Learning topics

Project Management & Teamwork

Introduction to Project-Based Learning and Course Overview
Understand the goals of the course and identify the expectations of project-based learning.
Team Formation, Roles, and Collaboration Skills
Form effective teams, assign roles based on strengths, and practice collaboration and decision-making techniques.
Agile Methods and Iterative Development for Creative Projects
Apply agile principles to structure teamwork, manage evolving ideas, and adapt during project execution.
Planning, Scheduling, and Milestone Setting
Develop project timelines, set clear milestones, and use planning tools to guide team progress.
Documentation, Communication, and Progress Tracking
Maintain clear project documentation, communicate efficiently, and use tools to track deliverables and updates.
Project planning template in Notion

Introduction to Game Design and Player Experience
Explore the fundamentals of game design and define what makes an engaging player experience.
Game Mechanics, Dynamics, and Systems Thinking
Analyze and apply core game mechanics, understand how they interact dynamically, and think in systems.
Puzzle Design and Logic Flow in Games
Design puzzles with clear logic and progression, ensuring challenge and solvability align with player skill.
Narrative Design and Storytelling in Escape Rooms
Craft compelling narratives that drive gameplay, using story elements to support immersion and motivation.

Physical Space Design and Environmental Storytelling
Design room layouts and use physical environments to convey story, mood, and functionality.
Puzzle Types, Difficulty Balancing, and Sequencing
Identify diverse puzzle types, balance difficulty, and organize puzzles to support pacing and satisfaction.
Puzzle desing
Props, Technology, and Interaction Design in Escape Rooms
Integrate physical and digital elements into room design to create interactive, memorable experiences.
Playtesting, Feedback Gathering, and Iteration
Conduct effective playtests, gather user feedback, and iteratively improve the experience based on data.
Play testing using the EOTA method
Safety, Accessibility, and Reset Protocols in Physical Rooms
Implement design choices that ensure safety, inclusivity, and efficient room resets between sessions.

Final Presentation, Demo Day, and Public Playtest
Present the final project to an audience, run public playtests, and showcase the design process.
Team Reflection, Peer Feedback, and Course Retrospective
Reflect on personal and team performance, give and receive peer feedback, and identify learning takeaways.

Game Flow Diagrams and Puzzle Dependency Graphs
Visualize puzzle dependencies and player progression to improve logical structure and flow.
Using Arduino/Raspberry Pi in Escape Room Technology
Incorporate basic electronics and microcontrollers to enable creative physical interactions.
Designing for Emotions, Immersion, and Theming
Design with emotional engagement and immersive theming in mind to create deeper player involvement.
Budgeting and Material Constraints in Physical Builds
Manage physical resources effectively and make design decisions under real-world limitations.
Escape Room Design Case Studies and Guest Talks
Analyze real-world escape rooms and learn from professionals through talks and critique sessions.