game design - immersive installation
Project Details
Keywords
Project Brief
An immersive gamified installation set inside a fictional keyboard world where players must rescue a missing Full Stop to restore balance in communication.
"When punctuation finds emotion."
Save
Hurry
Imagine
Curosity
Theme- Keyboard
Type- Group
Time- 10 days
OVERVIEW
The project explores how punctuation in digital communication carries emotional meaning. Through an interactive maze-based narrative, visitors experience urgency, empathy, and resolution as they rescue the missing Full Stop.
Even the smallest elements hold meaning in this world !
The Keyboard World
The installation is set in a fictional keyboard world, where punctuation marks are living characters.
Each symbol plays a role in maintaining communication. The full stop serves as the point of closure, providing structure and meaning to sentences. As its importance grows, an imbalance begins to form. Other punctuation starts to disrupt the system, eventually leading to the disappearance of the Full Stop.
_PNG.png)
3) 60 sec Timer starts.
3) While Playing - Blue light
4) End Condition
Switch 1
( Start-point)
Game Mechanics
Players control the Full Stop and guide it through a keyboard-inspired path to reach its destination.
-
Movement is controlled using a Fullstop joystick.
-
The maze is designed using keyboard key layouts.
-
Players are given 60 seconds to rescue the full stop.
1) Neutral Position - White light
2) The Full Stop
Switch 2
( End-point)
Last 10 sec - Blinking Blue light
Continous Blue running light.
Win Condition- Rainbow running light.
Loose Condition- Red light.
Build & System Design
Complete the maze to bring the Full Stop back.
CHALLENGES
During the process, multiple issues arose, like inconsistent LED behavior and unresponsive switches. Additionally, there were interruptions in uploading the code. Due to these, it made it difficult to achieve a smooth and responsive interaction initially.
SOLUTIONS
These issues were resolved by stabilizing the system using an external 5V power supply with common grounding, correcting wiring and data flow, and improving the code for continuous switch detection and reliable performance. Resulting in a stable and fully functional interactive system.
My Role
I contributed across both the concept and execution of the installation.
-
Built the world narrative.
-
Designed and developed the physical keyboard maze mechanism.
-
Solely worked on the technical construction of the interactive setup.
-
Created the storyline and user journey for the experience.
-
Designed props and visual elements within the installation.
Curiosity
Control
Tension
Chaos
Discovery
PLAYER EXPERIENCE
*Hower to know*
Behind the Scenes
HCI Symposium 2026 Showcase
This project was selected for the HCI Symposium 2026, giving us the opportunity to rebuild and refine the installation. We reworked the system, fixed earlier issues, and improved overall performance. Showcasing it in front of visiting professors and industry experts made it a valuable and rewarding experience, pushing the project beyond the classroom into a more professional space.
*TAP TAP !!*