As a puzzle designer for Haven Academy, I contributed to crafting interactive challenges that reinforced the game’s core themes—critical thinking, collaboration, and open discourse. Our goal was to ensure that puzzles weren’t just obstacles but meaningful interactions that encouraged players to engage with different perspectives and work together to solve complex problems.

I collaborated with a team of designers, writers, and programmers to create puzzles that reflected the distinct academic cultures of each island. This included designing challenges that required pattern recognition, logical deduction, and text interpretation—each tailored to mirror the intellectual disciplines the islands represented. Beyond puzzle mechanics, I also focused on how these challenges fit organically into the game’s narrative, ensuring they felt immersive and integrated rather than standalone tasks.

Throughout the development process, I participated in iterative playtesting sessions, gathering feedback to refine puzzle difficulty, improve clarity, and enhance the collaborative experience. Seeing players engage with our designs—debating solutions, thinking critically, and applying different problem-solving approaches—was incredibly rewarding.

Throughout the development process, I participated in iterative playtesting sessions, gathering feedback to refine puzzle difficulty, improve clarity, and enhance the collaborative experience. Seeing players engage with our designs—debating solutions, thinking critically, and applying different problem-solving approaches—was incredibly rewarding.

My experience on Haven Academy reinforced my passion for designing engaging, player-driven experiences. It also deepened my understanding of how game mechanics can facilitate learning, discussion, and problem-solving in meaningful ways.