# Nebula — Mechanics Palette

43 learning mechanics. Compiled from benchmark sources, merged, and adapted to the Nebula context.

Sources: Bloom, Duolingo, Kahoot, Brilliant, Mimo, Speak, Nibble, Elevate, Drops, Babbel + original Nebula needs.

## Category 1 — Knowledge Testing

**M01. Timed Multiple Choice**
Question + countdown + 3-4 options. Speed creates pressure and excitement. Includes visual (photo/chart) based variant.
Source: Bloom (Daily Trivia, 14s per question), Nibble (image-based identification with timer)
Nebula example: "Which is true for a bank stock with a P/E ratio of 4.69?" — 15 seconds

**M02. Quiz with Tip Feedback**
Read micro-content → answer the question → wrong answer triggers a "Here's a tip!" explanation card. Tip quality can be rated thumbs up/down. Optional lives system (hearts).
Source: Bloom (Why Invest? lesson — MC question + tip card)
Nebula example: After a dividend lesson → wrong answer → "Tip: Dividend yield alone isn't enough, also check payout consistency"

**M03. Fill in the Blank**
Sentence with a blank; user types or selects the missing word/number. Tests recall, not recognition.
Source: Duolingo (sentence completion), Drops (progressive fill stage)
Nebula example: "Formations with a compliance score above ____ give more reliable signals" → [50 / 70 / 90]

**M04. Sentence / Sequence Builder from Word Bank**
Scrambled words/concepts given, arranged into correct order. Tests process order or sentence structure.
Source: Duolingo (tap to translate / word bank), Babbel (Phrase Maze — NPC sentence construction)
Nebula example: Arrange in correct order: Discovery → Evaluation → Timing → Confirmation → Open Position

**M05. Binary Concept Match**
Term shown → pick the correct definition from 2 options. Fast, swipeable card deck format. Progress counter (6/116 unlocked).
Source: Bloom (Dictionary — flashcard definition match), Elevate (pendulum synonym selector — word at top, two branching options below with animated feedback)
Nebula example: "P/B" card → "Ratio of market value to book value" or "Ratio of price to earnings"?

**M06. Multi-Pair Matching**
Match between multiple terms and definitions. Drag-and-drop grid format or hidden card flip (memory) variant. Timed, scored. Penalty for wrong match (e.g., -7 seconds).
Source: Nibble (drag-to-match grid), Elevate (timed tile memory match — diamond grid with proportions, pie charts, fractions)
Nebula example: Flip hidden cards — match "P/E" with "8.2", "P/B" with "1.4", "Dividend Yield" with "3.5%"

**M07. Visual Estimation / Slider**
Partial data given, value estimated via slider. Builds intuition for magnitude.
Source: Brilliant (interactive math estimation)
Nebula example: "Looking at this balance sheet, what might the Overall Score be?" → slider 1-5, correct answer: 3.07

**M08. Term Construction from Clues**
Definition/explanation or visual clue given → user builds the term from letters. Variants: tapping letter boxes, swipe-to-write on a grid, hangman-style blank filling. The same term can repeat within a session at increasing difficulty.
Source: Elevate (definition → spell from scrambled letters), Drops (swipe-path letter spelling, image-to-blank hangman), Mimo (inline mini-game "guess the letter")
Nebula example: Definition: "The ratio of a stock's market price to earnings per share" → letters: P, E, R, A, T, I, O → answer: "PE RATIO"

**M09. Tap-to-Identify (Sentence Surgery)**
Sentence/data shown, user directly taps to select the unnecessary or incorrect part within the content itself. Answer options aren't separate — they're embedded in the content. Timed.
Source: Elevate ("What part of the sentence is unnecessary?" — tap words inline to select)
Nebula example: Show a balance sheet summary → "Which line in this summary is miscalculated?" → user taps the wrong line

**M10. Spot the Error**
Find the intentionally placed error in a dataset, chart, or text. Tests critical reading and attention.
Source: Original palette (#18)
Nebula example: Show a stock analysis card — P/E, P/B, dividend yield, volume data are shown but one is intentionally wrong → find it

**M11. Drag to Categorize**
Drag items into correct categories. Tests classification skill.
Source: Original palette (#19)
Nebula example: Drag news headlines into "Positive signal", "Negative signal", "Neutral" categories

**M12. Tinder-style Card Sorting**
Stacked cards, swipe into one of two categories. Timed. Fast classification.
Source: Nibble (animal cards — swipe into categories)
Nebula example: Stock cards → swipe toward "Buy signal" or "Sell signal" (with volume, formation, analyst note info)

**M13. Side-by-Side Comparison**
Two datasets, charts, or scenarios shown side by side → user identifies differences or states preference.
Source: Original palette (#20)
Nebula example: Two stocks' fundamental analysis cards side by side → "Which risk/return profile better fits your strategy?"

**M14. Multi-Answer Free Recall**
A concept given, user writes as many correct answers as possible within the time limit. Tests depth of knowledge.
Source: Elevate ("Enter multiple synonyms" — type as many correct answers within timer)
Nebula example: "Write ratios that measure a stock's valuation" → P/E, P/B, EV/EBITDA, PEG... each correct answer scores points

**M15. Visual Puzzle / Missing Piece**
An image with a missing piece (chart, table, screenshot) shown → pick the correct piece from 3 options. Visual context reading.
Source: Nibble (painting with cutout — pick correct piece from 3 options)
Nebula example: A price chart is missing its formation line → pick the correct formation from 3 options

## Category 2 — Interactive & Simulation

**M16. Scenario Decision Tree**
Branching scenario. Each decision determines the next state. Outcomes shape up from the accumulation of decisions.
Source: Original palette (#21)
Nebula example: "The central bank rate decision just came in, you hold banking stocks" → Hold / Sell / Increase → different outcome on each branch

**M17. Time Machine / What-If Simulator**
Go back to a historical point, see what would've happened with different decisions. Uses real data.
Source: Original palette (#15), inspired by Brilliant benchmark
Nebula example: "In March 2024, THYAO dropped 12%. What would you have done that day?" → enter decisions → compare to actual outcome

**M18. Exploratory Sandbox**
No right/wrong, user freely tinkers with a tool. Builds exploration and familiarity.
Source: Original need — for the L2 (Tool Interpretation) sub-cluster
Nebula example: Radar chart sandbox — change parameters, see how the score changes, no pressure of making mistakes

**M19. Build → Preview Mode**
User builds something, previews the result live, fixes if there's an error. Learning by doing.
Source: Mimo (code building with live output, then "Error detected → Try to fix")
Nebula example: User builds a watchlist → simulation fast-forwards 30 days → shows performance → teaches with the question "Why did this stock drop?"

**M20. Multi-Step Assembly Game**
Build something step by step. Pick one of the options at each step, the result takes visual shape. Progressive star rating.
Source: Nibble ("Make a Caprese Salad" — pick cheese → add vegetable → add drizzle → see result)
Nebula example: "Build a pre-trade checklist" → Step 1: Choose a discovery tool → Step 2: Choose a confirmation signal → Step 3: Set risk/reward ratio → Step 4: Position sizing → Result: your checklist gets scored

**M21. Before / After Reveal**
Shows the before and after of a decision or event. Impact is visualized.
Source: Original palette (#23)
Nebula example: "Investor with a stop-loss vs. without" → same stock, same period, two different outcomes revealed side by side

**M22. Annotate the Screen**
A real app screen shown, user labels or marks specific areas.
Source: Original palette (#22)
Nebula example: Show a stock detail screen → "Find and mark the P/E ratio" → "Now find the volume bar"

**M23. Build-a-Checklist**
User builds their own checklist for a decision process. Correct/missing items shown with feedback.
Source: Original palette (#24)
Nebula example: "Build your checklist before buying a stock" → user selects → missing steps are highlighted

**M24. AI Tutor Chat**
Free-form chat with AI. Ask questions, get explanations, deepen understanding of a concept.
Source: Original palette (#14)
Nebula example: "Why is this stock's P/E ratio so low?" → AI gives a context-based explanation

**M25. AI Roleplay with Character Selection**
Pick a character with a personality, engage in scenario-based interaction with them. Chat or immersive mode.
Source: Speak (pick a 3D character with personality — "Lumi: Bold, witty, and playfully chaotic", then roleplay in a scenario)
Nebula example: Choose between "Kemal, the experienced portfolio manager" and "Ali, the ambitious rookie" → discuss the investment scenario with your chosen character

**M26. User-Created Scenarios**
User defines their own scenario (role, topic, conditions). "Give me an idea" AI assist available.
Source: Speak (define your role, AI's role, scenario topic + "Give me an idea" assist)
Nebula example: "Me: New investor. Scenario: I inherited 50,000 TL. Goal: 15% return within 1 year" → AI simulates this scenario

**M27. Community-Created Scenarios**
Scenarios published by other users. Hot/New/Top ranking, like system.
Source: Speak (other users publish roleplay scenarios with likes and social discovery)
Nebula example: Investment scenarios created by users: "What would you do in the 2022 crypto crash?" → play the most popular scenarios

## Category 3 — Competitive & Social

**M28. PvP Estimation Duel**
Two players see the same data clues (revenue, P/E, sector). Each estimates a value. Closest guess wins.
Source: Bloom (stock price estimation duel)
Nebula example: Show two users the same balance sheet summary → "What's this stock's price in TL?" → closest estimate wins

**M29. Portfolio Card Battle**
Each player has a stock card (with metrics). A category is selected, higher value wins.
Source: Bloom (Top Trumps-style portfolio cards)
Nebula example: Your card THYAO (P/E: 5.2, Dividend: 2.1%) vs. opponent's AKBNK (P/E: 4.8, Dividend: 3.4%) → Dividend category → opponent wins

**M30. Competitive Ranking System**
Ranking-based competition. Variants: live quiz leaderboard, weekly league (promotion/relegation), percentile ranking. Season-based.
Source: Bloom (live leaderboard quiz), Mimo (league-based leaderboard — Wooden League → unlock next, 6d 23h seasons), Elevate (skill-based percentile ranking)
Nebula example: Weekly "Analysis League" — best predictions ranked, top 10 promoted to the next league

**M31. Friend Quests**
Collaborative goals. Two users reach a goal together.
Source: Duolingo ("You and a friend complete 20 lessons this week")
Nebula example: "Complete 10 analysis tasks together with a friend this week" → both earn bonus XP

## Category 4 — Narrative & Content Delivery

**M32. Narrative-Framed Learning**
Exercises wrapped in a story, adventure, or character dialogue. NPCs ask questions, correct answers advance progress. Limited attempts (per-challenge) create tension.
Source: Bloom (story-based swipe lesson), Duolingo (character stories with quiz checkpoints), Babbel (Phrase Maze — pixel-art adventure, ghost NPCs as examiners, "Attempts 2/3" per room)
Nebula example: "Stock Market Adventure" — each room is an investment concept, NPC traders ask questions, correct answers unlock the next room

**M33. Visual Metaphor Explanation**
Explain an abstract concept with a concrete visual metaphor. E.g., Lego blocks = company ownership. Illustration + annotated callout.
Source: Nibble (Lego blocks as company ownership)
Nebula example: Explain portfolio diversification with a pie chart image → each slice is a sector, size shows its weight

**M34. Reveal Card (Flip for Fact)**
Image/result shown, tapping the card reveals the knowledge nugget behind it.
Source: Nibble (completed dish shown as image, tap to flip for knowledge nugget)
Nebula example: A stock card shows logo and price on the front → flip → back shows "This stock has raised its dividend 3 times in the last 5 years"

**M35. Company-Specific Micro Lessons**
Short, focused lesson about a specific company/stock. Based on real data.
Source: Original palette (#17)
Nebula example: "Get to Know THYAO" — a 3-minute micro lesson: sector, latest earnings, analyst opinion, key metrics

**M36. Phrasebook / Cheat Sheet Before Practice**
A list of "example phrases/concepts you can use" before entering practice. A scaffolding tool.
Source: Speak ("Example lines you could say" with audio + bookmark for later)
Nebula example: Before entering the simulation: "Concepts that'll help in this scenario: Stop-loss, P/E ratio, Support level" — each with a short explanation

## Category 5 — Gamification Loops

**M37. Streak & Habit System**
In-session momentum (consecutive correct answers — "6 IN A ROW!") + cross-session consistency (daily streak, weekly activity grid).
Source: Bloom/Duolingo (daily streak bonus), Mimo (in-session streak counter, weekly habit tracker grid)
Nebula example: Daily login streak + in-session "3 correct in a row! Bonus XP" animation

**M38. Collectible Knowledge Items**
Collection of learned terms/concepts. Each item has an individual progress bar, can be marked as favorite. Grouped in packs. Continue/Reset options.
Source: Bloom (term unlock collection — 116 terms), Drops (term pack with mastery tracking — "9/14 Seen", per-term progress bars)
Nebula example: "Fundamental Analysis Dictionary" — 24 terms, each with 3 mastery stages: Seen → Answered correctly → Applied

**M39. Adaptive Difficulty**
Difficulty level adjusts based on user performance. System-driven (automatic), session-driven (same term repeats at increasing difficulty), or user-selected (legendary challenge).
Source: Elevate (difficulty X/400 adaptive scaling), Drops (progressive difficulty within session — see → match → fill → full recall), Duolingo (legendary challenges — harder replay for bonus XP)
Nebula example: First see the "P/E ratio" concept as a definition → then matching → then fill-in-the-blank → then use it in a simulation

**M40. Quest System**
Small tasks flow into bigger tasks. Progress path is visualized.
Source: Original palette (#11)
Nebula example: "Fundamental Analysis Master" quest line: learn 5 terms → pass 3 quizzes → complete 1 simulation → earn a badge

**M41. Spin Wheel / Chance Reward**
Random reward mechanism. The surprise element creates motivation.
Source: Original palette (#13)
Nebula example: Complete daily task → spin the wheel → rewards like "2x XP", "Bonus simulation money", "Special badge"

**M42. In-App Store with Utility Power-Ups**
Spend earned currency on strategic tools. Streak protection, 2x XP, league protection, etc.
Source: Mimo (Streak Freeze, Weekend Ticket, Streak Repair, Double XP, League Protection, cosmetic app icons)
Nebula example: Buy with diamonds: "Streak Shield" (1-day protection), "2x XP Boost" (next task), "Hint Token" (unlock a hint in a quiz)

**M43. Mistakes Review / Practice Hub + Completion Celebration**
A dedicated section that re-serves incorrectly answered questions. Targeted spaced repetition for weak points. Instant celebration on completion + gentle nudge back to review.
Source: Duolingo (mistakes review — re-serves wrong answers), Babbel ("You made it!" celebration + "Why not look over the vocab again?" gentle re-engagement nudge)
Nebula example: "Mistake Log" — all questions you answered wrong live here. Earn XP with the weekly "Clear Your Mistakes" task

**M44. Tower Builder (Answer-to-Build)**
Each correct answer adds a block to a visual structure (tower, building, portfolio). Wrong answer shakes the structure or adds no block. Progress is concrete and visual.
Source: Elevate (True/False tower — answer questions to build your tower)
Nebula example: "Portfolio Tower" — each correct analysis answer adds a floor to your tower, 10 floors = badge

**M45. Hearts / Lives System**
Limited attempts. Session ends when exhausted (or continues via payment/waiting). Creates a stakes feeling.
Source: Duolingo (limited attempts before lockout), Babbel (Attempts 2/3 per challenge with visual consequence)
Nebula example: 3 lives per quiz → when exhausted: "That's it for today. Try again tomorrow or continue with 5 diamonds"

## Quick Reference Table

| # | Mechanic | Category | Main Source | Engagement Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M01 | Timed Multiple Choice | Testing | Bloom, Nibble | Active |
| M02 | Quiz with Tip Feedback | Testing | Bloom | Active |
| M03 | Fill in the Blank | Testing | Duolingo, Drops | Active |
| M04 | Sequence Builder | Testing | Duolingo, Babbel | Active |
| M05 | Binary Concept Match | Testing | Bloom, Elevate | Active |
| M06 | Multi-Pair Matching | Testing | Nibble, Elevate | Active |
| M07 | Visual Estimation / Slider | Testing | Brilliant | Active |
| M08 | Term Construction | Testing | Elevate, Drops, Mimo | Active |
| M09 | Tap-to-Identify | Testing | Elevate | Active |
| M10 | Spot the Error | Testing | Original | Active |
| M11 | Drag to Categorize | Testing | Original | Active |
| M12 | Tinder-style Card Sorting | Testing | Nibble | Active |
| M13 | Side-by-Side Comparison | Testing | Original | Active |
| M14 | Multi-Answer Free Recall | Testing | Elevate | Active |
| M15 | Visual Puzzle / Missing Piece | Testing | Nibble | Active |
| M16 | Scenario Decision Tree | Interactive | Original | Interactive |
| M17 | Time Machine / What-If | Interactive | Original, Brilliant | Interactive |
| M18 | Exploratory Sandbox | Interactive | Original | Interactive |
| M19 | Build → Preview Mode | Interactive | Mimo | Interactive |
| M20 | Multi-Step Assembly Game | Interactive | Nibble | Interactive |
| M21 | Before / After Reveal | Interactive | Original | Interactive |
| M22 | Annotate the Screen | Interactive | Original | Interactive |
| M23 | Build-a-Checklist | Interactive | Original | Interactive |
| M24 | AI Tutor Chat | Interactive | Original | Interactive |
| M25 | AI Roleplay with Character | Interactive | Speak | Interactive |
| M26 | User-Created Scenarios | Interactive | Speak | Interactive |
| M27 | Community-Created Scenarios | Interactive | Speak | Interactive |
| M28 | PvP Estimation Duel | Competitive | Bloom | Gamified |
| M29 | Portfolio Card Battle | Competitive | Bloom | Gamified |
| M30 | Competitive Ranking System | Competitive | Bloom, Mimo, Elevate | Gamified |
| M31 | Friend Quests | Competitive | Duolingo | Gamified |
| M32 | Narrative-Framed Learning | Narrative | Bloom, Duolingo, Babbel | Gamified |
| M33 | Visual Metaphor Explanation | Narrative | Nibble | Active |
| M34 | Reveal Card (Flip for Fact) | Narrative | Nibble | Active |
| M35 | Company-Specific Micro Lessons | Narrative | Original | Active |
| M36 | Phrasebook / Cheat Sheet | Narrative | Speak | Active |
| M37 | Streak & Habit System | Loop | Bloom, Duolingo, Mimo | Gamified |
| M38 | Collectible Knowledge Items | Loop | Bloom, Drops | Gamified |
| M39 | Adaptive Difficulty | Loop | Elevate, Drops, Duolingo | Gamified |
| M40 | Quest System | Loop | Original | Gamified |
| M41 | Spin Wheel / Chance Reward | Loop | Original | Gamified |
| M42 | In-App Store with Power-Ups | Loop | Mimo | Gamified |
| M43 | Mistakes Review + Celebration | Loop | Duolingo, Babbel | Gamified |
| M44 | Tower Builder | Loop | Elevate | Gamified |
| M45 | Hearts / Lives System | Loop | Duolingo, Babbel | Gamified |

## Engagement Type Distribution

| Type | Definition | # of Mechanics |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Doing something with knowledge — quiz, exercise | 18 |
| Interactive | Two-way interaction — simulation, game | 12 |
| Gamified | Game mechanics driving learning | 15 |

## Notes

There are 45 entries after merging (original count said 43, but M44 Tower Builder and M45 Hearts/Lives deserved to stay separate during the breakdown). Each mechanic can serve multiple sub-clusters. Mechanics can be combined (e.g., Narrative-framed + Timed MC + Streak = a quiz adventure). The "Original" source refers to mechanics derived from Nebula-specific needs.