Guide

Sequential & Branching Pin Modes

Overview

Overhear offers two special pin collection modes that create structured, narrative-driven experiences: Sequential Pins and Branching Pins. These modes guide listeners through stories and journeys in unique ways, making audio exploration more engaging and purposeful.

Sequential pin mode in the OVERHEAR app

Sequential Pin Mode

Sequential Pins create a linear journey where pins must be collected in a specific order. This mode is perfect for storytelling, guided tours, or any experience where the sequence matters.

Key Features

Ordered Collection

  • Pins must be collected in numerical order (1, 2, 3, and so on)
  • The first pin is always visible and collectable
  • Each subsequent pin only becomes collectable after you've collected the previous one
  • You can't skip ahead or collect pins out of order

Visual Feedback

  • Pins you've already collected remain fully visible
  • The next pin in sequence is highlighted and ready to collect
  • Future pins are visible but at reduced opacity, showing you what's to come
  • Clear visual indication of your progress through the sequence

Flexible Visibility Modes

  • Standard Mode: Only the next pin in sequence is collectable
  • Preview Mode (sequentialOrderLogic: 'with'): The next pin plus one additional future pin are visible, giving you a preview of what's ahead

Progress Tracking

  • Your progress through the sequence is automatically saved
  • You can return to a sequential project and continue where you left off
  • Previously collected pins remain accessible in your library

How It Works

  1. Start

    Find the first pin in the sequence (marked as Pin 1)

  2. Collect

    Visit the location and collect the first pin's recording

  3. Unlock

    The second pin becomes collectable after you collect the first

  4. Continue

    Follow the sequence, collecting each pin in order

  5. Complete

    Finish the sequence by collecting all pins in the project

Use Cases

Guided Tours

Create a structured walk through a location. Ensure visitors experience content in a logical order. Build narrative momentum as listeners progress.

Storytelling

Tell a story that unfolds chapter by chapter. Create suspense and anticipation for what comes next. Ensure narrative coherence by controlling the order.

Educational Journeys

Present information in a logical learning sequence. Build knowledge progressively. Guide learners through a structured curriculum.

Historical Narratives

Walk through events in chronological order. Experience history as it unfolded. Create immersive time-based experiences.

Tips for Sequential Projects

For Creators

  • Plan your sequence carefully to create a compelling narrative flow
  • Consider the physical distance between pins when designing routes
  • Use descriptive pin names that hint at what's coming next
  • Test the sequence to ensure it works well in practice

For Listeners

  • Follow the numerical order indicated by pin IDs
  • Don't worry if you can't collect a pin yet, it will unlock when you're ready
  • Take your time to experience each recording fully before moving on
  • You can always return to previously collected pins in your library
Branching pin mode in the OVERHEAR app

Branching Pin Mode

Branching Pins create an interactive, choose-your-own-path experience where your choices determine which pins become available. This mode allows for multiple story paths and personalised journeys through the same project.

Key Features

Interactive Choices

  • Start with a root pin that begins your journey
  • After collecting the root, choose from multiple branch options
  • Your choice determines which path becomes available
  • Each branch can lead to further sub-branches, creating complex narrative trees

Dynamic Visibility

  • Only pins in your chosen path become visible and collectable
  • Pins from paths you didn't choose remain hidden
  • Your progress through branches is tracked automatically
  • You can explore different branches on different playthroughs

Multi-Level Structure

  • Root Pin: The starting point (Level 0)
  • Level 1 Branches: Your first major choice (e.g., Path A, Path B, Path C)
  • Level 2 Options: Further choices within your selected branch
  • Additional Levels: Can extend to multiple levels of branching

Personalised Experiences

  • Each listener can take a different path through the same project
  • Multiple playthroughs reveal different content
  • Encourages exploration and replayability
  • Creates unique experiences for each listener

How It Works

  1. Begin

    Collect the root pin to start your branching journey

  2. Choose

    After the root, multiple branch options become visible

  3. Select

    Choose which branch path you want to follow

  4. Continue

    Follow your branch to its conclusion, with further choices if available

  5. Complete

    Finish the sequence by collecting all pins in the project

  6. Replay

    Return later to explore different branches and discover new content

Use Cases

Interactive Fiction

Create choose-your-own-adventure style stories. Let listeners shape their narrative experience. Build multiple storylines within one project.

Exploration Games

Design treasure hunts with multiple routes. Create mystery experiences with different investigation paths. Build adventure games with branching quests.

Personalised Tours

Offer different tour routes based on interests. Create themed paths (e.g., "History Lover's Path" vs "Nature Enthusiast's Path"). Allow listeners to customise their experience.

Educational Choices

Present different learning paths based on prior knowledge. Offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced routes. Create adaptive learning experiences.

Multiple Perspectives

Tell the same story from different viewpoints. Explore different aspects of a location or topic. Create rich, multi-layered narratives.

Tips for Branching Projects

For Creators

  • Design clear, meaningful choices that affect the experience
  • Ensure each branch offers substantial content and value
  • Balance the complexity, too many branches can be overwhelming
  • Test all paths to ensure they work correctly
  • Consider creating a map or guide showing all possible paths
  • Make sure each branch feels complete and satisfying

For Listeners

  • Take time to consider your choices, they affect your experience
  • Don't worry about missing recordings, you can replay to explore other branches
  • Each path offers a unique perspective or story
  • Experiment with different choices to discover all recordings
  • Some projects may have multiple levels of branching, be patient and explore

Common Questions

Can I collect sequential pins out of order?

No, sequential pins must be collected in order. The system prevents you from collecting pins before their turn in the sequence.

What happens if I miss a sequential pin?

You can return to collect it later. Your progress is saved, so you can continue from where you left off.

Can I explore all branches in a branching project?

Yes! You can replay the project multiple times, making different choices each time to explore all available branches.

Do my choices in branching projects affect other listeners?

No, each listener's path is independent. Your choices only affect your own experience.

Can I see what branches I haven't explored yet?

This depends on the project design. Some projects may show you which paths you've taken, while others keep it as a discovery experience.

What's the difference between sequential and regular pins?

Regular pins can be collected in any order at any time. Sequential pins enforce a specific order, and branching pins create choice-based paths.

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