gamification set in a local park
“Kaia the Kākā” is an interactive adventure set in Central Park where participants can help a virtual Kākā parrot named Kaia and her chicks. The goal is to ensure their safety by overcoming challenges and obstacles in the park. Participants need a phone with internet access and the Facebook Messenger app installed in order to play the game. It can only be played in Wellington, New Zealand since everything is located there. Starting at the main gates of Central Park, participants follow a race against time, visiting various points in the park to aid Kaia and her young. During the adventure, participants search for clues, uncover hidden artworks, and interact with Kaia through the chatbot on Facebook Messenger. They can send Kaia photos of artworks, signs, and clues and answer challenges presented by the chatbot. It’s important for an adult to accompany the kids and manage their interactions through Facebook Messenger. All messages with the chatbot are private and it is recommended to have no more than two users per device to avoid any conflicts. The adventure is free of cost, and participants are advised to bring snacks and water to stay energized throughout the experience.
I personally think it would be good to make it web based so that having a facebook account isn’t necessary. Other than that, I believe Kaia the Kākā to be a great approach to the gamification of nature for children.
Sources:
https://events.stuff.co.nz/the-press/2019/kaia-the-k-k-family-adventure-in-nature/wellington
https://naturethrougharts.files.wordpress.com/2019/04/kaia-the-kaka-report-oct-2018-final-pdf-1.pdf
