MysTree

Grow a tree, grow a community

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Inspiration

The idea behind Mystree was to create a collaborative and interactive experience where Redditors can contribute to growing a virtual tree. Inspired by real-world environmental efforts, the project encourages users to engage with nature digitally while also promoting real-world action.

What it does

  • Mystree is an interactive Reddit experience with three main features:

  • Word Chain Game: Users can play a word chain game in the comments. They can also post pictures of their own planted saplings, encouraging real-world environmental action.

  • Spin the Wheel: A fun, randomized spinning wheel that generates AI-powered content based on the selected segment.

  • Tree Growth Experiment: Users contribute to the growth of a virtual tree through interactions. Originally, the tree was meant to grow based on user comments, but due to time constraints, a Rain Button was added. When clicked, rain effects appear, and the seed grows into a tree.

Redditors must document their progress by posting a picture of the seed’s growth stage when they stop- since no one truly knows what the final tree will look like. The mystery unfolds over time, with a special reveal planned for World Environment Day (June 5th).

How we built it

  • Devvit (Reddit’s Developer Platform) for creating interactive posts.
  • Reddit’s API for tracking interactions.
  • JavaScript & HTML/CSS for UI elements and animations.
  • Custom rain effect to simulate watering the tree.

Challenges I ran into

  • Time constraints: Originally, the tree was supposed to grow based on user comments, but due to limited time, a simplified rain interaction was added instead.
  • Reddit API limitations: Some functionalities needed workarounds due to how Reddit’s interactive posts work.
  • Ensuring engagement: Designing a concept that encourages users to return and participate was a challenge.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

  • Successfully created an interactive Reddit experience in a short time.
  • Designed a unique social experiment that blends digital interaction with environmental awareness.
  • Implemented a rain effect that visually grows the tree, making the experience engaging.
  • Developed a plan to reveal the final look of the mysterious tree.

What I learned

  • How to use Devvit to build interactive Reddit apps.
  • The importance of simplifying ideas when facing time constraints.
  • How to balance engagement and functionality within a social experiment.
  • That even small, creative projects can encourage real-world impact.

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