Electric Maze

Experiential learning hardware

The Electric Maze is an innovative, electronically programmable experiential learning activity that challenges teams to find a successful path without triggering a pressure sensitive alarm.

Easily adaptable and programmable, Electric Maze is a physical team problem solving activity for change management and business process improvement. A wide range of team exercises can be used with this activity including developing a variety of soft skills essential to any organisation's success.

The Electric Maze is a highly motivating learning device that consists of a grid and a control module. The grid is an interconnected set of 12 flexible panels that is marked into 48 squares. Each square can be activated independently using a pressure-sensitive switch, and the free-to-download Smartphone App (iOS or Android). If the square is activated, and if someone steps on it, the maze alarm sounds (and the control box warning light flashes). The training session facilitator can activate and deactivate any square on the maze with the control App.

The Challenge

RSVP Design, a global leader in experiential learning with over 20 years of expertise, needed a modern technical solution to enhance their physical Electric Maze hardware. The goal was to create an intuitive mobile interface that would allow trainers to easily configure and control the maze while maintaining reliable hardware communication.

The Solution

We developed mobile and web software that powers the Electric Maze product:

Mobile Application

• Cross-platform app built with React Native for both iOS and Android
• Intuitive interface for trainers to configure maze patterns
• Real-time Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication with the maze hardware
• Instant feedback system for participant interactions

Backend Infrastructure

• Ruby on Rails API powering the content management system
• Secure firmware distribution system
• Automated deployment pipeline for both mobile platforms
• Cloud-based configuration management

Technical Innovation

The project showcases several technical achievements:

• Reliable BLE Implementation: Robust Bluetooth communication that works consistently across both iOS and Android platforms
• Seamless Hardware Integration: Direct interaction with pressure-sensitive switches and control modules
• Cross-Platform Consistency: Identical user experience across different mobile operating systems
• Over-the-Air Updates: Remote firmware update capability for hardware components

Impact

The Electric Maze has become a powerful tool for Learning and Development teams looking to engage their organisation and provide:

• Change management training
• Business process improvement
• Team building exercises
• Leadership development
• Communication skills enhancement

About RSVP Design

RSVP Design stands as a pioneer in experiential learning design, creating innovative training tools used by organizations worldwide. Their commitment to excellence in learning design has made them a trusted partner for corporate training professionals globally.

Project Outcomes

Our technical implementation has helped RSVP Design:

• Modernize their flagship product
• Expand their market reach through mobile platforms
• Simplify the trainer experience
• Enable remote firmware updates
• Maintain their position as an industry innovator

The Electric Maze continues to evolve as a premier learning tool, combining physical interaction with digital precision to create meaningful learning experiences.

If you are looking for a software partner for your IoT project talk to the Add Jam team