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Inspiration

We were inspired by the research done by Milken Institute School of Public Health. Where they found out that the majority of people are negatively affected by environmental issues prevalent in under-represented communities. We decided to create an interactive game that teaches people sustainability and show them how to implement these changes in their community. Our game has a general approach to how to resolve issues in a community further emphasizing that every little change is invaluable.

What it does

Project Eco-Detective is a game designed to simulate solutions to environmental problems applicable to every community. By placing the player in the role of a detective, they can investigate various environmental issues occurring throughout the town. As the player navigates through the interactive environment, they gather clues, answer questions, and play mini games to uncover the root causes of these issues. Eco-Detective combines educational content with an engaging narrative, making environmental topics accessible and enjoyable. It aims to inspire environmentally conscious individuals knowledgeable on how to take actions in their own communities.

How we built it

We used python to simulate the game’s functionality. This was a way to test and experiment with various methods of how we want the user to interact with the game. This allowed us to refine the gameplay mechanics and ensure smooth transitions between the narrative elements. Through Python, we also mapped out how we want the story to unfold, enabling users to input commands that direct their actions–such as where they want to go and what to do next. Our Python code is integrated with the software SwiftUI, which handles the visual representation of the game. This allows us to display interactive questions, mini-games, and narrative sequences to give the user a more engaging experience. Specifically, buttons and text commands in SwiftUI are linked to corresponding Python functions. This hybrid approach ensures that both user interface and game logic work together effectively.

Challenges we ran into

There was difficulty setting up the Python script into SwiftUI. Both software had their own syntax so it was not an easy transition. Despite the fact that our Python code had to be retranslated, the fact it was already made before adding it to Swift prevented us from having to start over as we already had a solid foundation for our project. Making each file in SwiftUI connected seamlessly to create a cohesive narrative. The SwiftUI was having configuration issues in the software itself that was unrelated to our code.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We were able to code a flowing narrative with different things that users interact and keep track of alongside visuals. With the user able to pick their own path to explore, it allows for replayable.

What we learned

We learned how to write Python scripts that can run commands in SwiftUI to have interactive visuals. This experience enhanced our understanding of software integrating, allowing us to create a seamless user experience.

What's next for Eco-Detective

We aim to incorporate more real-life data to introduce additional environmental issues and case scenarios that reflect a broader range of community challenges. This will deepen the educational experience and keep players engaged with new material, while also illustrating the significant impact of these problems and making them more relatable.