Guidance for Participants
Pre-event guidance for participants is one of the best ways to reduce confusion on the day. This page organizes what is worth telling participants in events that use NaviTabi.
Things to tell them first
- Install NaviTabi and log in before arriving (keep the app updated to the latest version; events that use bonus points cannot be joined on an old version)
- Confirm which category or course they will use
- Some categories may require location permission (you will be asked for "Always Allow" so the route can be recorded during play) and camera permission
- Join with enough battery remaining
- Check how the organizer will contact them on the day
- If the event requires approval, apply in advance
:::tip Ask participants to open the app once before the day If participants do not only install the app but also log in and confirm the event before arrival, reception and start support become much easier. :::
Items worth including in advance guidance
App preparation
- How to install NaviTabi
- Whether login is required
- How to apply if participation approval is required
- That a display name is needed
For the detailed participant-side steps, you can point them to Find an Event or Course and Start Playing.
Basic rules for the day
- Meeting point and reception time
- How to start and how to finish
- How late arrivals are handled
- Contact point when they have trouble
- How weather cancellation or suspension will be announced
Things to explain depending on punch method
- Automatic punch and manual punch
- Location acquisition is required near the spot
- Camera Punch
- The participant needs to open the camera and take a photo
- QR punch
- The participant needs to scan the spot's QR code
- Quiz spots
- Answer input may be required on site
For detailed explanations of punch methods, see Punch Method Guide.
Guidance for events that use bonus points
If you use bonus points (Bonus QR or Combo Bonus) on score-based courses, guiding participants on the following points reduces confusion on the day. For an explanation of bonus points themselves, see Bonus points (QR & combo).
What to tell participants
- Update the app to the latest version — Events that use bonus points cannot be joined with an older version of the app ("This event requires a newer version of the app." is shown)
- Nothing appears on screen when a Combo Bonus is achieved — The points are added automatically, but no achievement notification or badge is shown. Tell participants this so they do not misunderstand it as "not being reflected." They can check the target checkpoints and points in the "Combo Bonus" section on the category (course) screen before starting
- Scan the Bonus QR at the place it is presented — Scan, on the spot, the QR that sponsor shops and the like present when the conditions are met
What to tell shop staff who present a Bonus QR
Bonus QR has no proximity check, no expiration, and no limit on the number of scans. If an image of the QR spreads around, anyone can earn the points at any time without visiting the location. Because the operation depends on how it is displayed, ask them to do the following.
- Present it on the spot only to participants who meet the conditions (do not leave it posted all the time)
- Do not let people photograph it (if the image is forwarded, a third party can earn the points)
- Put the QR away while it is not being presented
What to list as things to bring
- Smartphone
- Mobile battery
- Paper map or compass if needed
- Equipment for rain or low temperatures
- Water and food
- If participation fees are collected on the day, include that guidance too
Important cautions to mention
- If location services are off, participants may not be able to start or punch
- Without camera permission, they may have trouble at spots that require photo taking
- In places with unstable communication, photo upload and result reflection may be delayed
- A mobile battery is recommended in case the device runs low
Additional guidance for Safety Tracking Events
- When to start location sharing
- That location permission must be set to Always Allow
- How to use SOS
- What communication method to use if they go out of coverage
- That they must end the session when finished
- That location transmission continues even in the background
SOS can be triggered even when out of coverage, and it is sent automatically once the signal recovers. In areas where coverage gaps are expected, telling participants that "triggering SOS and continuing to move will still get the signal through" helps prevent reckless behavior.
For participant-facing explanation of Safety Tracking Events, also see Join a Safety Tracking Event.
How to think about writing guidance
- Put the things participants are most likely to get confused about first
- Link detailed screen operations to help pages
- Avoid mixing organizer-specific rules too deeply with generic NaviTabi操作
- If the organizer may handle things manually, align those rules in advance
Example structure for a participant notice
The following order is usually easy for participants to follow.
- Event date, meeting point, and reception time
- What to do before the event
- What to bring
- Flow of the day
- Punch method and cautions
- How to contact the organizer in an emergency
Example text
Please install NaviTabi and complete login before joining the event.
After reception, confirm your category and start individually from the start area.
Charge your smartphone fully and bring a mobile battery.
Some spots require photo taking, so please allow both location and camera permissions in advance.
If you have any trouble, contact the event HQ or the emergency contact listed by the organizer.
Things that are easier to explain if the organizer decides them in advance
- Whether login is mandatory
- Whether paper maps or a printed control list (CP list) will be distributed
- Whether photos taken with the standard camera can be accepted in trouble cases
- How to handle participants who cannot finish in the app