Roles
1. Project Lead / Coordinator
Contract Type: full_time_employee
Contract Type Justification: Critical for long-term project success, requires dedicated focus and commitment.
Explanation:
Ensures all aspects of the project are on track, within budget, and aligned with the overall vision.
Consequences:
Lack of coordination, missed deadlines, budget overruns, and misalignment with strategic goals.
People Count:
1
Typical Activities:
Overseeing project timelines, managing budgets, coordinating team members, and ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
Background Story:
Mei Li, born and raised in Shanghai, holds an MBA from Fudan University and has five years of experience in project management, primarily in the entertainment sector. She's familiar with the local business landscape and regulatory environment. Mei has successfully coordinated several small-scale events and marketing campaigns. Her organizational skills and understanding of the Shanghai market make her ideal for keeping the project on track.
Equipment Needs:
Laptop with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello), communication tools (email, Slack), and Microsoft Office Suite. Mobile phone.
Facility Needs:
Dedicated workspace with desk, chair, and reliable internet access. Access to meeting rooms for team coordination.
2. Escape Room Designer
Contract Type: full_time_employee
Contract Type Justification: Requires dedicated creative input and Minecraft expertise, best suited for a full-time role.
Explanation:
Responsible for the creative design of the escape rooms, including the Minecraft theme integration, puzzle design, and overall player experience.
Consequences:
Poorly designed rooms, unengaging puzzles, and a subpar player experience, leading to negative reviews and reduced bookings.
People Count:
min 1, max 2, depending on complexity and number of rooms
Typical Activities:
Designing escape room layouts, creating Minecraft-themed puzzles, integrating the theme into the environment, and ensuring a fun and engaging player experience.
Background Story:
Alex Johnson, a recent transplant to Shanghai from the US, is a creative escape room designer with a passion for Minecraft. He holds a degree in Game Design and has worked on several successful escape room projects in the past, including one with a similar fantasy theme. Alex has a deep understanding of Minecraft mechanics and lore, and is skilled at creating engaging and challenging puzzles. His expertise in both escape room design and Minecraft makes him perfect for crafting a unique and immersive experience.
Equipment Needs:
High-performance computer with game design software (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine), graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop), and Minecraft game access. VR Headset for testing (optional).
Facility Needs:
Quiet workspace conducive to creative design, access to reference materials (Minecraft guides, escape room design books), and prototyping space.
3. Construction Manager
Contract Type: independent_contractor
Contract Type Justification: Construction is a defined project phase, making a contractor a cost-effective choice.
Explanation:
Oversees the physical construction and setup of the escape rooms, ensuring they meet safety standards and design specifications.
Consequences:
Construction delays, cost overruns, safety hazards, and failure to meet design specifications.
People Count:
1
Typical Activities:
Overseeing construction, managing contractors, ensuring safety compliance, and adhering to design specifications.
Background Story:
Zhang Wei, a seasoned construction manager from Shanghai, has over 15 years of experience in commercial construction. He's worked on numerous projects in the city, including entertainment venues and retail spaces. Zhang is known for his ability to deliver projects on time and within budget, while adhering to strict safety standards. His local knowledge and construction expertise are crucial for building the escape rooms.
Equipment Needs:
Mobile phone, measuring tools, safety equipment (hard hat, safety glasses), and access to construction plans and specifications. Transportation to the construction site.
Facility Needs:
Access to the construction site, office space for reviewing plans and managing contractors, and storage for tools and equipment.
4. Shanghai Regulatory Consultant
Contract Type: independent_contractor
Contract Type Justification: Specialized expertise needed for a limited time, best suited for a consultant.
Explanation:
Navigates the complex regulatory landscape in Shanghai, securing all necessary permits and licenses for the escape room.
Consequences:
Delays in obtaining permits, fines, legal issues, and potential closure of the escape room.
People Count:
1
Typical Activities:
Navigating regulatory requirements, securing permits and licenses, and ensuring compliance with local laws.
Background Story:
Li Wei, a Shanghai native, is a regulatory consultant with over 10 years of experience navigating the city's complex permitting processes. She has a deep understanding of local regulations and strong relationships with government agencies. Li has successfully secured permits for numerous entertainment venues and commercial projects. Her expertise is essential for obtaining the necessary approvals for the escape room.
Equipment Needs:
Laptop with internet access, legal research databases, and communication tools. Mobile phone.
Facility Needs:
Office space with desk, chair, and reliable internet access. Access to legal resources and government websites.
5. Marketing & Community Engagement Specialist
Contract Type: full_time_employee
Contract Type Justification: Requires ongoing marketing efforts and community engagement, justifying a full-time role.
Explanation:
Develops and executes marketing strategies to attract the target audience, build brand awareness, and engage with the local community.
Consequences:
Low customer traffic, poor brand awareness, and failure to reach the target audience, leading to reduced revenue and profitability. Additional support may be needed to manage social media and local partnerships.
People Count:
min 1, max 2, depending on marketing budget and scope
Typical Activities:
Developing marketing strategies, managing social media, engaging with the community, and building brand awareness.
Background Story:
Emily Carter, an American expat living in Shanghai, is a marketing and community engagement specialist with a passion for connecting with people. She has a background in digital marketing and social media management, and has worked on several successful campaigns targeting young adults. Emily is skilled at building brand awareness and engaging with the local community. Her marketing expertise is crucial for attracting the target audience.
Equipment Needs:
Laptop with digital marketing tools (social media management platforms, email marketing software), graphic design software (e.g., Canva), and access to market research data. Mobile phone.
Facility Needs:
Dedicated workspace with desk, chair, and reliable internet access. Access to marketing resources and social media platforms.
6. Game Masters (Shift-Based)
Contract Type: part_time_employee
Contract Type Justification: Shift-based work is best suited for part-time employees, allowing for flexible scheduling.
Explanation:
Supervise the escape room experience, provide clues, reset rooms, and ensure player safety and satisfaction.
Consequences:
Poor customer service, slow reset times, safety issues, and a negative player experience, leading to negative reviews and reduced bookings. More staff are needed to cover all shifts and provide adequate support.
People Count:
2-4 per shift, depending on number of rooms and operating hours
Typical Activities:
Supervising the escape room experience, providing clues, resetting rooms, and ensuring player safety and satisfaction.
Background Story:
Lin Mei and Wang Lei are two energetic university students from Shanghai, both avid Minecraft players and escape room enthusiasts. They are studying hospitality and have excellent communication skills. They are responsible for guiding players through the escape room experience, providing clues, and ensuring their safety and enjoyment. Their enthusiasm and knowledge of Minecraft make them ideal game masters.
Equipment Needs:
Tablet or mobile device for accessing game instructions and providing clues. Walkie-talkies for communication with other game masters and the technician.
Facility Needs:
Designated break area, access to escape rooms for monitoring and resetting, and storage for props and equipment.
7. Technician / Maintenance Specialist
Contract Type: full_time_employee
Contract Type Justification: Requires consistent maintenance and technical support, justifying a full-time role.
Explanation:
Maintains and repairs the semi-automated systems, props, and equipment in the escape rooms, ensuring smooth operation.
Consequences:
Technical malfunctions, downtime, safety hazards, and a disrupted player experience, leading to negative reviews and reduced bookings.
People Count:
1
Typical Activities:
Maintaining and repairing automated systems, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring smooth operation of the escape rooms.
Background Story:
David Chen, a skilled technician from Shanghai, has over 5 years of experience in electronics repair and maintenance. He's familiar with automated systems and has a knack for troubleshooting technical issues. David is responsible for maintaining and repairing the semi-automated systems, props, and equipment in the escape rooms. His technical expertise is essential for ensuring smooth operation.
Equipment Needs:
Toolkit with electronic repair tools, diagnostic equipment, and access to technical manuals. Mobile phone.
Facility Needs:
Workshop or maintenance area with workbench, storage for spare parts, and access to the semi-automated systems.
8. Brand Liaison / Compliance Officer
Contract Type: part_time_employee
Contract Type Justification: Compliance checks are periodic, making a part-time role sufficient.
Explanation:
Ensures compliance with the Minecraft brand license agreement, reviewing all marketing materials and room designs.
Consequences:
Violation of the brand license agreement, leading to fines, legal issues, and potential termination of the license.
People Count:
1
Typical Activities:
Reviewing marketing materials, ensuring compliance with the brand license agreement, and advising on legal matters related to the project.
Background Story:
Sarah Miller, a recent law graduate from the US, is working remotely and has a strong understanding of intellectual property law. She is responsible for reviewing all marketing materials and room designs to ensure compliance with the Minecraft brand license agreement. Her legal expertise is crucial for avoiding any potential licensing violations.
Equipment Needs:
Laptop with internet access, legal documents (Minecraft brand license agreement), and communication tools.
Facility Needs:
Dedicated workspace with desk, chair, and reliable internet access. Access to legal resources and communication channels with Microsoft/Mojang.
Omissions
1. Cultural Sensitivity Review
The plan mentions cultural insensitivity as a risk, but lacks concrete steps to ensure the escape room resonates with the target demographic in Shanghai. Minecraft's popularity and specific elements may vary culturally.
Recommendation:
Engage a cultural consultant familiar with the preferences and sensitivities of the 15-21 age group in Shanghai to review all puzzle designs, room themes, and marketing materials. Incorporate their feedback to ensure cultural relevance and appeal.
2. Accessibility Considerations
The plan doesn't explicitly address accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Ensuring inclusivity can broaden the potential customer base and align with ethical business practices.
Recommendation:
Assess the escape room design for accessibility, considering factors like wheelchair access, visual and auditory aids, and alternative puzzle formats. Consult with accessibility experts to identify and address potential barriers.
3. Post-Escape Room Experience
The plan focuses on the in-room experience but overlooks opportunities to enhance customer engagement after the game. This could impact repeat bookings and word-of-mouth marketing.
Recommendation:
Develop a post-escape room experience, such as a photo opportunity with Minecraft-themed props, a debriefing session with the game master, or a digital certificate of completion. Encourage social media sharing and offer incentives for repeat bookings.
Potential Improvements
1. Clarify Game Master Responsibilities
The description of Game Master activities is broad. Clearer definition of responsibilities, especially regarding clue delivery and conflict resolution, will improve customer experience.
Recommendation:
Develop a detailed Game Master training manual outlining specific procedures for clue delivery, handling player disputes, and managing emergency situations. Implement regular performance evaluations to ensure consistent service quality.
2. Enhance Risk Mitigation for Technical Malfunctions
While the plan mentions backup manual systems, it lacks detail on how these systems will be implemented and how quickly they can be deployed. This could lead to significant downtime and customer dissatisfaction.
Recommendation:
Develop a detailed protocol for switching to manual operation in case of technical malfunctions, including clear instructions for game masters and readily available backup equipment. Conduct regular drills to ensure staff proficiency in manual operation.
3. Refine Marketing Strategy
The marketing strategy is generic. Tailoring the marketing message to specific Minecraft player segments (e.g., builders, adventurers, redstone engineers) could improve targeting and effectiveness.
Recommendation:
Conduct market research to identify different segments within the target audience based on their Minecraft interests and preferences. Develop targeted marketing campaigns that appeal to each segment, highlighting relevant aspects of the escape room experience.