Softs Prep
Week 11 Updates
- prototype 3 iterations
- softs plan
Prototype 3 Updates
This week, we spent time finetuning and polishing our third prototype, which is exploring major and minor music.
Updates to Onboarding Scene
We made significant improvements to our onboarding scene. First off, we decided to take out ‘mixed’ during this stage, because we found that some guests were having difficulty discerning the differences between mixed and minor. By giving guests only two options to start instead of three, we are able to better scaffold users into the experience. We introduce them to the concept of major vs minor music by keeping the choices binary. When they begin to develop an understanding of major and minor, they can then be introduced to the mixed mode in the experience stage, opening up a new option.
Another improvement we made was allowing guests to enter the images. After first being exposed and introduced to the music and matching the songs to images that they believe represent the music, the guest is able to stand in each image and look around. By putting them in the environment, they are more immersed in both the music and the visual.
Next, we made some quality of life adjustments to our interface. The new interface shows the guest which image/environment they picked for major and minor, and allows them to go to or switch environments by pressing the arrow. They can change their pick by then tapping on the image. Lastly, we added a finish button that gives guests the control to progress onto the next stage. In the past, we noticed that some guests were unsure of what to do when they were done. This button allows for the guest to play in the scene for as long as they wish, and gives them the autonomy to advance forward when they feel ready.
Old Interface
New Interface
Application Stage – Keeping the Music First
This week, we finalized the plan and design for our application stage. As you may recall in our blog post from last week, we had decided on the idea of enabling the guests to apply their learnings from the exposure and experiential stages of the prototype in an interactive narrative context, where they are able to direct and influence the story beats of a simple narrative by manipulating the music via a minor or major choice.
We decided to minimize the visuals for this stage, so that guests are forced to focus on the music, and we are able to indirectly control them to use their imagination and think music first, environment in their head second.
Prototype 3 Story
SCENE 1: The Village
NARRATOR
You are from a village located at the desert’s edge. It is a humble village, but you love it, for it is your home. Your village is…
Major
Minor
NARRATOR
Known for its vibrance and energy. It is a popular stop for merchants and travelers as they rest at the oasis before heading off into the desert.
NARRATOR
Known for its beauty. Many come to visit in order to see the oasis at night, for the glistening reflection of the village and the moon are renown throughout the kingdom as a view one will never forget.
NARRATOR
Although you are content with your life, not all is well in the world. Recently, a sand serpent has been terrorizing the desert dwellers, and the king has called for a brave hero to slay this beast.
SCENE 2: the Journey
NARRATOR
One day, you set out on a journey, seeking to slay the sand serpent. This journey is…
Major
Minor
NARRATOR
One of friendship and favor. Through the sands and hills, you come across caravans of explorers seeking adventure. You dance with bards under the desert moonlight and practice your blade with a wandering knight. You make it to the lair of the serpent carrying the blessing and wishes of those you have made acquaintance with throughout your journey.
NARRATOR
One of great trials and tribulations. You feel an evil presence slithering and stalking as you trek through hostile lands of sand and ruin. Your rations last just enough time to make it to the lair of the serpent.
SCENE 3: The Sand Serpent
NARRATOR
You enter the lair of the sand serpent and are greeted by a pile of broken bones, rusted blades, and the rotting smell of flesh. Behind you, you hear a faint hissing that grows nearer. You turn swiftly, finding yourself facing the great beast.
Major
Minor
NARRATOR
Under the blazing desert sun, the battle begins. Your blade clashes with the serpent again and again, the two of you locked in a dance of steel, scales, and fangs. In an epic struggle, you channel your training, your wits, and your adaptability to out-maneuver the wretched beast.
NARRATOR
The battle begins as a sandstorm envelopes the area in a whirlwind of sand, rocks, and death. The glint of fangs, the hissing of the serpent, a flash of steel… Half blinded by the storm, you fight with an almost primal ferocity. There is no honor or nobility to this struggle, just stakes of life or death.
NARRATOR
With one final decisive blow, you fell the beast, its titanic form falling to the ground lifeless. You have emerged victorious.
SCENE 4: The Palace
NARRATOR
With the serpentine head in your possession, you travel to the King’s palace to claim your handsome reward. After a journey most arduous, you crest the final hill and notice the palace off in the distance.
Major
Minor
NARRATOR
The palace is in a state of rebuilding. The castle walls are dilapidated, but you notice everyone working together to recraft the marketplace and assemble the town bazaar. The children sing and play a game of sticks, as parents lift up rubble with a weathered but determined hand. You pass by the graveyard and bow down to the innumerable tombstones that line the mossy grounds. You make your way to the castle and are greeted in hand by the king. These people have faced the horrors of the serpent, and grieve for those who were taken. But, they are eager to rebuild the kingdom and honor the lives of those that were lost.
NARRATOR
You cannot believe what beholds your eyes. The palace is in flames; its imposing fortifications reduced to broken ruins. You see a gargantuan figure amidst the smoke and rubble, spreading further death and destruction. It seems you journey has one more step to be had.
SCENE 5, If Guest picked Major in Scene 4: The Celebration
NARRATOR
The king throws a feast in your honor. You dine at the table of kings and savor the sweet taste of wine. The king gives you a more than adequate spread of goods, rations, and gold as you embark on the voyage back to your homeland.
SCENE 5, If Guest picked Minor in Scene 4: The Scorpion Fight
NARRATOR
A shadowy behemoth emerges from the flames, as you swallow your tongue and unwield your blade. You are greeted a by a titanic scorpion with a mammoth stinger.
Major
Minor
NARRATOR
You brave the beast alone, and just barely slay it.
NARRATOR
Your friends and acquaintances show up in your defense and you slay the beast together.
Prototype 3 Story
Next week is Softs, which is an opportunity for us to show our work throughout the semester to the faculty, and receive feedback before Finals. By then, we will have the application stage finished, and consequentially, the whole prototype will be wrapped.
We will also begin working on our trailer and preparing for Finals, as the exciting semester steers to a close.