Fall Memory Game

The CHALLENGE:  Think Algorithm(ically) FAST!

I invite you to play and experiment with a web “classic”: a memory game! In my case, I named it “The Fall Memory Game” as the front faces of the cards are decorated with artworks that I created using sensor data from FALLs/ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) and generative-data-art algorithms. Your challenge is to discover all the pairs of cards as fast as possible – ideally under 48 seconds! To do your best, I encourage you to think algorithmically, by considering the steps you can follow systematically to have a great consistent performance. You will be able to compare yourself (“face-off”) against “the machine” performance…

What is an ALGORITHM?

In simple terms, an algorithm can be defined as a set of instructions or “steps” to perform a certain task. In computer science, algorithms are used all the time – from programming “simple” functions or routines to developing advanced artificial intelligence applications. Generally speaking, one can say that “any” well-defined (unambiguous) process to perform an operation, to resolve a problem or to achieve an objective, could be seen as an algorithm. One way to create faster algorithms is to optimize them for simplicity and to have a least number of steps. You too can experiment with algorithms by being (explicitly) aware of how you play the FALL MEMORY GAME…

How to PLAY:

1. GETTING STARTED: The initial status of this game – when you first go-to the “PLAY” tab or click “Start New Game” buttom – is a set of 16 cards (8 pairs of matching cards) facing down. The 16 cards are mixed-up in a random order.
2. DISCOVER PAIRS!  This step is the “essence” of the game. You have to find all the pairs of matching cards, by “flipping” them two at a time. When you flip two cards that DO NOT match, after a few seconds they are flipped back to their reverse faces. When you flip two cards that DO MATCH, they stay visible and you can continue flipping other cards. YOUR GOAL is to minimize the number of flips needed – and thus minimize the time needed – to discover all pairs. (This Step 2 is “repeated” as long as there are matching pairs to be discovered).
3. CHECK YOUR SCORE. Once all matching pairs are discovered, you will see your performance score message and some points to think about. You can learn more by visiting the “Score & Stats” tab.
4. LEARN AND IMPROVE. Here comes the fun! Now, it’s time for you to “optimize” how you perform Step 2 and find a way to play consistently FAST by thinking algorithmically. Do your best, ENJOY & HAVE FUN!