October 2003 (Revised January 2004)
Exercise

Electric Maze Exercise, The

By: Amy C. Edmondson and Hanna Rodriguez-Farrar

Format:Print
| Pages:2

Abstract

This team-based exercise uses an educational tool called "The Electric Maze," developed by Interel Corp., to teach insights about the social and psychological challenges facing employees who must engage in collaborative learning. The tool is a grid-patterned rug with 54 squares implanted with electronic programmable sensors that beep when pressure is applied. The instructor programs the maze in advance to create a pathway of nonbeeping contiguous squares from one side to the other. Because students have no information about how to traverse the maze correctly, experimentation--a systematic iterative process of trial and failure--is needed to develop a solution. Provides instructions for students participating in the exercise and should be distributed only at the beginning of the simulation.

Keywords

Change Management; Leadership; Learning; Groups and Teams; Risk and Uncertainty

Citation

Edmondson, Amy C., and Hanna Rodriguez-Farrar. "Electric Maze Exercise, The." Harvard Business School Exercise 604-046, October 2003. (Revised January 2004.)