In my first year in the Visual Communication department we were asked to create a nonlinear experience for the story of Little Red Riding Hood. One of the goals of the exercise was to tell a story in a format that stretches out of the linear formality of a book.

My first idea was to make a website, using my basic knowledge in HTML and CSS, that made the user navigate through links in order to unfold the story. But then I figured out a simpler way to achieve this experience - utilizing the MacOS Finder tool as a game engine! I researched advanced options of Finder, and found a few fun ways to create a unique user experience:

1. I used folder names, icons, sizes and locations to create scenes. You can even change the default monochromatic background to create compelling visuals. 

2. To make the game more dynamic, I used the built-in Conditioned Actions tool to program the Finder to respond to user actions. For example, the user had to put a certain number of strawberries (files) into their basket (folder) so that a hidden door icon would appear.

Rethinking these simple features as game options, I made this mundane utility tool feel like an interactive storytelling experience.

As with any game, one of the main challenges was making the user understand the boundary of their options, while still enabling them to explore. Unlike a normal video game, the user is essentially limitless, and could easily navigate away from the game or cheat their way through. This could be solved by defining the rules in advance, but I chose instead to create a well-defined visual language to guide the user through the story in a way that does not feel coerced.

The main kind of visual element I worked with was folder icons. I used them for a wide variety of purposes such as interactive objects, as pathways, instructions, or even dialogue lines. This created an engaging experience to the user, while using a very simple mechanic.

The story of Little Red Riding hood is almost as old as storytelling itself. It is an extremely approachable piece of folklore, appealing to the most basic and relatable human emotions, and passed on by the most simple storytelling tool of olden days - word of mouth. I was inspired to tell this ancient tale in a new and similarly approachable manner. Navigating through folders is one of the most basic experiences of digital life, yet sometimes it can be as confusing and daunting as getting lost in the woods.

This project was made as part of Intro to Interactive Thinking course at Bezalel, taught by Dani Bacon