INFO 418

Credit: 3 OR 4 hours.

This course will explore the intersection of storytelling, interaction design, and user experience through the design of escape rooms. In the past couple years escape rooms have been on the rise, changing from simple locked boxes in an open room to complex adventures spanning multiple rooms involving electronics, sound design, storytelling, and even live actors. This class will be primarily focusing on the manufacturing and electronics work that goes into making an immersive escape room experience. Over the span of the course, students will become familiar with the basics of several advanced small-scale manufacturing tools, such as laser engravers, electronic cutters, and 3D printers/scanners. They will also learn how to program small-board electronics (Arduinos and IoT boards, servos, electronic locks, and/or lights), and incorporate them meaningfully into puzzles in order to achieve client’s goals. Students will design, prototype, playtest, and iterate collaboratively on the puzzles and interactive elements.

3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Credit is not given for INFO 418 and INFO 490 B, BG, ERU or ERG "Makerspace: Escape rooms" sections.