MR Scavenger Hunts vs Physical Scavenger Hunts
What's more exciting than a scavenger hunt? How about one that is enhanced with mixed reality (MR)?! Before we dive into the pros and cons of each, let's first define what a scavenger hunt is.
What is a Scavenger Hunt?
A scavenger hunt is a game that involves a list of items to find, tasks to complete or clues to solve. Participants are expected to compete or work together to find the items within a specified time. The goal is to complete the tasks and collect as many points as possible.
Physical Scavenger Hunts
Let's start with the traditional way of doing scavenger hunts. Physical scavenger hunts require participants to go to a specific location, such as a park or a mall. They are often time-bound and need to be completed within a given timeframe.
Pros
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Physical scavenger hunts can form excellent team-building exercises as participants must work together to find the items.
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They can be conducted both indoors and outdoors, making them flexible and accessible to everyone.
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Physical scavenger hunts are relatively cheap to organize, as they do not require any specialized equipment.
Cons
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They can be weather-dependent, meaning that rain or extreme temperatures can affect their success.
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Sometimes, participants may have difficulty finding the items, which can lead to frustration.
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They require the organizer or taskmaster to monitor the entire process, which can be time-consuming.
MR Scavenger Hunts
MR scavenger hunts are scavenger hunts that incorporate mixed-reality technology. MR technology projects computer-generated images or animations that interact with the real world. This tech can take scavenger hunts to a whole new level.
Pros
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MR scavenger hunts offer a more immersive experience for participants. They allow participants to interact with the virtual world, making it more exciting.
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MR scavenger hunts can be more accessible since participants can play from anywhere that has an Internet connection.
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They can be easily customized to the event or the task at hand, making them more versatile than physical scavenger hunts.
Cons
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They require specialized equipment such as headsets, which can be expensive.
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MR scavenger hunts rely heavily on technology, and if the technology malfunction, the event can come to a halt.
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They require more planning and organization than physical scavenger hunts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both physical and MR scavenger hunts have their pros and cons. In terms of manpower, physical scavenger hunts are relatively easier to organize and are more accessible to everyone. However, MR scavenger hunts offer a more immersive and personalized experience that can make them more enjoyable for participants.
Regardless of which type of scavenger hunt you choose, there is one thing that is certain - scavenger hunts are a ton of fun!
References
- B. Johannes, “Scavenger hunts go viral, in a good way,” USA Today, Apr-2020.
- J. David, “Virtual Reality Scavenger Hunts: A Creative Event in the Time of Social Distancing,” TeamBonding, Jun-2021.
- S. Wheeler, “11 pointers for setting up scavenger hunts that work,” The eLearning Coach, Apr-2019.