The Easter egg that most of us are familiar with is that chocolate, egg-shaped sweet that signals the start of spring. But what about Easter eggs in IT?
An 'Easter egg' in the tech space is a hidden feature, joke, or message that developers insert into apps, websites, or video games. These hidden elements are designed to be found only through specific actions or sequences of commands by end users or players. Not inherently useful for the functionality of the software, Easter eggs serve as a playful interaction between the developers and their users, intended to surprise, entertain, or reward curiosity. Their discovery often requires a keen eye, patience, or inside knowledge, making the uncovering of an Easter egg a rewarding experience for users (kind of like regular Easter eggs— but without the chocolate).
While we don't have any 'Easter eggs' in our software, there have been some big names that have. Here are some famous examples:
- Google's "Do a Barrel Roll": By typing "do a barrel roll" into Google, the whole browser screen will perform a 360-degree spin, mimicking the barrel roll maneuver.
- Tesla's Rainbow Road: In certain models of Tesla vehicles, activating the Autopilot feature four times in quick succession changes the display on the dashboard to "Rainbow Road" from the Mario Kart series, complete with theme music.
- The T-Rex Game in Google Chrome: When Google Chrome users are disconnected from the internet and try to visit a webpage, they are met with an image of a T-Rex. By pressing the space bar, this image turns into a playable game where the T-Rex jumps over cactuses, giving you something to do while you're waiting for connectivity.
- The Flight Simulator in Microsoft Excel 97: Microsoft hid a full-fledged flight simulator within Excel 97. Accessing it involved a complex series of steps in a new workbook, leading users to a surprising and immersive experience.
- LinkedIn's “Time Machine”: LinkedIn once had an Easter egg that, upon editing your profile, offered an option to "Add a time period". Choosing "the Future" and then selecting "Warp to the future" would transform your LinkedIn profile page into a futuristic, space-themed version, complete with sci-fi achievements and endorsements from extraterrestrial beings.
These Easter eggs represent a deeper connection between developers and users, creating a unique interactive experience filled with curiosity and discovery. Whether it's spinning a web page with a simple command, navigating a hidden flight simulator, or turning a mundane error page into a game, Easter eggs can exemplify the creativity and playful spirit that thrives within the tech community. They remind us that at the heart of technology lies human ingenuity and a desire to connect, entertain, and surprise— even if we're separated by computer screens.
