Cardano Crypto Puzzle: Engaging Education Through Play

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Arsema Hailemelekot mulugeta

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Individual

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

9

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

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will create a Cardano-themed puzzle, both physical and digital, that combines entertainment with education, teaching key concepts of blockchain and cryptocurrency in a fun and interactive way.

[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.”

our project does not have dependencies on other organizations for puzzle production, as we will produce the puzzles ourselves. However, we may collaborate with blockchain developers for NFT integration and digital puzzle development.

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

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

Our project will have certain open-source elements. The blockchain integration for NFT rewards and tokenization in the digital puzzle will be open-source and made available throughout the project lifecycle. We intend to use the MIT license for these components. However, the puzzle designs and physical production aspects will not be open source to protect intellectual property and maintain control over the quality of the final product.

We will maintain a public repository for the blockchain integration, allowing developers and the Cardano community to access, contribute, and verify the project’s code, fostering transparency and collaboration.

[METADATA] Horizons

Community Outreach

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

We are solving the problem of a lack of engaging, interactive tools that help educate the public about Cardano and cryptocurrency in an enjoyable and accessible way. Many people find blockchain concepts difficult to understand, and traditional educational methods don’t always connect with a wide audience. Our approach offers an interactive, hands-on learning experience through puzzles, which combine education with entertainment.

Why This Approach?

Puzzles are widely enjoyed across age groups and provide a satisfying challenge. By embedding educational elements within the puzzle design, we can introduce key blockchain concepts—such as decentralization, staking, smart contracts, and sustainability—while making the learning process enjoyable. The combination of a physical product and a digital version with integrated NFT rewards leverages the growing interest in collectibles and gamification, which will help attract a broader audience.

Who Will We Engage?

• Cardano Community: We’ll actively involve the Cardano community through design competitions for puzzle artwork, creating a sense of ownership and engagement.
• Crypto Enthusiasts: By offering a fun, unique way to learn about Cardano, the puzzle will appeal to current crypto users looking for new ways to engage with blockchain concepts.
• Newcomers to Blockchain: The puzzles are designed to be educational and approachable for people new to blockchain, making Cardano more accessible to a wider audience.

Impact Measurement

We will measure the impact through

1. Sales and Participation Metrics: Tracking puzzle sales and digital puzzle completion rates.
2. Community Involvement: Monitoring the number of submissions and votes in our design competitions.
3. NFT Distribution: Measuring engagement through the number of users earning NFTs for completing the digital puzzle.
4. Educational Feedback: Collecting feedback from users about the educational value of the puzzle through surveys and community forums.

Unique Value to Cardano

This project is unique because it merges traditional puzzles with blockchain technology, providing a hands-on way to learn about Cardano while participating in its ecosystem through token rewards. It also taps into both physical and digital markets, appealing to diverse users. By making blockchain concepts fun and tangible, we hope to increase awareness, understanding, and adoption of Cardano, further expanding its user base and enhancing its brand recognition.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Positive Impact on the Cardano Community

Our project will have a multifaceted positive impact on the Cardano community by increasing brand awareness, educating a broader audience, and fostering community participation. Here’s how we plan to bring value and measure impact

1. Raising Awareness of Cardano

By creating a Cardano-themed puzzle, both physical and digital, we aim to make blockchain concepts more approachable. The puzzles will highlight Cardano’s key values, such as decentralization, sustainability, and innovation, making these ideas accessible to crypto enthusiasts and newcomers alike. This increased awareness will encourage more people to explore and engage with the Cardano ecosystem.

2. Educating a Broader Audience

The puzzles serve as an interactive educational tool, introducing blockchain concepts in a fun, hands-on way. The physical puzzle will include visual representations of Cardano’s architecture, while the digital version will be paired with educational prompts and reward users with NFTs upon completion. This approach will help to demystify complex concepts and attract new users to Cardano.

3. Community Engagement and Creativity

Our project will actively involve the Cardano community through design competitions, where community members can contribute artwork and earn rewards. This will foster creativity, collaboration, and a sense of ownership within the community. Users will be directly engaged in building the puzzle and promoting Cardano's message.

Measuring Impact:

1. Quantitative Metrics:

• Sales: The number of physical and digital puzzles sold will provide insight into the project’s reach and appeal.
• Digital Engagement: We will track the number of users who engage with the digital puzzle, complete it, and receive NFT rewards.
• Design Submissions: The number of community members participating in design competitions will reflect engagement.
• Social Media & Website Traffic: We will measure online interest through the traffic generated from social media campaigns and e-commerce platform visits.

1. Qualitative Metrics:

• Educational Impact: We will gather feedback from users about the educational value of the puzzle, using surveys and reviews to assess how well the project explains blockchain concepts.
• Community Feedback: We will encourage discussions on Cardano forums, social media, and feedback channels to learn how the community is responding to the project and how it impacts their understanding of Cardano.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

1. Community Reports: We will regularly update the Cardano community on our progress and successes through blogs, videos, and social media posts. Design contest results, sales reports, and community feedback will all be shared openly.
2. Open-Source Outputs: The blockchain integration elements, including NFT rewards and tokenization processes, will be open-sourced, allowing developers and the wider Cardano community to benefit from our technical outputs and even contribute to future improvements.
3. Partnerships and Promotions: We will collaborate with influencers, educational platforms, and eco-friendly brands to share the puzzle globally and showcase the unique integration of Cardano with education and entertainment.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team is well-positioned to deliver this project with high levels of trust, accountability, and expertise. We have a diverse set of skills covering product development, blockchain technology, digital platforms, and community engagement. Below, we outline why we are best suited to deliver this project and how we intend to ensure that it is feasible and executed with transparency.

Team Capabilities

• Project Management & Product Development

• Our team has extensive experience in product development, from conceptualization to production and distribution. We’ve successfully launched physical products before, ensuring that our puzzle production process—both physical and digital—is in line with industry standards for quality and sustainability.
• We will oversee every phase of production, ensuring ethical sourcing, sustainable materials, and eco-friendly packaging, in alignment with Cardano’s values of environmental responsibility.

• Blockchain & NFT Expertise:

• Our blockchain developers have a strong background in integrating blockchain technology with consumer-facing products. They will be responsible for NFT minting, tokenized rewards, and ensuring seamless integration with the Cardano blockchain.
• We have experience working with smart contracts and decentralized applications, allowing us to execute the blockchain side of the project effectively.
• Digital & E-commerce Development:

• Our team has previously built and managed digital platforms, including e-commerce solutions for global sales. We have the technical expertise to develop a secure, scalable digital puzzle platform and ensure smooth customer transactions for the physical puzzle.
• Additionally, our experience with user interface design ensures that the digital puzzle will be both user-friendly and engaging.

• Community Engagement & Marketing:

• We have strong ties to the Cardano community and experience in running community-driven projects. Our team is well-versed in community outreach, social media marketing, and organizing design competitions, which will help foster engagement and bring attention to the puzzle.
• Our marketing team has successfully promoted previous projects using digital campaigns, partnerships with influencers, and content creation.

Steps to Validate Feasibility

1. Market Research & Demand Validation:

• We will conduct market research and surveys within the Cardano and broader crypto community to assess interest in the puzzle. Early feedback will help ensure demand for both the physical and digital versions before large-scale production begins.

1. Prototype Development & Testing:

• We will create physical and digital prototypes of the puzzle for testing. The physical version will be tested for quality, durability, and user enjoyment, while the digital version will be tested for user experience and smooth blockchain integration.
• Community members will be invited to test the digital prototype and provide feedback, which will allow us to refine the final product.

1. Blockchain Integration Testing:

• The NFT reward system and tokenized incentives will undergo rigorous testing before launch. Our developers will ensure that all blockchain functionalities, such as smart contracts and NFT minting, are secure, functional, and easy to use for both crypto-savvy and new users.

Fund Management & Accountability

• Clear Budgeting and Transparency

• We will allocate funds clearly across each phase of the project—design, production, marketing, blockchain integration, and platform development. This ensures that each milestone is fully supported, and we can maintain focus on delivering value.
• We will use multisig wallets to manage funds, ensuring accountability and preventing misuse of resources.

• Monthly Reporting

• We will provide detailed monthly reports to the Cardano community, outlining progress, use of funds, and any key developments. These reports will include financial updates, milestones achieved, and upcoming goals, ensuring full transparency.

• Open Communication Channels

• We will maintain open lines of communication through forums, social media, and community channels to engage directly with stakeholders, answer questions, and provide regular updates on project milestones.

By leveraging our team’s skills, conducting thorough testing, and maintaining transparent fund management, we are confident in our ability to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability. We will ensure that every step of the process is feasible, efficient, and brings tangible value to the Cardano community.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Design Contest Launch & Puzzle Prototyping (Month 1-2)

• Description: Launch the community-driven design contest for the puzzle artwork and begin prototyping the physical and digital versions of the puzzle.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Successful launch of the design contest with promotional materials shared across social media and community forums.
• At least 50 design submissions from the Cardano community.
• Completion of puzzle prototypes (both physical and digital) for testing.
• Community feedback collected on puzzle prototypes.

Blockchain Integration & Digital Platform Development (Month 3-4)

• Description: Finalize the digital puzzle platform and integrate Cardano blockchain for NFT rewards and tokenized incentives.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Blockchain smart contracts deployed for NFT rewards.
• Digital puzzle platform operational with beta testing conducted by selected users.
• Successful minting of NFTs upon puzzle completion during testing.
• Feedback collected on user experience with blockchain integration and platform functionality.

Puzzle Production & Marketing Campaign (Month 5-6)

• Description: Complete production of the physical puzzles and launch the global marketing campaign to promote both the physical and digital puzzles.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Physical puzzles produced and packaged, ready for distribution.
• Global marketing campaign launched across social media platforms, in collaboration with crypto influencers.
• E-commerce platform for puzzle sales fully operational.
• At least 5,000 visits to the website within the first month of the campaign launch.

 Launch of Puzzle & NFT Rewards (Month 7-8)

• Description: Official launch of the Cardano-themed puzzle, both physical and digital, along with NFT rewards for completing the digital puzzle.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Successful launch of the physical and digital puzzles, available for purchase and play.
• Distribution of the first 100 NFTs to users who complete the digital puzzle.
• At least 500 puzzles sold within the first two months.
• Collection of user feedback on both physical and digital experiences.

Project Close-Out Report & Video (Month 9)

• Description: Deliver a final project report, including a video summarizing the project’s success, challenges, and overall impact on the Cardano community.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Completion of a detailed final report covering all milestones, financial transparency, and outcomes.
• Production and release of a video documenting the project, including feedback from users and the Cardano community.
• Presentation of results on community channels and forums, demonstrating how the project has brought value to Cardano.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

1. Arsema Hailemelekot – Project Lead & Operations Manager

• Role: Oversees the entire project lifecycle, from initial planning to final execution. Arsema Hailemelekot  will manage operations, ensure that milestones are met, and coordinate with designers, developers, and marketing teams. He will also be responsible for handling partnerships and ensuring the project's alignment with Cardano's core values.

1. Blockchain Developer

• Role: Leads the integration of Cardano blockchain technology for NFT rewards and tokenized incentives. The developer will also handle the smart contract development and testing for both the physical and digital puzzle’s blockchain features, ensuring secure and seamless transactions.

1. Digital Platform Developer

• Role: Responsible for building the digital version of the puzzle and the e-commerce platform. This includes integrating blockchain features for user rewards and developing a user-friendly interface for puzzle enthusiasts to engage with the digital product.

1. Product Designer

• Role: Leads the creative direction and visual design of the physical and digital puzzles. The designer will work closely with the Cardano community for the design contest and develop the final artwork used in production.

1. Marketing & Community Manager

• Role: Oversees global marketing campaigns and community engagement strategies. The marketing manager will handle social media outreach, promote the design contest, and ensure the project gets visibility within the Cardano community and beyond. They will also manage partnerships with influencers and eco-conscious retailers.

1. Supply Chain & Manufacturing Coordinator

• Role: Ensures the ethical sourcing of materials for the physical puzzle, working with eco-friendly manufacturers to produce the puzzles. They will oversee the entire production process, ensuring that it aligns with Cardano's sustainability goals.

Planned Recruitment

• UI/UX Designer: To refine the user experience for the digital puzzle platform, ensuring it is intuitive, fun, and easy to navigate.
• Customer Support Specialists: As the project scales, we will recruit customer support specialists to handle inquiries, technical issues, and feedback for both physical and digital products.
• Retail Partnership Specialist: This role will focus on building partnerships with eco-conscious retailers and securing distribution channels for the physical puzzle.

Engagement and Capacity: We have already engaged with the core members of our team, ensuring their availability and commitment to the project. We have also established connections with the necessary blockchain developers through technical channels on Discord and Telegram, ensuring that our technical needs for NFT integration and smart contract development can be met.

By assembling a team of experts in design, blockchain, and marketing, we are confident that we have the capabilities required to deliver the project successfully. Each member brings relevant experience, and additional roles will be filled strategically as the project progresses to meet the needs of the growing puzzle platform.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

1. Product Design & Development: 20,000 ADA

• Design Contest & Rewards: 5,000 ADA
• Reward fund for top 5 community-submitted designs (1,000 ADA each).
• Promotion of the contest within the Cardano community.
• Puzzle Prototyping (Physical & Digital): 10,000 ADA
• Creation of physical prototypes using eco-friendly materials.
• Development of digital puzzle versions with blockchain integration for rewards.
• Puzzle Production: 5,000 ADA
• Initial production of 1,000 puzzles using sustainable materials.

2. Blockchain Integration & Development: 12,000 ADA

• Blockchain Developer Fees: 7,000 ADA
• Development and testing of smart contracts for NFT rewards and tokenized incentives.
• NFT Minting & Distribution Costs: 3,000 ADA
• Costs for minting NFTs tied to the digital puzzle completion.
• Digital Platform Development: 2,000 ADA
• Infrastructure development for the digital puzzle platform, including hosting and security.

3. Marketing, Community Engagement, & Sales Platform: 16,000 ADA

• Marketing Campaigns: 8,000 ADA
• Social media promotions, collaborations with influencers, and content creation (videos, graphics).
• Advertising the puzzle’s launch and running awareness campaigns within the Cardano ecosystem and broader crypto spaces.
• Community Engagement: 3,000 ADA
• Costs associated with organizing the design competition, handling submissions, and promoting community involvement.
• E-commerce Platform Setup: 5,000 ADA
• Setup of a secure, user-friendly e-commerce platform to sell the physical puzzles.
• Integration of payment gateways, shipping management, and NFT rewards.

4. Project Management & Documentation: 8,000 ADA

• Project Management: 6,000 ADA
• Managing timelines, team coordination, and overseeing operations to ensure all milestones are met on schedule.
• Documentation & Reporting: 2,000 ADA
• Preparation of monthly financial reports and progress updates to share with the Cardano community.
• End-of-project close-out report and video to summarize results and impact.

5. Legal & Compliance Fees: 6,000 ADA

• Legal Services: 3,500 ADA
• Ensuring all legal aspects of puzzle production and sales are met, including copyright for designs and compliance with global shipping regulations.
• Accounting & Tax Services: 2,500 ADA
• Professional services for managing funds, accounting for income, and ensuring tax compliance for the project.

6. Contingency & Miscellaneous: 8,000 ADA

• Contingency Fund: 8,000 ADA
• Reserve fund to cover any unexpected costs related to production delays, platform maintenance, or additional marketing needs.

Third-Party Services & Software

• Software Licenses & Hosting: Included in digital platform development.
• NFT Marketplace Fees: Covered in blockchain developer fees and minting costs.

Alternative Sources of Funding

If costs exceed the requested 70,000 ADA, we plan to seek additional funding through:

• Crowdfunding initiatives within the Cardano community by offering early access to puzzles or limited edition NFTs.
• Partnerships with eco-friendly retailers and educational platforms, which may provide additional support or sponsorship.

This budget reflects the essential steps required to bring the puzzle project to life, from design and production to marketing and community involvement. By carefully managing the funds and maintaining transparency through regular updates, we will ensure that every ADA spent brings value to the Cardano ecosystem and delivers a successful, engaging product.

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

1. Long-Term Value Creation

The Cardano-themed puzzle is not just a product; it’s an educational tool that makes blockchain concepts accessible to a broader audience. By raising awareness of Cardano’s core principles—decentralization, smart contracts, and sustainability—we’re promoting Cardano to both existing crypto users and newcomers. This helps the ecosystem grow by driving adoption and increasing user knowledge.

The NFT rewards and blockchain integration will also showcase real-world use cases for Cardano’s technology, encouraging further development and innovation within the ecosystem.

2. Proportional Costs for High-Quality Outputs

• Design and Development: The 20,000 ADA allocated to design and development reflects industry standards for product prototyping, sustainable manufacturing, and digital platform development. These costs are essential to ensure a high-quality, durable product that aligns with Cardano’s environmental goals.
• Blockchain Integration: The 12,000 ADA for blockchain integration and NFT minting is in line with typical developer rates within the crypto space. Given that this project will leverage Cardano’s infrastructure for tokenized incentives and rewards, this investment is crucial for creating a seamless, engaging experience that further demonstrates the utility of Cardano’s blockchain.
• Marketing & Community Engagement: Our marketing budget of 16,000 ADA is designed to reach a global audience, using social media, influencers, and direct engagement to maximize visibility. These costs are necessary to ensure the product reaches the widest possible user base, contributing to Cardano’s global brand recognition.

3. Competitive Rates & Responsible Spending

The costs for developers, designers, and project managers have been benchmarked against freelance rates in the blockchain and design industries. For instance:

• Blockchain developers typically charge significant fees for smart contract creation and NFT integration, and our budget is proportionate to the required technical expertise.
• Product designers working on sustainable, eco-friendly products often command higher rates due to the complexities of sourcing and production, but our budget remains competitive for high-quality outputs.

4. Measurable Impact

The project’s success will be measurable through:

• Puzzle sales and digital platform engagement.
• Community participation in the design competition.
• Blockchain-based metrics like the number of NFTs minted and distributed.

By focusing on tangible metrics, we ensure that the funds are being used effectively to deliver value to the Cardano community.

5. Self-Sustaining Model

The project also has a built-in revenue model through puzzle sales and potential future partnerships with retailers. The success of the puzzle could generate further funds that can be reinvested into Cardano-related projects, creating a long-term, self-sustaining model that continues to benefit the ecosystem.