Projects
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AR Treasure Hunt App – Sydney Marathon
Our Solution
NXT Interactive partnered with TCS to develop a web-based AR Treasure Hunt application that combined real-world exploration, location intelligence, and augmented reality engagement. The platform transformed Sydney Marathon into a digital playground, where every participant could embark on a personalized treasure hunt journey the moment they arrived at any marathon entry point.
Users could follow a live interactive map guiding them to nearby “treasures”—posters placed strategically across the marathon venue featuring partner offers, coupons, and discounts. Upon reaching a location, participants switched to AR camera mode to scan the poster, instantly unlocking rewards, collecting points, and progressing through the treasure hunt.
The experience not only encouraged exploration but also drove real engagement with local partners, delivering value both to users and sponsors while amplifying TCS’s innovative brand presence at the event.
Key Features
Web-Based AR Experience
The treasure hunt was fully accessible via a browser-based app—no downloads required—ensuring instant participation for thousands of users across devices and platforms.Dynamic Location Mapping
A smart, GPS-enabled map displayed the nearest treasure locations based on the participant’s entry point, updating dynamically as they moved through the marathon venue.Interactive Scanning & Instant Rewards
Users switched to AR camera mode to scan treasure posters. Upon successful detection, they received immediate digital rewards such as coupons, discount codes, or partner offers.Gamified Leaderboard System
Each successful treasure unlock earned users points. They could also play mini puzzles and games within the app to earn bonus points and climb up the global leaderboard.Smart Hints & User Guidance
If users struggled to find a treasure, the app offered interactive hints and proximity indicators, enhancing the experience while maintaining a sense of challenge and discovery.AR Victory Selfie & Custom Card
After completing all treasures, participants could capture an AR victory selfie through the app. A personalized digital achievement card—featuring their photo and event text—was instantly generated for download and sharing.
Event Setup
The experience was designed to handle high user volume across multiple access points with ease, ensuring smooth onboarding and real-time performance. The system architecture leveraged:
A scalable web infrastructure optimized for high concurrency.
AR-enabled browser technologies for instant scanning and detection.
GPS and mapping APIs for accurate location-based treasure distribution.
Partner portal integration to manage offers, rewards, and poster placements efficiently.
On-site, TCS brand ambassadors and technical support teams guided participants through the experience, ensuring effortless participation and maximum engagement.
Outcome
The AR Treasure Hunt App transformed the Sydney Marathon into an interactive citywide adventure—blending physical activity with digital gamification. Thousands of participants engaged with the AR treasure hunt, discovering exclusive offers, collecting points, and sharing their achievements on social media.
By connecting technology, gamification, and local brand partnerships, the activation not only enhanced the marathon experience but also strengthened TCS’s reputation as an innovator in experiential digital solutions.
The result was a seamless fusion of sport, community, and technology, delivering lasting memories and meaningful engagement far beyond the finish line.