Puzzle Design

Design Process

1. Define the puzzle (reduce noise)
2. Add in difficulty
3. Control possibility space

Increase Difficulty

• Stacking mechanics
• Use distractors to hide intent and increase difficulty
• Subvert what players assume to be true

Control Difficulty

• Keep questions readable — let players understand what the puzzle is asking
• Allow multiple solutions

Layering

Increase difficulty gradually

Hint

Use hint carefully. They help and they spoil.

Reward

Reward insight, reward efforts, not only reward correct answers.