The Witness: Lab 02

Desert Ruins

Just North of Symmetry Island, a bleached pile of ruins sits smoldering in the bright sunlight.

You Are Here

Consider these aspects of the desert ruins:

Key Insights

Catching Reflected Light	Controlling Machinery	Limited Light	Obstructions

Audio Logs

• Albert Einstein:

  

Catching Reflected Light

As you traverse the desert ruins, consider how the Sun reflects brightly off various surfaces.

Group Discussion: What role might this effect play in this puzzle environment?

Controlling Machinery

Many of the puzzles in this area can be more easily solved by activating the technology in the environment. Try adjusting this monitor’s position by controlling the switch.

Albert Einstein

Climb atop a shiny structure to the north of the main ruins to discover an audio log excerpt of Albert Einstein reflecting on “cosmic religious feeling”.

View Excerpt

Group Discussion: Consider how this excerpt may reflect the nature of the puzzles and environment in this section of the island.

Limited Light

Journey down into the depths of the ruins, leaving behind the scorched sands above. Group Discussion: How does your approach to these puzzles change when the light source is limited or unavailable?

Obstructions

Group Discussion: What lesson(s) did you learn from completing this puzzle?

Completing The Island

This part of the island is complete when the final puzzle is solved and the laser fires into the sky. Nice work!

The Witness Journal Entry #2

Write a journal entry on what you learned from this lab. Pretend that you are a scientist exploring this island for the very first time. Your journal entry must include discussions on at least (1) of the following:

• Experiencing An “Aha!” Moment

  • Did you have an “Aha!” moment while you were attempting to solve any particular puzzle? Describe the moment when you finally figured it out.

  • How do you think other puzzles in the area informed your approach to solving this one?

  • How has your perception and understanding of the puzzle changed once you found the solution?

• Partial Solutions

  • In what ways do the puzzles in this area prevent you from seeing the whole solution all at once?

  • What behavior does this lack of information evoke in you as you attempt to solve these puzzles?

  • How did you manipulate the state of the environment to improve your chances of finding a puzzle solution?

• A Puzzling Puzzle

  • After reflecting on a puzzle in this area, what was most confusing about it and why? Are there still aspects of the puzzle you don’t understand? Explain.

  • What approaches or techniques did you use to improve your understanding of the puzzle?

  • Describe the feelings you experienced as you worked through your confusion to ultimately solve the puzzle.

• Layering Lessons

  • Consider each puzzle-floor as you descend further and further into the desert ruins.

  • Can you identify a specific lesson that each of these floors intends to teach you?

  • How do lessons from one floor inform your approach to puzzles on other floors?

Final Journal Requirement:

After responding to one of the items above, discuss the solution to a particular puzzle that challenged you. Explain the mechanics of this puzzle in detail and how you came to understand them. If it helps, feel free to include screenshots or sketches of the puzzle.