22/04/25 – Reflection: Timings, Briefing Rewrite & Tech Experiments

Experiments

🕐 Route Timing Test

While I didn't complete much tangible build work today, I did make a valuable breakthrough: I walked and timed the entire proposed route around Crawley College for the immersive experience. The full circuit—starting at the Tower, then moving to ST11, the ATC, the Pod, and back to the Tower—took me approximately 12 minutes at a slow pace.

To future-proof the plan, I:

• Included elevator use for accessibility

• Added slight detours to simulate real participant pace

• Estimated a 15-minute total walking time for most teams

I might be able to shave 2–3 minutes off by unlocking a side exit from the Pod, though I'll need permission for that.

This timing insight confirmed a key concern: I'll need to trim or restructure parts of the project if I want to keep the experience within a 60–90 minute limit, especially with three immersive rooms. Stacey was right—it's easier to add content later than to cut complex sections after they're built.

Next step: integrate time estimates into the project spreadsheet to better plan content-per-location.

🎞️ Mission Briefing Research – "Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It…"

I revisited the idea of creating a Mission: Impossible-style intro and used ChatGPT to pull scripts from the films—particularly the first one, still my favourite. Here's what I learned:

Typical Mission Intro Structure:

1. Greeting: e.g., "Good morning, Mr. Hunt."

2. Target Identification: Facial/image reference with backstory

3. Mission Objectives: Always 3 clearly defined tasks

4. Choice Clause: "Your mission, should you choose to accept it…"

5. Disavow Clause: e.g., "The Secretary will disavow…"

6. Self-Destruct Line: "This message will self-destruct in five seconds."

I'll rewrite my briefing using this format to improve clarity, pace, and immersion. The original version had too much waffle and lacked impact.

🧠 New Idea: Projector-Based Briefing

Midway through the research, inspiration struck: could I mimic the MI3 disposable camera or MI1 tape recorder intro using actual tech?

Here's what I'm thinking:

• Use a micro projector (I already own one, about the size of a cigarette pack)

• Hide it in a prop object (e.g., hollowed book, briefcase)

• Use it to project the briefing video in a physical space (adding smoke/fog machine for "self-destruct" theatrics if I get overambitious)

While it's probably overkill, it could become a standout moment in the experience. Even if I don't use it live, it might be a great marketing or teaser video.

🗣️ Practical Considerations: Scripting & Voiceovers

To test these ideas quickly, I'll:

• Write a streamlined 2-paragraph script based on the MI structure

• Voice it myself for the prototype (later I can re-record with another actor)

• Keep the three-objective format: simple, direct, and true to the source material

📱 Participant Tech Interface

• The tablet check-in system remains a strong feature: participants scan QR codes to trigger handler videos and story updates.

• If tablets aren't available, fallback = participants' personal phones

• I may need to test this workflow on-site to ensure tech compatibility and pace

✅ Next Actions

• Finalize and record new intro script (2-paragraph, 3-objective format)

• Embed time estimates into spreadsheet and restructure flow if needed

• Test projector setup for visual delivery of mission brief

• Begin voiceover and QR-code testing with tablet/phone devices

• Identify what parts of the route or room content could be trimmed or modularized

🧠 Final Reflection

I'm aware this project is growing into a beast—but it's one I still love working on. I'm not scared of ambition, but I do need to stay strategic. Timings, pacing, and simplicity will be the keys to keeping this immersive experience both powerful and practical.