DevLearn 2026 • Session 606

Design your own micro escape challenge.

A planning canvas for experiences where the puzzle is practice, not an unrelated obstacle.

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1. The performance moment

What real job situation, decision, or problem should participants rehearse?

2. The observable action

What must learners actually do to demonstrate the skill?

3. The consequences

What could go wrong? How will people recognize a good decision?

4. The puzzle mechanic

Choose an interaction that requires the target behavior (sort, compare, route, assemble, decide).

5. The information and constraints

What evidence, job aids, tradeoffs, or time limits should players consider?

6. The moment of feedback

How will players know they succeeded without a facilitator checking every team?

7. Help without spoilers

How can players self-rescue if they are stuck? What hints can build in strength?

8. Playtest and debrief

Watch for: Can they begin? Can they tell what to do next? Do they practice the intended behavior? What will you ask in the debrief?

Start small: One authentic decision, one satisfying interaction, and useful feedback are enough for a first prototype. • Pamela Gutman • The Backup League / DevLearn 2026 • See resources at pamela-gutman-portfolio.pages.dev/backup-league/resources/