Treasure Hunt anyone?

Humans have an inherent curiosity for exploration and discovery, especially for treasure- that elusive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Gamification of treasure hunts can be a fun and exciting way to socially engage friends and family. It has also been widely used as a marketing tool, as it gives you instant user interaction. Lets see how Ripple as a platform can tap into this powerful human urge for treasure hunting.

Ripple app provides a platform to connect users locally or on the move. You don't need to join specific groups. You are connected by virtue of your current physical location. Your network is around you. Find out How Ripple Works

Setting up your treasure hunt

Both the organizer and the participants would need to Install the Ripple App

Virtual clues can be placed around a locality or wider area via the Ripple App which attaches a GPS location to it. The treasure hunters would need to be within a close range of the location where the clue was posted, to view the virtual clue. Once they get the new clue, they try to decipher it to figure out the next location to go to. It is as simple as that.

NOTE: Set live location to pick up clues as you move within its reach.

The organizer can post a message (clue) from their current location while specifying a reach (in meters) for each post. The clue can be a rhyme accompanied with a picture for better effect. The post with the clue remains at this location for a duration of 12 hours. If another user comes within the configured reach of this post then they will see the message (clue). The minimum reach that can be specified for a post is 30 meters. The first clue can have a wider reach so that everyone can immediately view it.

To set the clue, go to the location and post the clue from that location. Ideally for the treasure hunt you can use a post reach of around 30 to 50 meters. Initial clues can be simpler and can have a wider location reach so that its easier to find.

Posts (clues) can be linked to a previous post (clue) so that the new post is discoverable only after the previous post is seen. Linked posts (clues) are essential if the treasure hunt is being organized in a small area where the participants may come within the reach of various clues out of order. Linked post assures that the clues are seen in a particular order.

The participants can communicate directly with the treasure hunt organizer by clicking on the 'Reply' button of the clue posts. The 'Group' button can be used to communicate with the organizer and others who have solved that particular clue.

Tips for a successful treasure hunt

• Keep it fun

• If its for family and friends, use locations and clues which have a personal relevance.

• Start with a theme and build a storyline around it to successfully engage a wider audience.

• The clues can be a rhyme accompanied with a picture for better visual effect. Here are some ideas. You can also use pictorial puzzles to reveal a clue.

• Incentivize participants for their efforts with a reward. You can also have smaller rewards as intermediate levels are solved.

• For a wider audience, use social media to create a buzz in the buildup to the treasure hunt.

Businesses can effectively use this inherent human urge for treasure hunting as a marketing campaign to get instant user interaction. The treasure hunt could be a series of clues that finally leads to their stores to drive footfalls or the clues when combined together could give the consumer a discount coupon or some freebie. Who does not like to win a prize! Local businesses can come together to organize this at a locality level.

We all know the impact Pokémon GO has had on increasing footfalls in stores, cafes and other businesses. Ripple provides a platform to make a similar impact. Be creative, use social media to get instant buzz leading to the buildup of the treasure hunt. Treasure hunts as a marketing campaign have a great potential to go viral.

So what are you waiting for. Download Ripple now. Get connected today!