during this project, particularly in the substantial number of puzzles we were able to seamlessly incorporate within the given time frame. Crafting diverse and engaging puzzles requires a combination of critical thinking and innovation, and we successfully demonstrated our abilities in these areas. Equally noteworthy is our team's accomplishment in integrating these puzzles into a website made from scratch. We are especially proud of our implemented personalized Python chat bot that is used to give hints to users. These achievements reflects our team's quick learning, collaborative spirit, and the ability to apply new skills in a practical, real-world setting. Overall, these accomplishments highlight our dedication, teamwork, and capacity for innovation in the face of challenges.
What we learned
Throughout the course of this project, our team embarked on a valuable learning journey, gaining essential insights into the fundamentals of web development. We delved into the functions of HTML5, CSS, and Javascript, understanding how each language contributes to the creation and functionality of a website. This hands-on experience not only deepened our technical knowledge but also provided us with a practical understanding of how these languages work together to bring a web project to life. Another significant aspect of our learning was establishing a direct connection to a hosting service. This step allowed us to go beyond theoretical concepts and experience the practicalities of deploying a website for public access.
What's next for System82
The next phase for System82 revolves around the refinement of the various components integrated into our Alternate Reality Game (ARG). Our primary focus will be on fine-tuning the intricacies of the puzzles embedded in the ARG while creating new puzzles for the user's interactive experience. This includes, for example, adjusting difficulty levels and incorporating feedback from participants to optimize the overall challenge and enjoyment factor. Simultaneously, we will be dedicating efforts to elevate the user interface and experience. By committing to this polishing process, we aim to deliver an ARG that not only captivates but provides a memorable and satisfying experience for all participants involved.
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