🧪 Second Pod Test: Major Observations

I ran another test session in the pod to evaluate recent changes.
Overall: Most systems worked, but several technical and usability issues surfaced.

🛠️ Key Issues and Changes Identified

1. Editing Challenges

• Immersive software in the pod remains frustrating for live edits.

• The browser version is limited; next time I'll bring my laptop to edit via Chrome, assuming Wi-Fi is stable.

2. Wipe-to-Reveal Inconsistency

• The whiteboard wipe effect resets each time players re-enter the main room.

• It breaks flow—players have to re-wipe every time, making it feel disconnected.

• Still investigating workarounds.

3. Audio Enhancements

• Added a wipe sound effect (scraping noise) to improve immersion.

• Discovered a shortcut to attach sounds directly to wipes—but it disrupts my plan for progressive voice prompts ("One down", "Two down"), as players could wipe out of order.

• Reverting to a number-based trigger system with hidden hotspots for sequential counting and voice prompts.

4. Contraband Counting

• Plan to implement interval atom triggers for item finds—again to manage non-linear discovery and ensure proper progression in the narrative.

5. Background Video Alignment

• Projected background images shift vs. the hotspots, especially on different surfaces.

• Solution: Use invisible hotspots mapped independently over the video to avoid misalignment.

6. Thematic Shift: Tron Aesthetic

• Fully leaning into a Tron-inspired design:

  • Tron music

  • Light cycle battle aesthetic

  • Blue neon grids and hexagons

• Updating the quiz visuals to blue hexagons or disc-style shapes (matching Tron identity discs).

🎯 Game-Specific Adjustments

Jurassic Park Video

• Originally a 15-minute loop (dangerous for time management—people stare at frozen screens).

• Solution: Cut to a 30-second loop that auto-closes to prevent dead time.

English Quiz Clues

• Changed clue timers:

  • Important clues now stay on screen permanently.

  • Previous version had them disappear after 90 seconds, causing players to miss critical hints.

Montague/Capulet Lock Puzzle

• Added labels or subtle clues to distinguish which side is Montague and which is Capulet.

• Swapping out padlock mechanism for a keypad input—less fiddly and faster for users.

Splat Game Adjustments

• Originally set a target score of 300—too high.

• Reduced to 150 to make success attainable within the time window.

• May update the Splat Game visuals to Tron-style discs instead of purple question marks.

Scene Transitions

• Discovered a weird jarring beep during transitions—likely an old atom leftover.

• Need to track and delete old sound triggers.

Scene End Condition

• Forgot to implement a scene-ending atom after unlocking the final door.

• Without it, players are stuck until the overall timer runs out—needs fixing.

📝 Additional Fixes and Notes

• Hotspot Realignment: Ongoing challenge; will require another recalibration.

• Voiceover Expansion: Need to record more narrative elements and player cues.

• Auto-locking Videos: After playback, screens need to lock to prevent players from clicking back into completed puzzles.

• Consistency: Working toward a unified Tron aesthetic across all rooms.

• Testing Approach: Next session, I'll stay outside the room to avoid giving hints—true user testing needs hands-off observation.

✅ Summary of Completed/Planned Actions

• ✔ Improved wipe sounds and audio feedback

• ✔ Reverted to atom-based sequential counting

• ✔ Began full Tron-themed rebranding

• ✔ Adjusted Splat Game target score

• ✔ Reconfigured quiz timings and visuals

• 🚧 Hotspot alignments still need rework

• 🚧 Jurassic Park screen auto-close loop needs implementing

• 🚧 Scene end atom to be added

• 🚧 Remove rogue beeping sound during transitions

• 🚧 Additional audio voiceovers to record

💭 Personal Reflection

The project is moving forward, but at the cost of time—progress is slow and meticulous.
Still, the Tron theme is giving the room cohesion and the fixes are bringing it closer to a polished, immersive experience.
Next priorities:

• Make the room flow tighter

• Keep players immersed and moving

• Minimise distractions and technical inconsistencies