When I call Edmonton accounting student Kyle Bauder, he’s busy loading a handful of “missions” for the island nation of Madagascar, off the coast of Africa.
Bauder is the creator of Zelse, an app that encourages users to complete location-based missions, earn points and discover public landmarks, attractions and local history. He says he’s hoping to get people off the couch, away from endless doom scrolling and out into their cities.
The platform already features more than 650 locations around the world, including local cities like Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge, with plans to continue expanding across Alberta and Canada.
“The idea of the app is you go out and do these missions in your community or your city, then you get these points,” says Bauder. “In Edmonton, you might go take a picture at the Legislature or another landmark. Premium members can create their own missions.”
Edmonton was the first city built into the platform and currently features about 25 missions. Users can complete challenges ranging from photographing notable landmarks to visiting locations that highlight a city’s culture and history.
Bauder said the concept behind his app has evolved significantly since it was first imagined, shifting into more of a travel idea, he says. “Tourists aren’t always aware of the area or what sites and sights are important to see.”
“Your assignment, should you choose to accept it…”
Rather than simply offering another social media platform, Bauder says the app is designed to encourage people to be active, explore and engage with others.
“People are getting off the couch and doing things,” he says adding the app is already expanding well beyond Alberta.
“We’ve added some missions for Madagascar,” he said. “You can add missions for smaller places too. We’re looking to curate Alberta first and then all of Canada. Where there’s a will for them, people will sign up and create their own local ideas.”
Those ideas could include everything from local folklore and historic landmarks to famous restaurants and hidden attractions.
“In the U.K., for example, it could be a 1,000-year-old tavern,” said Bauder.
Future updates are expected to add rewards tied to local businesses. Bauder also envisions restaurants and retailers creating their own missions, allowing users to redeem points for discounts and promotions while encouraging more people to explore neighbourhood businesses.
“It helps people engage in their community, go out and do things, be active and have fun,” he said. “So many apps want to keep you just at home on the phone. This is about being a bit more active.”
Bauder hopes as more users join the platform, each community will begin creating its own missions with the power of local knowledge, making every city a unique experience for both residents and visitors.
Many missions.
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