Best practices when implementing the Discovery Agents
Mission Builder at your site
Thank you for taking the time to review our best practices documents. Please note that we have
compiled this report by working in collaboration with sites and agencies across North America.
To ensure the best possible experience for your visitors and potential agents, we recommend reviewing
this page prior to commencing a Mission Build. As you start planning, we recommend you download the
app, sign in and play the game. Please play the mission trainer first as it designed to get you familiar
with all the features. We also have a “cheat” which will allow you to visit sites throughout the country
(without actually travelling to them) and see the work of your peers.
CONNECTIVITY
When downloading the Discovery Agents game and/or updating missions to your smart device, please
ensure you have good connectivity. We recommend that your internet speed is at least 6-10 Mbps
(megabits per second). Slow wireless Wi-Fi will cause issues and frustration.
PLANNING YOUR MISSION SITE
Please remember that these are your challenges; we encourage you to retain your team's voice. It is a
good idea to meet as a team and discuss the learning points most worthy of inclusion. The more
involved the team, the more likely they will be to promote and help with later additions and/or
changes. It is also important to look at what your peers have done.
NOT TOO LONG
We recommend the distance walked for the agents is 1 ½ miles. If possible, it is preferable that the
desired route loops back to the start. Distances longer than the suggested maximum could be too long
for certain Agents; remembering your target audience (e.g. school kids under age 14, families, etc.) is
crucial.
GET GOING
For your convenience, we have developed ready to go challenges that
are generic in nature and allow you to make them site-specific with just
a few minor changes. This feature will allow you to add new sites quickly
and have a live challenge site within an hour or so. You can then tweak
and add/change content as you become more familiar with the Mission
Builder.
KNOW YOUR THEME
Please note that your Agents will remember well-organized themes. Random facts are less likely to be
memorable. A thematic approach will help you organize your content, optimize your delivery sequence,
and catalyze a “call to action” take home message. When planning your theme, you should consider the
significances of your site (i.e., what makes it unique?), site purpose (why was it set aside?), and the goals
of your mission.
MEASURABLE OBJECTIVES
Measurable objectives are excellent ways to gauge the success of the Mission Site. You will be able to
use analytics to see how many downloads you have received, the length of user participation, and other
useful data. Use the analytics found in your weekly and monthly interpretive reports. You can be
creative with other objectives (such as reducing trash on a trail or completing the mission site), and you
will be able to produce a specific code for perks such as discounts at the store, free entrances, or
sponsor partnership.
READY, SET, GO
Think carefully about the best place to start the Mission. It should be in an area in which individuals
naturally congregate, such as day use areas, parking lots, nature centers, or the main trail head. The
starting point should be within proximity of bathrooms, ample parking, and signage to orientate agents
to the game. The first challenge should be introductory in nature and designed to orient Agents to
specific rules. Resource concerns and the reinforcement of positive behaviors are especially
important. For your convenience, we have created a Start template mission here.
CHANGE IT UP AND KEEP IT RELEVANT
Become familiar with the seven different kinds of challenges and use at least 2 of each to address the
various learning styles. Remember that each of the 20 challenges have “pre” and “post” challenge
statements. Set up the “pre” challenge to introduce the Agents to the intended theme (or subtheme)
and explain where/how they can find the relevant information to complete the challenge. All challenges
should be on the trail, and intended signage or resources should be in clear sight. If unclear or hidden,
make sure that the Agent is aware of the situation in the pre-challenge. The post-challenge statement
should evoke further thoughts. The hint field should be specific when outlining how the Agents can
determine relevant information. Run word checks to ensure you have no passive sentences, and be sure
that your reading level is not too advanced.
PROVIDE PROMOTION AND SIGNAGE
It is vital that you promote Discovery Agents through all your media and outreach channels. Think
outside the box; for example, some sites have added promotional material to their entrance receipts or,
ideally, on permanent signage (most local print shops are accessible at special low prices and can print
on UV-resistant ink that is placeable on metal and/or other durable materials). We have developed web
icons to add to your websites and literature that can provided in print-ready format upon request. You
can even add our posters to bulletin boards, areas of natural congregations (bathrooms, campsites and
nature centers), and wherever else your team thinks there might be added benefit. Movable A-frames
are excellent in front of nature centers and park headquarters. We recommend a formal introduction
and orientation trail kiosk that explains Discovery Agent, with special attention paid to detailed
instructions on how to download the game.
SOFT OPENINGS
Before publishing live to the web, we recommend using controlled test subjects! Children of staff, your
employees, and volunteers are just some of the options. Walk with these Agents and see how they
overcome the challenges. Ask for their feedback - they are your intended audience and will be
honest! Once ready for the public, announce your Discovery Agents site in conjunction with another
signature event, or choose a grand opening. Invite local dignitaries, leaders and potential sponsors to
increase visibility and drive early user adoption.
NATURAL SEASONS AND EVENTS
One of the best features of Discovery Agents is its dynamic ability to change challenges, text or
images. If you are finding a challenge is not as effective as desired, you can easily go into the Mission
Builder and update it. We recommend that you plan to create special Missions based on existing events,
and that you tailor the Mission challenges to the theme of important upcoming dates. Once updates are
completed, simply revert to the core content. Seasonal challenges can also be rewarding and add
incentives for Agents to return to your site.
GUIDED DISCOVERY AGENTS
Many sites have added Discovery Agents to their regular in-person guided programs (e.g. certain sites
have incorporated Discovery Agents into their Junior Ranger Program). Some intend to advertise
material encouraging families to bring smartphones to learn more about the site. Volunteers and Camp
Hosts are great information disseminators.
GENERATING REVENUE
Many sites have purchased additional smart devices, preloaded the mission and then rented out the
systems to groups in a cost-recovery donation format or in a revenue program. Site-specific branding
can promote Discovery Agents products such as decals, badges, daypacks, and sunhats.
ADDING EXTRA FEATURES
As you become more familiar with Discovery Agents, become familiar with some of the optional
advanced upgrade features. Examples include grade delineation, additional avatars, new badges, and
trophies or outreach challenge tools.
ADVOCATE AMBASSADORS
Send us your best practices - what is working for your site, your lessons learned, and what you would
like to share with others. We are always looking for advocates of Discovery Agents who could include
testimony and advocacy to other sites. Place us on another site that leads to a newly published
Mission and we will give you an extra five challenges in your Mission Builder free of charge!
Our developers are constantly upgrading the game and adding new features. Please let us know if you
have ideas to add to our movement. We seek to provide Agents have the best experience possible, and
we want them outside learning, growing, and and caring for YOUR site.
For more information on grade school delineation and/or content development from our interpretive
staff, please contact Chris Holmes at the phone numbers below:
Chris Holmes / Director of Business Development & Interpretive Services
+1 (855) 564-7328 | 512-383-6699
www.discoveryagents.net