For GitHub Universe 2022 I brought one of GitHub’s mascots, Hubot, to life in an experience inspired by the famous fortune-telling Zoltar machines. Instead of telling fortunes, however, this installation told guests about how their GitHub habits relate to other users on the platform.
Over 1,300 people attended the two-day event, GitHub’s first in-person conference since 2019, so Hubot got plenty of use. This project was one of four interactive installations at the convention.
What I did: I created a Unity application that queried the GitHub GraphQL API and dispensed the appropriate achievement, animation, text, and voice line. I researched the API and determined feasibility for the achievements, as well as defined the UX to ensure we had proper animations. I enhanced the visuals by sourcing and creating additional particle effects, and I programmed the vending machine-like keyboard to ensure compatibility for the physical build.
How it worked: Attendees approached the all-knowing Hubot, entered their GitHub usernames, and received one of nine possible achievements based on data pulled about their accounts. As an added bonus, a pin commemorating the event was dispensed at the end of the experience.
Roles: Software development, UX design, Particle design, Physical computing