From Idea to Escape Room: Project-Based Teaching in the Dieter Research Project

As part of the “Innovation Lab” courses in the bachelor’s program in computer science, a total of 14 students in four project teams developed projects over three consecutive semesters starting in the 2024/25 winter semester that contributed directly to the DIETER – DIgital EducaTional Escape Room for STEM subjects research project. The students started the projects in the third semester of their studies.

The DIETER research project is a digital educational escape room designed specifically for secondary school students. The aim of the project is to create playful and motivating approaches to learning STEM subjects – mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology – and thus to promote interest and skills in these areas in the long term. The DIETER research project is funded by MA23 – Economy, Labor, and Statistics of the City of Vienna.

Design, development, and testing of various game modules

The students worked in interdisciplinary teams on the design, development, and testing of various game modules that can be integrated into the digital escape room. The focus was on both educational and technical requirements: the games should convey technical content in an understandable way while also providing motivating, immersive gaming experiences.

Over the course of three semesters, the project ideas were developed iteratively. The students created prototypes, tested them in different settings, and continuously improved them based on feedback. The projects included the development of puzzles, digital interaction mechanisms, physical game objects, and accompanying didactic materials. Regular feedback loops with teachers, researchers, and test groups contributed significantly to quality assurance and further development of the concepts.

Mature game modules presented

At the end of the fifth semester, the project teams were able to present mature game modules that can be integrated into the overall concept of the DIETER escape room, thus making a valuable contribution to promoting STEM skills among potential first-year students. The results show how project-based work and research-oriented teaching can produce innovative learning formats.

The aim of the DIETER research project, funded by the City of Vienna, is to support teaching in schools and at the FHTW (studies, FIT courses) by means of a modular and sustainably expandable serious game in order to increase scientific understanding and make it more accessible in an entertaining way. (MA23, Call 36-01: Serious Games in Teaching and Research)

Further Information:

DIETER – DIgital EducaTional Escape Room for STEM subjects

Innovative learning concept: DIETER – The Educational Escape Room for STEM subjects

DIETER in focus: Summer School in Krems on digital educational escape rooms

Ideas, systems, games: Project workshop with Fares Kayali opened up new perspectives

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