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
Game Design Foundations
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.
Escape Room Design Specifics
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 design
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.
Delivery and Reflection
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.
Optional / Bonus Topics (can be infused where relevant)
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.