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 users through stories and journeys in unique ways, making audio exploration more engaging and purposeful.
  • 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 orde

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

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

Collect: Visit the location and collect the first pin’s recording

Unlock: The second pin becomes collectable after you collect the first

Continue: Follow the sequence, collecting each pin in order

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 users 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 Users

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​
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 user can take a different path through the same project
Multiple playthroughs reveal different content
Encourages exploration and replayability
Creates unique experiences for each use

How It Works

Begin: Collect the root pin to start your branching journey

Choose: After the root, multiple branch options become visible

Select: Choose which branch path you want to follow

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

Complete: Finish the sequence by collecting all pins in the project

Replay: Return later to explore different branches and discover new content

Use Cases

Interactive Fiction

Create choose-your-own-adventure style stories. Let users 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 users 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 Users

Take time to consider your choices, they affect your experience
Don't worry about missing contentu, you can replay to explore other branches
Each path offers a unique perspective or story
Experiment with different choices to discover all content
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 users?
No, each user’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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