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Article
Planning an Escape: Considerations for the Development of Applied Escape Rooms
Simulation & Gaming
  • Shawn M. Doherty, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • Andrew Griggs, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • Elizabeth Lazzara, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • Joseph Keebler, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
  • Tara N. Cohen, Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
  • Bruce L. Gewertz, Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Submitting Campus
Daytona Beach
Department
Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology
Document Type
Article
Publication/Presentation Date
1-31-2023
Abstract/Description

Background. Teams are essential to a wide array of applications and organizations often utilize varying interventions to improve the effectiveness of their teams. Due to their collaborative and modifiable characteristics, escape rooms are being increasingly utilized as an avenue to both deliver team interventions and to function as testbeds in research. Escape rooms are complex, interdependent activities which warrant careful planning to be effectively implemented. Despite the growing literature base concerning escape rooms, there is still limited practical guidance to inform the development of an escape room. Aim. The purpose of this article is to provide seven considerations that are relevant to the development, implementation, and effectiveness of an escape room. Specifically, guidance is provided in determining the objectives, identifying a theme, assigning the roles, establishing participant interdependence, selecting a venue, designing the puzzles, and creating the assessments. Conclusion. The considerations provided in this article can advance the science underlying the use of escape rooms and preclude difficulties associated with their use.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/10468781231154596
Publisher
Sage Publications, Inc.
Citation Information
Shawn M. Doherty, Andrew Griggs, Elizabeth Lazzara, Joseph Keebler, et al.. "Planning an Escape: Considerations for the Development of Applied Escape Rooms" Simulation & Gaming (2023) p. 1 - 17
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/shawn_doherty/10/