Cardano GPS Adventures powered by NFT and CardanoBeam

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Ricardo Burgos

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

ricardo.burgos@web.de

Additional applicants

Steffen Hafner - Cybersecurity Architect @ Web3 User Group e.V.

Markus Schütt - Co-Founder of the Web3 User Group e.V.

Maximilian Gummert - Co-Founder of the Web3 User Group e.V. and responsible for the Treasury

Mikko Perälä - CEO / The Principal Gamer @ School of Gaming (Finland)

Niina Meskus - Chief Product Officer @ School of Gaming (Finland)

Dmitry Shibaev - Director at Dynamic Strategies (creator of Cardano Beam)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

10

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies. The proposal contains all deliverables to make the GPS adventure pilot a success.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.”

Project will be fully open source. In particular, our proposal will create an implementation template for the community, enabling individuals/organizations to easily create their own GPS adventures with minimal effort.

[METADATA] Category of proposal

Education

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG Goals

3 - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

4 - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

SDG Subgoals

3.4 - By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being

4.1 - By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

Problem Statement / Motivation

This proposal aims to tackle the following two problems:

1 - Sedentary lifestyle

The lack of physical activity is a significant concern in developed countries, with sedentary lifestyles becoming increasingly common. Many adults and adolescents do not meet recommended exercise levels, leading to various health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, cancer, and mental health disorders.

This sedentary behavior imposes a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems and societies. Children and youth are particularly affected, as they engage in less physical play and more screen time. Inequities exist, with disadvantaged populations facing higher levels of physical inactivity, exacerbating health disparities. 

Promoting physical activity requires a multi-sectoral approach, including educational initiatives, workplace wellness programs, urban planning changes, and the development of recreational facilities and community spaces.

2 - Adoption of real-world use cases

While Cardano has gained significant attention and adoption in various industries, there are still areas where real-world projects are currently missing. 

The Solution and the Role of Cardano

The team will create an exciting GPS adventure designed specifically for students (aged between 7 and 15) in Espoo, Finland. The pilot project promotes physical activity by providing engaging themed treasure hunts that inspire participants to explore the city. By offering this captivating adventure, individuals are encouraged to get moving, discover new locations, and actively engage with their surroundings. To carry out the pilot project, we will leverage the pre-existing network of students from the School of Gaming (SOG) in Espoo.

SOG provides a secure space for gamers and aims to bring game education to every corner of the world. Their mission promotes the idea that anyone can become a gamer, fostering a learning environment where individuals can connect with others globally and have fun in an inclusive and safe setting. Additional information regarding SOG will be presented in the section provided below.

The pilot project will create a unique experience utilizing the capabilities of the Cardano blockchain to create and distribute native assets. Through the registration process facilitated by the Cardano Beam app, students will effortlessly create their own Cardano wallet. This seamless setup enables them to dive into the world of Web3 technology and easily grasp its distinctive features. By embracing this user-friendly approach, students can swiftly gain knowledge about the fundamental aspects of web3 technology and its applications.

The proposal encompasses a range of technical extensions and improvements specifically targeted at enhancing the functionality and capabilities of Cardano Beam. Those are listed in the following:

• Checkpoints: Feature allows creators to create checkpoints throughout the stages of the GPS adventure, effectively reducing transaction fees associated with minting tokens. By incorporating this functionality, creators can strategically place checkpoints at specific milestones or significant locations within the adventure route.
• Distance Tracking: Capability to record "distance" through a tracking functionality. This enhancement enables users to accurately track and measure the distance they cover during various activities, such as running, walking, cycling, or any other form of physical movement.
• Leaderboard: Ability to display a leaderboard showcasing all participants of the GPS adventure. With this functionality, users can see a comprehensive list of individuals taking part in the GPS adventure, providing a sense of competition, camaraderie, and motivation.

The integration of digital and physical activity is achieved through the utilization of Cardano native assets. Once collected, the native assets are retained by the participants, who can then utilize them for various purposes, such as using them as access verification tokens for different parts of the adventure.

Real and Digital Worlds - Combined!

During this interactive adventure, students engage in a captivating experience that seamlessly merges the virtual world of Minecraft with the real-world surroundings of Espoo. By utilizing their gaming skills, such as solving riddles within dedicated Minecraft servers, and exploring the local environment, participants embark on a dynamic quest that leads them to fascinating cultural sites. This unique adventure ensures an unforgettable journey that aligns with the adventure's goals.

Driving Adoption / Implementation Guide

In addition to the pilot project, the team will develop an "Implementation Guide" that serves as a comprehensive resource. This guide will empower other cities and organizations to adopt and adapt the ideas pioneered by our team, fostering the global adoption of Cardano. By sharing our insights and knowledge, we aim to encourage widespread participation and collaboration, fostering a thriving Cardano community worldwide. Together, we can collectively contribute to the global expansion and utilization of Cardano's innovative solutions.

Furthermore, the guide includes a concept for adult adventures that can be implemented by the Cardano community. This concept offers a variety of engaging activities, such as incentivized competitions, to pique their interest. Participants will be challenged to embark on an exciting quest that not only involves digital interactions but also requires them to explore the physical surroundings of their respective cities.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

Addressing the Challenge

Introducing an innovative way to enhance the accessibility of the Cardano NFT ecosystem and introduce new users to the world of Cardano: Fun GPS Adventures! This exciting pilot initiative aims to bridge the gap between technology and real-world experiences by combining the power of Cardano's NFTs with interactive location-based adventures.

As you embark on your GPS adventure, you'll encounter a variety of Cardano NFTs strategically placed throughout the course. These NFTs might represent digital collectibles, artwork, or even special rewards that can be redeemed within the Cardano blockchain. Each NFT you discover will not only provide an exciting moment of discovery but also act as a gateway to introduce you to the incredible possibilities and functionalities of Cardano.

Further future adaptation and integration of ongoing Cardano projects, such as Atala Prism, are possible and further the overall picture of possibilities in Cardano.

Utilizing NMKR

The pilot project will seamlessly merge the virtual world of Minecraft with the real world in Espoo, all thanks to the NMKR API. By leveraging this technology, we are bringing an extraordinary and immersive experience to the students of Espoo.

Our project aims to bridge the gap between the digital realm of Minecraft and the physical environment of Espoo, creating a unique and interactive fusion. Through the NMKR API, we enable users to seamlessly navigate between the virtual and real world, blurring the boundaries and opening up a world of possibilities.

In our pilot project, we will use the NMKR platform for the creation of all NFTs. This decision ensures a seamless and streamlined process for developing and managing the digital assets within the project.

Implementation Guide for other Projects

This proposal includes the release of a comprehensive "Implementation Guide" that is designed to empower other cities and organizations to adopt and adapt the idea piloted by our initiative, thereby contributing to the global adoption of Cardano. Within this guide, one notable concept that stands out is the exploration of the "gamification of tourism."

One notable example highlighted in the guide is the exploration of the "gamification of tourism." We have leveraged the power of Cardano to transform the tourism experience, incorporating gamified elements to engage and captivate visitors in new and exciting ways. By incorporating game mechanics, rewards, and interactive elements, we have created a unique and immersive tourism experience that enhances visitor engagement and encourages exploration.

The Implementation Guide serves as a valuable tool for creating engaging GPS adventures that not only captivate visitors but also foster a deeper connection with local parks, public places, and essential public services such as sports facilities and museums. By incorporating gamified elements, we have developed an innovative approach that enhances the overall well-being of individuals and strengthens their engagement with the surrounding community.

This guide provides detailed insights and step-by-step instructions on leveraging Cardano's capabilities to design captivating GPS adventures. It outlines strategies for integrating interactive elements, rewards, and gamified challenges into the tourism experience, encouraging visitors to explore public spaces, participate in physical activities, and discover cultural attractions.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

The pilot initiative of virtual treasure hunts offers several tangible and realistic benefits to the Cardano ecosystem. By promoting physical activity and engagement, the project has the potential to enhance Cardano's productivity and growth in both the short and long term. The following benefits can be measured through various metrics:

• Increased user engagement and adoption of Cardano's native assets.
• Expansion of the Cardano native asset ecosystem.
• Positive exposure and marketing for Cardano.
• Creation of a vibrant community within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Development of innovative use cases beyond traditional financial transactions.
• Third party involvement (eg. shops, cafes and businesses, sports facilities, tourist attractions and nature destinations)

To measure these benefits, a combination of qualitative and quantitative metrics will be employed. 

• User feedback and satisfaction surveys can gauge the participants' experiences and opinions. 
• Tracking the number of organizations and individuals participating in the virtual treasure hunts will provide insights into the project's impact on Cardano's adoption. 
• Monitoring the creation and diversity of Cardano native assets for the treasure hunts will demonstrate the growth and innovation within the ecosystem.

Additionally, measuring media coverage, social media mentions, and the reach of related content will reflect the project's impact on Cardano's exposure and marketing efforts. 

Overall, the pilot initiative of virtual treasure hunts aligns with the objective of promoting physical activity while adding value to the Cardano ecosystem. Through realistic and measurable metrics, the project's impact on Cardano's productivity and growth can be assessed, showcasing its potential to drive adoption, foster innovation, and create a vibrant community within the Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

Our plan is to have a very transparent communication towards the city of Espoo, towards the Cardano Community (via presentation in the Catalyst Town Hall Meetings) and regional Zoom calls (e.g. European Cardano Town Hall). Additionally, all participants of the Minecraft and GPS Adventures as well are their parents will be given access to all components of the solution and how all elements work together.

Two major information rounds will take place:

Milestone M2: Design complete / ready for the adventure!

• Here, all registered participants of the adventure and their parents/legal guardians will be informed about the necessary steps to start the adventure. A platform for interacting with other participants (i.e. Discord) will be explained and the support channels for the different components (e.g. Cardano Beam support, School of Gaming support) will be introduced. Around the same time, the project team will create a summary (5 - 6 slides; aprox. 15 min duration) for the Cardano Community. The session will take place in a Break out Room of the Global Catalyst Town Hall.

Milestone M3: Execution report and Lessons Learned

• At this milestone, the project team will present impressions from the adventure, comments (e.g. verbally, written, video) showing how the adventure was being planned and conducted by the participants. Additionally, the core team and relevant stakeholders (i.e. participants, parents and friends) will conduct a lessons learned workshop. The results from this workshop will be presented both to the city of Espoo and also to the Cardano Community (also in a Break out Room in the Global Catalyst Town Hall).

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

Cardano Beam / Dynamic Strategies

The Cardano Beam platform has been operational since the end of 2022 and has been trusted by over 200 users and 10+ event organizers to run their events. The go-live of the platform was called out in the October 2022 edition of Cardano 360

 

The team from Dynamic Strategies also has a track record of delivering on previous Catalyst proposals. It has delivered 2 out of their 3 previously funded catalyst projects, with the third one progressing at pace. The average review rating on all previous proposals submitted by Dynamic Strategis is 4.7 out of 5.

The same team will be implementing the enhancements to Cardano Beam in this proposal.

School of Gaming (SOG.GG)

School of Gaming is a Finnish company providing digital after-school activities in more than 250 schools and 60 municipalities across Finland. School of Gaming also has an international customer base among private schools from Asia to Europe and to South America. More than 3000 children participate in School of Gaming’s activities each week. 

School of Gaming is run by entrepreneurs who have decades long experience in growth companies. The company has grown steadily since 2020 when it was founded.

School of Gaming uses digital games as tools to teach children and adolescents important 21st century skills. Popular game titles such as Minecraft, Fortnite and Pokemon Go lay a foundation for exciting, memorable and motivating learning experiences. Virtual treasure hunt using Cardano’s blockchain technology will be a great addition to School of Gaming’s curriculum and a showcase to parents and the general public that games can also support physical activity together with active learning.

Video: Introducing School of Gaming.mp4 - Google Drive

Web3 User Group e.V.

Founded in 2022, the Web3 User Group e.V. is a dedicated non-profit organization that offers a secure learning and experimentation environment for individuals interested in exploring new technologies. With a strong focus on practical IT solutions to real-world challenges, we actively contribute a significant portion of our earnings towards making the world a safer and better place. As advocates of diversity and international collaboration, we strive to foster an inclusive community and uphold the utmost transparency in all our endeavors. Our primary goal remains to provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to learn, grow, and innovate in the realm of emerging technologies.

Ongoing / Completed Web3 User Group Projects:

• Web3 User Group GPS adventure: Collect Cardano-native assets connected with GPS positions around the globe.
• X-Mas Market NFT-Collection: Collect X-Mas Market inspired NFT – from the community, for the community!
• Beehive IoT: We are on a mission to save the bees with IoT and Helium LORAWAN network!

These interactive projects encourage creativity, inclusivity, and exploration, while fostering a sense of ownership and connection among participants. The proceeds generated by the Web3 User Group are donated. An example of this is Naretoi e.V., an organization that offers support to a community of Maasai individuals living near the Masai Mara National Park in Kenya. The contributions directly benefit students in the Masai Mara area of Kenya through a collaborative effort with Naretoi e.V.

To fund the donation for education programs, the Web3 User Group conduct projects like the Easter Egg GPS adventure this year. One of the beautiful NFT easter eggs is shown here:

Below an image of a 4-week IT bootcamp where the Web3 User Group made a donation:

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main goals of this proposal are the following:

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

The following milestones and the relevant tasks are outlined here:

M0 - Kick Off Meeting

• This meeting aims to set the stage for the preparation and opening the communication channels for the iterative creation of the adventure, we will invite relevant stakeholders, those are amongst others:
• all parties contributing to the planning and implementation (Web3 User Group, School of Gaming, CardanoBeam)
• 2 or 3 parents or guardians of the children participating
• NMKR representative
• Explanation of the process and required tools to take part in the adventure.

M1 - First “Micro Adventure” ready

• The outcomes of the execution of the following activities will be communicated at this milestone:
• Creation of the first MicroAdventure - consisting of a “scene” in Minecraft setting the stage (i.e. describing the task and explaining the goals) plus an element in the real world (e.g. a frequented park in the center of Espoo) utilizing Cardano Beam and giving the participants a first glance of the possibilities. This will include the minting of an NFT using the NMKR API and co-creation steps by the participants in this pre-pilot activity.
• Creation of the “Checkpoint locations” as new elements in Cardano Beam. These checkpoints will be distinguished from other GPS location, both in the Web app and in the mobile App. The user, when passing, at the checkpoint will be notified that their position at the checkpoint has been recorded, but there was no transfert of assets into their wallet.
• Creation of the Dashboards (tracking distance and checkpoints) for each participant. A dashboard will show which users passed at each point and when. The user will be identified by the Cardano wallet address
• Deployment of required changes to the Cardano Beam solution (incl. the mobile apps)
• Feedback round and micro-Lessons Learned workshop
• Definition of an “improvements plan” incl. due dates and responsibilities

M2 - Design complete / ready for the adventure!

• The outcomes of the execution of the following activities will be communicated at this milestone:
• Based on the feedback from M1 and after completion of the improvements, creation of the first full adventure (consisting of 7 to 12 “scenes”) 
• Co-creation of the Avatars for the participants
• Creation of the avatar NFT using NMKR API fitting the adventure and “hiding” those in key-locations in the city using the Cardano Beam web application
• Execution of the information session for participants, parents/guardians
• Refinement of the Cardano Beam Dashboards for the adventure (based on user feedback)
• Placement of the NFT using Cardano Beam using the bulk-placer function matching the NFT-avatars co-created with the children.
• Test run by the team (incl. Web3 User Group, Cardano Beam and School of Gaming) - this activity also includes time for bug-fixing and re-testing.

M3 - Execution report and Lessons Learned 

• The outcomes of the execution of the following activities will be communicated at this milestone:
• Plan and conduct a lessons learned workshop with the stakeholders
• Creation of the “Implementation Guideline” under consideration of the learnings from M1 and M2. This guideline will be a complete step-by-step description of required steps in Minecraft (incl. server setup, access management), in NMKR Studio (for the Avatars and adventure elements) as well as in a website and social media channels. Dependencies between the elements will be described and common pitfalls and problems and the recommended actions for resolving those will be documented as well.
• Creation of a proposed rollout strategy and next steps to extend the adventures to other countries / make the adventure an international collaboration activity.
• Preparation of closing report for the Cardano Community

With regards to the schedule for the milestones, see the following table.

The standard GPS locations in Cardano Beam are Cardano Smart contracts that have been extended to hold GPS coordinates. These standard smart contracts hold Cardano assets (such as tokens, ADA and NFTs). When a person passes at the GPS location and satisfies certain criteria they automatically redeem the assets from that smart contracts.

The execution cost of placing and asset in a smart contract and having a user redeem the asset from the smart contract costs just under 3 ada. This cost is reasonable for events where high value prizes at locked at the GPS locations, such as a the 1st, 2nd or 3rd prize of a race. However it can become very expensive for events that need a lot of checkpoints. There are use cases where the cost of 3 ada is above what might be reasonable - such as trackig if a person passed a checkpoint and where there is no need to transfer a prize.

To adjust Cardano Beam to the use case with a large number of checkpoints and where blockchain guarantees are not required a change will need to be made in 3 places to the Cardano Beam app:

• Web App - a new GPS location type will be added to the Web app. This new type will not have a smart contract associated with it and it will not be possible to place, or redeem assets from it, but it will serve as a checkpoints to track what users passed nearby. This record will be made in a central database, rather than a blockchain
• Mobile App - This new type of GPS locations will be shown with a separate icon to distinguish them from other GPS locations. When the user passes the checkpoint, they will be notified on-screen with a description of the checkpoint and who the organizer is.
• A checkpoint Dashboard - a new dashboard will be developed that will show which users passed at what checkpoints and when. Based on, this the event organizer will be able to identify the standing in the event.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

M0 - Deliverables

• Info Session
• Internal project preparation

M1 - Deliverables

• First MicroAdventure (details - see above)
• Checkpoint locations functionality
• Dashboards
• Set of improvements and responsibilities

M2 - Deliverables

• Full adventure (consisting of 7 to 12 “scenes”) 
• Avatars for the participants
• Overall improvements and support throughout the adventure

M3 -Deliverables

• Lessons learned workshop with the stakeholders
• “Implementation Guideline”
• Rollout strategy and next steps to extend the adventures to other countries / make the adventure an international collaboration activity
• Closing report for the Cardano Community

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Premises:

• an ADA/EUR conversion rate of 0,30 EUR per ADA

There are two cost blocks in our planned budget.

1 - Implementation effort by phase/contributing group

2 - Other expenses

In total (ADA value):

1 - Implementation cost: 40,133 ADA

2 - Other expenses: 14,750 ADA

Sum: 49,167 ADA

(approx. 14,750 EUR)

Details:

1 - Implementation effort

It is important to note, that both the Web3 User Group e.V. and School of Gaming will only get a symbolic compensation (at 15 Euro/hour). The reason why we are proposing with that low hourly rate, is because the Web3 User Group participation will happen by volunteering (as the Web3 User Group is a non-profit association). Furthermore, we see the planning and execution with involvement in the Catalyst program as a learning experience and the Web3 User Group will plan to act as "multiplier" in future onboarding new interested individual to Cardano and Project Catalyst. For the School of Gaming it will also be an investment in extending the portfolio of elements for designing and delivering exciting adventures which take place in the virtually and also in the real world.

The Cardano Beam hourly rate was planned at 50 EUR / hour - this rate in in line with other past and current proposals of the Cardano Beam team. We would like to highlight the incredible collaboration between the Web3 User Group and Cardano Beam and we look forward to strengthen it even further by this common proposal.

2 - Other expenses

We see several opportunities with regards to the venue, catering and prizes (e.g. donations or contributions from interested stakeholders in Espoo) - any reduction there will by shifted to afford additional prizes for the participants in the adventures.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The pilot initiative of virtual treasure hunts offers several tangible and realistic benefits to the Cardano ecosystem. By promoting physical activity and engagement, the project has the potential to enhance Cardano's productivity and growth in both the short and long term.

The following benefits can be measured through various metrics:

• Increased user engagement and adoption of Cardano's native assets.
• Expansion of the Cardano native asset ecosystem.
• Positive exposure and marketing for Cardano.
• Adding users in Finland to the ever growing Cardano Community
• In perspective for future adventures - third party involvement (eg. shops, cafes and businesses, sports facilities, tourist attractions and nature destinations)

To measure these benefits, a combination of qualitative and quantitative metrics will be employed. 

• Tracking the number of organizations and individuals participating in the virtual treasure hunts will provide insights into the project's impact on Cardano's adoption. 
• Monitoring the creation and diversity of Cardano native assets for the treasure hunts will demonstrate the growth and innovation within the ecosystem.

Most important:

This is only the beginning. After the pilot, our goal is to expand the offering to other cities in Finland, Germany, and other countries. As this happens, the adventures will gain on depth and complexity (e.g. riddles requiring international collaboration). We have big plans and look forward to interacting with you in any question or improvement potential you might have!

WAGMI! :)

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept