PuzzleBlind challenges blindfolded players to assemble a gigantic, humongous, super-sized puzzle.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This game is a useful tool to discuss the following interteam-dynamics:

• Team problem solving
• Clarity of communication 
• Talking across one another
• Listening to multiple speakers
• Coordinating team players and assigning appropriate roles
• Developing trust
• Choosing a leader or leaders
• Leadership skills that work

FACILITATING PUZZLEBLIND

Before you begin:

• Scatter the puzzle pieces on the ground with the textured side up (the other side is smooth).
• Assemble your team around the puzzle
• Let them know that some portion of their team will need to assemble the puzzle blindfolded. 
• 1 RULE:  Only blindfolded players can touch the puzzle pieces
• Give teams up to 10 minutes to strategize -- to choose a leader(s), decide how many players (and who) will be blindfolded, etc.
• NOTE: see below for additional facilitation choices that will increase the challenge.

Expect the game to take 30+ minutes depending on your group and the depth of your debrief.

PUZZLEBLIND AS A TEAM BUILDING GAME

When playing PuzzleBlind, facilitators can adjust the experience to focus on a range of communication and teambuilding challenges. Consider some of these options:

• One coach & many builders - See what happens when only one team member is sighted, and all the others are blindfolded. While the coach is directing one builder, what do the others do? How do they communicate with each other? Are they talking over each other? Do they wait for the leadership of the only one with vision?
• Two coaches & one builder - Explore how the two coaches interact. Are they both shouting instructions? Is one determining which pieces should fit together, and the other focused on communicating to the builder? 
• Multiple coaches & multiple builders - Watch to see how they organize themselves and communicate with one another as you add more people to the challenge. Do they include everyone in the group or are just a few interacting?

Increase the difficulty by adding these rules:

• Only the coaches can speak; builders must be silent.
• All players are blindfolded... no sighted coaches.
• Each builder can ask only one question of the coach.
• Only one person can speak at a time.

PUZZLEBLIND PUZZLE PIECES

The game was designed to optimize the team building experience:

• Each of the 12 pieces are shaped so that each can be uniquely described.
• Every piece is recognizably different from every other piece.
• Foam material is extremely light weight so players can move pieces around easily.
• Giant size makes the activity suitable for groups of 2-6 adults.
• Multiple completed puzzles fit together, extending the application of the game to inter-group collaboration.
• Finished puzzle measures 4.5' x 6' / Individual pieces measure approximately 20" x 20"
• One side of the pieces has a texture, the other is smooth.
• 6 Blindfolds are included

SPACE & SET UP

Be sure you have ample space for the players and the puzzle. The completed puzzle measures approximately 6' x 4.5'.

Depending on the number of coaches and builders you choose, you might opt to keep all the puzzle pieces stacked in a pile or laid out on the ground.

ADDITIONAL FACILITATION NOTES ARE INCLUDED WITH THE GAME