Design and Implementation of Collectible AI-Enhanced Merchandise for Cultural Tourism

The Chattables Collection System – Bringing Souvenirs to Life with AI and Gamification

Initial situation

In collaboration with Gaudio, this bachelor thesis project set out to enhance the experience of AI-powered “Chattables”. Chattables are collectible souvenir magnets featuring historical characters or cultural icons. Each Chattable has a QR code that connects users to a personalized chatbot simulating conversations with the depicted character. While the product already offered a unique interaction, there was no digital system to manage collections, encourage engagement or extend the experience beyond a single chat.

Problem statement / Project goal

Gaudio wanted to make collecting Chattables both entertaining and educational. The project teams' goal was to design and implement a digital collection system enriched with gamification elements to improve user engagement, motivation, and satisfaction. The project team focused on implementing the solution so that it is easy to maintain and integrates seamlessly into the existing architecture, while adhering to the principle of separation of concerns. By the end of the project, the solution was intended to serve as both a proof of concept and a solid baseline for future development. To ensure it would be a strong foundation, the implementation was guided by the customer’s value drivers.

Solution developed and its benefits

The developed prototype integrates a solid, gamified, digital collection system into the existing Chattables platform. Key features include multilingual support, a category-based collection view and QR code scanning to add new Chattables. The foundation for a future XP-based reward system was also developed.
An experimental “Challenges” feature was implemented as an extra game mechanic to further boost engagement. Inspired by taboo-style gameplay, it retains the AI-chatbot at its core, prompting users to answer Questions in the domain of existing Chattable categories through interactive conversation. This mechanic demonstrates how playful, conversational tasks can deepen user interaction and encourage repeat use.
The solution is designed for easy expansion, allowing Gaudio to add new languages, categories and challenges.

• Scan and add Chattables to a personal collection.
• View progress across categories and track locked/unlocked Chattables.
• Earn experience points (XP) for interactions.
• Multi-language support for international audiences.
• Experimental challenges to increase engagement.

User testing with the UES-SF questionnaire showed that gamification and robust, structured collection management improved overall engagement and enjoyment. The proof of concept demonstrates the potential of implementing gamified elements into a digital collection system.

Key terms

• Chatbot AI-powered character that answers user questions.
• Gamification Game mechanics and elements like points and challenges to boost engagement.
• Digital Collection Digital view to store and track collected Chattables.
• Multilanguage App available in multiple languages for global users.
• Native App Mobile app built with Expo/React Native for iOS and Android.
• Python FastAPI Backend built with FastAPI framework to match client's existing architecture

Customer

Gaudio c/o mindmode GmbH
Suurstoffi 18b
6343 Risch-Rotkreuz
www.chattables.ch

Team