As the first game in this series, “Mission Metal Memory,” developed in collaboration with the Institute for Materials Science, has now been released. Just like in real university life, the first task is to find your way around campus and locate the lecture hall. The lecture focuses on shape memory alloys, materials that can be deformed but return to their original shape at the push of a button. In the lecture, participants learn in a concise format how this remarkable behavior can be explained, its significance for various applications such as aerospace, medical technology, and smartphones, and how such materials are produced. Following this, the virtual lab awaits, where the newly acquired knowledge is put to the test: When should each step be performed? How should each parameter be adjusted to achieve the desired result?

Every experiment involves creating a protocol: In the game, this is done in an engaging way through an interactive quiz that awaits players in the Materials Science Learning Center. Here, the comprehensive understanding of the topic is tested once again, and the knowledge is consolidated.

A high degree of interactivity ensures that the learning process is dynamic and engaging. Using the example of shape memory alloys, players gain insights into the thought processes and working methods of materials science. Along the way, they also become familiar with the campus and get a sense of the workflows involved in university studies.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The game was developed in close collaboration with various departments at TU Darmstadt. Markus Weber and Felix Hoch from the E-Learning Group of the Center for Educational Development and Technology (HDA) were responsible for the didactic design and technical implementation. Ruben Bischler and Dr.-Ing. Anne Kikker from the Institute for Materials Science oversaw the content development. Franziska Ritter contributed her expertise from the Central Student Advisory Service to the project.

Materials Science – A Key Discipline Under the Radar

There are good reasons why the Materials Science program was chosen for the pilot project. Few other disciplines exhibit such a significant gap between their immense relevance and limited public awareness. “MaWis,” as students and researchers in this field call themselves, develop a profound understanding of material properties, their origins, and how they can be influenced. This enables them to create materials with enhanced or entirely new properties. Such material innovations form the foundation for future technologies in areas such as energy, communication, mobility, and health.

A Window to the University – A Window to the Future

In an era where digital formats are becoming increasingly important, the university offers an innovative, target-group-oriented way to learn about study programs while also experiencing campus life. As a digital showcase, it also reflects the Darmstadt model of science communication, which aims to foster dynamic exchange with the public. Formats like the Escape Game are in demand for their contemporary and easily accessible approach to showcasing how and what is researched, taught, and learned at TU Darmstadt.

Additional games in the “TUDa Campus Quest” series are currently in development. 360° Escape Games focusing on Mechanical Engineering , Civil Engineering , and Architecture are expected to be released soon.