The Vault, a smart reward machine

What we built

A code-cracking machine: three attempts, a code that changes, and a winner nobody can predict. Green means right number and position, yellow means right number, wrong place.

The story

1. What we kept seeing

   Fixed rewards create a rush, then interest drops. Once winners are known, queues disappear.

2. The insight

   People keep trying when the outcome is uncertain but influenced by their own actions. It’s the challenge, not the prize.

3. The solution

   Limited attempts, a dynamic code and an unknown winner, so nobody can game it and everybody wants one more try.

4. The impact

   Around 75% participation, long dwell time and repeat tries without any staff push. It was extended to a bigger EDM event, where queues stayed long even after the rewards were gone.

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