docs: Add comprehensive feature showcase and quick start guide

- Created FEATURES.md with detailed comparison table
- Added QUICKSTART.md for 30-second onboarding
- Documented all unique differentiators
- Included pro tips and use case examples
- Added achievement hunting guide

FEATURES.md

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+# 🚀 Eidolon Cognitive Tutor - Unique Features
+
+## What Makes This Special?
+
+This isn't just another AI chatbot. It's a **personalized learning experience** with gamification, multiple learning modes, and adaptive difficulty.
+
+---
+
+## 🎯 Core Differentiators
+
+### 1. **6 Learning Modes** 
+Choose how you learn best:
+- **📚 Standard**: Balanced, comprehensive explanations
+- **🤔 Socratic**: Learn through guided questions (critical thinking)
+- **👶 ELI5**: Explain Like I'm 5 - super simple analogies
+- **🔬 Technical**: Deep dives with technical details (scales with difficulty)
+- **🎭 Analogy**: Learn through metaphors and real-world comparisons
+- **💻 Code**: See concepts explained with pseudocode and examples
+
+### 2. **Adaptive Difficulty** (1-5 Scale)
+- **Level 1 (Beginner)**: Basic concepts, simple language
+- **Level 2-3 (Intermediate)**: Balanced depth and accessibility
+- **Level 4-5 (Expert)**: Advanced concepts, technical terminology
+
+### 3. **Tutor Personas** 
+Your tutor adapts to your preferred style:
+- **😊 Friendly**: Warm, encouraging, supportive
+- **📚 Strict**: Direct, no-nonsense, academic
+- **🎉 Enthusiastic**: High-energy, excited, motivating
+- **🎓 Professional**: Formal, structured, precise
+- **😄 Playful**: Fun, casual, uses humor
+
+### 4. **Gamification System**
+Track your learning journey:
+- **Question Counter**: See how many questions you've asked
+- **Learning Streak**: Maintain daily engagement 🔥
+- **Achievement System**: Unlock badges
+  - 🌟 *Getting Started* - First question
+  - 🎓 *Curious Learner* - 10 questions
+  - 🔥 *Knowledge Seeker* - 50 questions
+  - 🎨 *Mode Master* - Try all 6 learning modes
+
+### 5. **Interactive Features**
+- **Typing Animation**: Responses appear character-by-character
+- **Prompt Enhancement**: AI suggests better ways to phrase your question
+- **Surprise Me**: Random interesting questions to spark curiosity
+- **Copy & Share**: Easily save and share responses
+- **Conversation History**: Review past Q&A sessions
+
+### 6. **Smart Examples**
+Curated question starters across different domains:
+- 📐 Physics (Newton's Laws)
+- 💻 Computer Science (Binary Search)
+- 🤖 Machine Learning (Supervised vs Unsupervised)
+- 🔒 Networking (HTTP vs HTTPS)
+
+---
+
+## 🎨 UI/UX Highlights
+
+- **Beautiful Gradient Design**: Modern purple gradient background
+- **Responsive Layout**: Works on desktop, tablet, mobile
+- **Smooth Animations**: Hover effects, transitions, loading states
+- **Stats Dashboard**: Real-time progress tracking at the top
+- **Achievement Popups**: Celebratory notifications when you earn badges
+- **Visual Mode Indicators**: Each mode has unique emoji and color coding
+
+---
+
+## 🔧 Technical Excellence
+
+- **Zero-Config Demo Mode**: Works instantly without API keys
+- **SQLite History**: Persistent conversation storage
+- **Rate Limiting**: Prevents abuse, ensures fair usage
+- **Session Management**: Track user journeys across visits
+- **Retry Logic**: Automatic retry with exponential backoff
+- **Error Handling**: Graceful degradation, helpful error messages
+- **LocalStorage**: Client-side persistence for stats and achievements
+
+---
+
+## 🆚 Comparison: What Other Demos Don't Have
+
+| Feature | Eidolon | Typical AI Demo |
+|---------|---------|-----------------|
+| Multiple Learning Modes | ✅ 6 modes | ❌ One-size-fits-all |
+| Difficulty Scaling | ✅ 1-5 levels | ❌ Static responses |
+| Persona System | ✅ 5 personalities | ❌ Single tone |
+| Gamification | ✅ Achievements & streaks | ❌ No engagement tracking |
+| Typing Animation | ✅ Character-by-character | ❌ Instant text dump |
+| Prompt Enhancement | ✅ AI suggestions | ❌ No help crafting questions |
+| Conversation History | ✅ SQLite storage | ❌ Ephemeral only |
+| Stats Dashboard | ✅ Real-time metrics | ❌ No progress tracking |
+| Demo Mode | ✅ Fully functional | ⚠️ Placeholder text only |
+
+---
+
+## 💡 Use Cases
+
+### For Students
+- **Socratic Mode**: Develop critical thinking
+- **ELI5 Mode**: Grasp complex topics quickly
+- **Technical Mode**: Prepare for exams with depth
+
+### For Developers
+- **Code Mode**: See implementation patterns
+- **Technical Mode**: Deep-dive into architecture
+- **Analogy Mode**: Explain concepts to non-technical stakeholders
+
+### For Educators
+- **Adaptive Difficulty**: Differentiate instruction
+- **Multiple Modes**: Cater to different learning styles
+- **History Tracking**: Monitor student engagement
+
+---
+
+## 🎯 Try These Unique Interactions
+
+1. **Mode Hopping**: Ask the same question in different modes
+   - "Explain recursion" in ELI5 vs Technical mode
+   
+2. **Difficulty Scaling**: Adjust slider mid-conversation
+   - Start at Level 2, then jump to Level 5 for the same topic
+
+3. **Persona Switching**: See how teaching style changes
+   - Ask about quantum physics with Friendly vs Strict persona
+
+4. **Achievement Hunting**: Collect all badges
+   - Try unlocking "Mode Master" by using all 6 modes
+
+5. **Streak Building**: Build a learning habit
+   - Come back daily to maintain your 🔥 streak
+
+---
+
+## 🚀 What's Next?
+
+Future enhancements (currently in planning):
+- 🎨 **Visual Learning Mode**: Diagrams and flowcharts
+- 🎤 **Voice Input/Output**: Audio conversations
+- 📊 **Progress Dashboard**: Weekly learning insights
+- 🏆 **Leaderboards**: Compare with other learners (opt-in)
+- 🎯 **Learning Paths**: Guided curriculum for topics
+- 🤝 **Social Sharing**: Beautiful cards for Twitter/LinkedIn
+
+---
+
+## 📸 Screenshots
+
+### Stats Dashboard
+Shows question count, streak, and achievements at a glance.
+
+### Learning Modes
+Six distinct modes with unique icons and response styles.
+
+### Achievement Popup
+Celebratory notification when earning badges.
+
+### Persona Selector
+Choose your tutor's personality.
+
+---
+
+## 🎓 Behind the Scenes
+
+Built with:
+- **FastAPI**: High-performance async backend
+- **SQLite**: Lightweight conversation persistence
+- **Vanilla JS**: No framework bloat, fast loading
+- **CSS Animations**: Smooth, performant transitions
+- **Gradio**: Alternative UI for Hugging Face Spaces
+
+---
+
+## 🌟 Why It Matters
+
+Education is **not one-size-fits-all**. Different people learn differently:
+- Visual vs verbal learners
+- Detail-oriented vs big-picture thinkers
+- Formal vs casual communication preferences
+
+This tutor adapts to **YOU**, not the other way around.
+
+---
+
+**Try it now**: [Live Demo](https://huggingface.co/spaces/BonelliLab/Eidolon-CognitiveTutor) | [GitHub](https://github.com/Zwin-ux/Eidolon-Cognitive-Tutor)

QUICKSTART.md

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+# 🎮 Quick Start Guide - Eidolon Cognitive Tutor
+
+## 🚀 Get Started in 30 Seconds
+
+### Step 1: Pick Your Learning Mode
+Click one of the mode buttons at the top:
+- 📚 **Standard** - Start here if you're unsure
+- 🤔 **Socratic** - Answer questions to learn
+- 👶 **ELI5** - Super simple explanations
+- 🔬 **Technical** - Deep technical details
+- 🎭 **Analogy** - Learn through comparisons
+- 💻 **Code** - See code examples
+
+### Step 2: Set Your Difficulty
+Drag the slider:
+- **1-2**: Just starting out? Go beginner!
+- **3**: Most people start here (balanced)
+- **4-5**: Ready for advanced concepts? Crank it up!
+
+### Step 3: Choose Your Tutor's Vibe
+Pick a persona:
+- 😊 **Friendly** - Warm and supportive (recommended for beginners)
+- 📚 **Strict** - Academic and direct
+- 🎉 **Enthusiastic** - High-energy and motivating
+- 🎓 **Professional** - Formal and structured
+
+### Step 4: Ask Your Question!
+Type anything:
+- "Explain black holes"
+- "How does the internet work?"
+- "What is machine learning?"
+- "Teach me about recursion"
+
+Or click an example card to try instantly!
+
+---
+
+## 🎯 Pro Tips
+
+### Get Better Answers
+- **Be specific**: "Explain HTTP caching" beats "Tell me about HTTP"
+- **Use the enhance button**: ✨ Click to get AI-suggested improvements
+- **Try multiple modes**: Same question, different perspectives!
+
+### Build Your Streak
+- Come back daily to maintain your 🔥 streak
+- Track your progress in the stats bar
+- Unlock achievements by exploring features
+
+### Experiment!
+- **Mode + Difficulty combo**: Try "Technical Mode + Level 5" for expert content
+- **Persona switching**: See how "Strict" differs from "Playful"
+- **Copy responses**: 📋 Save great explanations for later
+
+---
+
+## 🏆 Achievement Hunting
+
+Unlock these badges:
+1. **🌟 Getting Started** - Ask your first question (easy!)
+2. **🎓 Curious Learner** - Ask 10 questions
+3. **🔥 Knowledge Seeker** - Ask 50 questions (impressive!)
+4. **🎨 Mode Master** - Try all 6 learning modes
+
+Your progress is saved automatically in your browser!
+
+---
+
+## 🎓 Best Practices by Use Case
+
+### For Students
+```
+Mode: Socratic or ELI5
+Difficulty: 1-3
+Persona: Friendly
+Why: Builds understanding through questions and simple language
+```
+
+### For Developers
+```
+Mode: Code or Technical
+Difficulty: 3-4
+Persona: Professional
+Why: Practical examples with technical depth
+```
+
+### For Quick Learning
+```
+Mode: Analogy or ELI5
+Difficulty: 2
+Persona: Enthusiastic
+Why: Fast comprehension through relatable comparisons
+```
+
+### For Exam Prep
+```
+Mode: Technical or Standard
+Difficulty: 4-5
+Persona: Strict
+Why: Rigorous, comprehensive explanations
+```
+
+---
+
+## 🆘 Common Questions
+
+**Q: What's the difference between modes?**
+A: Each mode teaches differently:
+- *Socratic* asks you questions
+- *ELI5* uses simple words
+- *Technical* goes deep
+- *Analogy* compares to familiar things
+- *Code* shows examples
+
+**Q: How do I track my progress?**
+A: Check the stats bar at the top! It shows:
+- Total questions asked
+- Current learning streak
+- Achievements earned
+
+**Q: Can I go back to previous answers?**
+A: Yes! Scroll down to see your conversation history (if enabled).
+
+**Q: What happens if I leave and come back?**
+A: Your stats, achievements, and streak are saved in your browser!
+
+**Q: Is this real AI or a demo?**
+A: It can be both! Set `DEMO_MODE=1` for instant demo responses, or configure an inference API for real AI.
+
+---
+
+## 🎨 UI Walkthrough
+
+### Top Bar
+- **Question Counter**: Total questions asked
+- **Streak**: Days of consecutive use 🔥
+- **Achievements**: Badges earned 🏆
+
+### Mode Selector
+Six colorful buttons - click to switch learning style instantly.
+
+### Controls Panel
+- **Difficulty Slider**: Drag left (easier) or right (harder)
+- **Persona Buttons**: Click to change tutor personality
+
+### Chat Area
+- **Text Input**: Type your question here
+- **Action Buttons**: Ask, Enhance, Clear, Surprise Me
+- **Response Area**: AI answers appear here with typing animation
+- **Example Cards**: Click for instant question starters
+
+### Response Actions
+- **📋 Copy**: Save to clipboard
+- **🔗 Share**: Share this Q&A
+- **🔄 Regenerate**: Get a new answer
+
+---
+
+## 💡 Cool Tricks
+
+### The "Compare" Trick
+Ask the same question in two modes side-by-side:
+1. Ask in ELI5 mode
+2. Switch to Technical mode
+3. Ask again
+4. Compare the depth and style!
+
+### The "Difficulty Ladder"
+Progressive learning:
+1. Start at difficulty 1
+2. Ask about a topic
+3. Increase to 3, ask follow-up
+4. Jump to 5 for advanced details
+
+### The "Persona Test"
+See personality in action:
+1. Ask "Why is math important?"
+2. Try with each persona
+3. Notice the tone differences!
+
+### The "Surprise Challenge"
+Click "🎲 Surprise Me" → Get a random interesting question → Try to answer before the tutor!
+
+---
+
+## 🚀 Next Steps
+
+1. **Start Simple**: Try an example card
+2. **Experiment**: Switch modes mid-conversation
+3. **Track Progress**: Watch your stats grow
+4. **Earn Badges**: Unlock all achievements
+5. **Share**: Tell friends about cool explanations you got!
+
+---
+
+**Need help?** Check out [FEATURES.md](./FEATURES.md) for detailed documentation!
+
+**Found a bug?** Open an issue on [GitHub](https://github.com/Zwin-ux/Eidolon-Cognitive-Tutor/issues)!
+
+---
+
+**Happy Learning! 🎓✨**