10-04-25 - FMP Reflection Journal

I'm not massively confident about where things are right now, but progress is happening—slowly but surely. The plot is taking shape, characters are being fleshed out, and the early structure of the puzzles is starting to align with the overarching story. However, I'm aware that the experience still includes some legacy content from earlier iterations, which could make it feel a bit inconsistent unless carefully tested and revised. I'll need to prototype and see how it plays out in practice.

🧠 Psychological Safety and Messaging

I've started embedding content warnings and psychological safety signposting within the story. There will be emphasis—especially in the garden room and early segments—on guiding the participant's mindset, possibly including a pre-brief. This is to ensure emotional impact without triggering harm.

One element I'm debating is whether to include provocative statements (like last time). Previously, I placed seemingly absurd or polarising newspaper clippings on the walls—statements like "Climate change isn't real" or "The Earth is flat"—next to something more nuanced about ADHD. The intention was to provoke reflection and highlight how society trivializes or questions lived experiences. However, in the current climate, I'm conscious that public tolerance for ambiguity has dropped. Outrage culture may cause people to shut down rather than stay curious.

I still believe there's value in cognitive disruption, but I need to balance it with clarity. It's not about provoking for shock—it's about contrasting absurd dismissals with invisible truths.

🧩 Improving Puzzles & Story Integration

I've done some research into gamification techniques and misdirection mechanics (e.g., StudioBinder's block list videos). I want to start embedding more mystery and complexity—not just for complexity's sake, but to deepen engagement. I'm aiming for a learning experience that's less didactic, more exploratory.

I've realised I may have been overloading the experience with too much educational content, especially facts and stats. Those don't stick. Instead of reciting dates like "When was Ritalin introduced?" or DSM-V definitions, I want to prioritise empathy-building moments:

• What does it feel like to be emotionally dysregulated?

• Why is task-switching difficult for some learners?

• What happens when someone can't follow written instructions, no matter how hard they try?

Those are the takeaways that matter—not the trivia.

That said, I'm planning to tuck away certain stats as "bonus finds" or Easter eggs—there for those who want to dig deeper, but not central to the experience.

💡 New Practical Actions

• Start mocking up PowerPoint-based puzzle layouts so content is editable and portable before moving into the immersive suite software.

• Use AI tools to generate and edit visual content—removing backgrounds, layering shadows, applying effects. I'm getting better at this and it makes the output feel more polished.

• Explore checklist-based puzzles: e.g., hiding ADHD symptoms in a scavenger-style activity where participants need to identify what's not on the list, revealing patterns of misunderstanding.

• Start embedding the Fibonacci spiral and "Hunter vs. Farmer" metaphors more intentionally—it's starting to feel less like a shoehorn and more like a framework.

• Continue developing hidden clues and wall-based storytelling elements, especially using layered images and props.

🛠 Bias Check: Mindsets to Watch

I'm trying to stay mindful of my cognitive traps. Here's a quick mindset map I made for myself:

Bias Antidote Mindset Practical Action
Negativity Bias Scan for progress, not just problems Keep a "Win List" visible—every small step counts
Illusion of Transparency Say it out loud, not just in my head Regularly ask others: "What's your first impression of this idea?"
Curse of Knowledge Design for entry-level understanding Create onboarding content, not just complex narratives
Sunk Cost Fallacy Focus on future alignment Ask: "What would I do if I started fresh tomorrow?"
Hostile Attribution Assume people are overwhelmed, not opposed Be curious before judging silence or pushback

🎯 Today's Focus

• Work on the visual assets and puzzle sequencing in PowerPoint

• Build editable storyboards for easier revision and team contribution

• Keep pushing forward, even if the pace is slow

I've got meetings lined up with interested collaborators, and the "Hunters and Farmers" metaphor is starting to feel embedded—not just an overlay. That's a good sign. Now I just need to keep learning the tools, keep simplifying where I've overcomplicated, and most importantly—keep creating.