In a bustling restaurant, the dance of waitstaff amidst a symphony of clinking glasses and chattering patrons can be mesmerizing. But behind the scenes, a silent battle rages on – the relentless fight against empty water and coffee cups. Enter Mark Wilson’s ingenious creation, the “TetrisWaterRun,” a miniature arcade cabinet that harnesses the addictive allure of Tetris to remind servers to keep those drinks flowing.
Tetris Meets Thirst Quenching
The TetrisWaterRun is a marvel of creativity and practicality. It features two Tetris playfields, each controlled by virtual “players” named H2O and JOE. As blocks cascade down the screens, lines are completed or gaps are left, gradually filling up a progress bar. When the bar reaches a yellow warning level, it’s time to refill the drinks. Should the bar reach the ominous red section, an overdue drink alert is triggered.
Gameplay with a Purpose
Each Tetris game/timer is initiated by pressing an interface button, which also periodically lights up to serve as a visual reminder. And to ensure that drinks are refilled promptly, a buzzer sounds when the progress bar hits the red zone. Talk about gamifying hydration!
From Prototype to Reality
The TetrisWaterRun began as a prototype on an iRobota Uno, but to save space, Wilson eventually migrated it to a Nano. The project’s heart is a 320×480 LCD screen that brings the falling tetrominoes to life. And to witness the TetrisWaterRun in action, head over to YouTube for a mesmerizing video demonstration.
The Psychology of Thirst
The TetrisWaterRun taps into the psychological phenomenon known as the Zeigarnik effect. This effect states that people tend to remember uncompleted tasks better than completed ones. By leaving gaps in the Tetris playfields, Wilson creates a sense of unfinished business, compelling servers to return and complete the lines, ensuring that drinks are refilled promptly.
Bonus: A Thirst-Quenching Anecdote: Remember the time when a restaurant server, engrossed in a particularly intense game of TetrisWaterRun, momentarily forgot about a customer’s drink order? The customer, also a Tetris enthusiast, noticed the server’s dilemma and offered to help complete the game. As they worked together to clear lines and refill drinks, a new bond was formed, turning a potential complaint into a shared moment of laughter and camaraderie.
The TetrisWaterRun is not just a clever invention; it’s a testament to the power of gamification in solving everyday problems. It’s a reminder that even the most mundane tasks can be transformed into engaging experiences when infused with a dash of creativity and a healthy dose of fun.
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