Safety Kitchen - Food Safety Education Tool
I've been thinking about e-learning and practical jobs. Early in a career, these roles often require some study, such as a safety test, skills assessment, or knowledge check. These are usually done online or in a classroom and, once completed, they are rarely reviewed again.
Having worked in various cafes, bars, and kitchens, I wanted to focus on the Food Safety qualification, HACCP. I’ve created a proposal for a short adventure game/HAACP education tool that aims to make food safety fundamentals engaging, easy to learn and always accessible.
The Challenge
In today’s food industry, acquiring a food safety qualification is a fundamental requirement for professionals. While traditional training methods once took place in on-the-job settings or classrooms, they have now transitioned to online platforms, often lacking the necessary engagement with the vital learnings. The importance of food safety cannot be overstated, and both industry workers and the people they serve stand to benefit greatly from a more captivating and instructive learning experience.
The Concept
Introducing ‘Safety Kitchen: HACCP Training,’ an innovative educational tool designed to immerse learners in an adventure game that not only makes their journey enjoyable but also teaches the essential knowledge required to pass Food safety qualification HACCP Level 1.
WHAT IS HACCP?
HACCP, which stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, is a systematic and science-based approach to food safety management. It was developed to ensure the production of safe and wholesome food products. HACCP is used to identify, evaluate, and control potential hazards at every stage of the food production process, from raw material sourcing to consumption. Food-related establishments, like restaurants and cafes, must have a HACCP-certified employee to meet safety standards. This certification can boost job opportunities and often leads to higher pay. HACCP certification comes in levels 1-3. Each raising in complexity.
The Power of Storytelling
Safety Kitchen draws inspiration from the classic point-and click adventure games of the 1990s, where players embarked on journeys filled with inventory puzzles, exemplified by the iconic ‘Monkey Island.’ Additionally, it takes cues from innovative narrative experiences like “ZRX: Zombies Run!”—an exercise app that encourages users to stay committed to their fitness objectives through an immersive zombie apocalypse narrative. The ultimate aim is to immerse the learner in relatable, situation-based learning experiences based on food safety.
Learning Philosophy
Unlike conventional methods, Safety Kitchen reframes mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth. Taking inspiration from the puzzle game ‘Chants of Sennar,’ where players navigate unknown languages through exploration and errors, our game actively encourages learners to decipher the intricacies of food safety by allowing them to make mistakes within the virtual kitchen. The game also emphasizes the importance of maintaining good practices, requiring players to repeat tasks mirroring real-life scenarios, such as morning cleaning rituals, reinforcing the significance of consistency in the real world. This approach creates a learning environment where errors are an integral part of the journey, ultimately enhancing understanding and instilling safer food-handling practices for real-life situations.
Safety Kitchen Learning Context
Safety Kitchen is a scenario-driven narrative adventure training tool designed to assist food prep/service professionals in acquiring the essential knowledge required to successfully complete the initial level of the food safety and food handling course (HACCP) in Ireland. This training tool will employ gamification, storytelling, and personalisation to deliver course content in an enjoyable, engaging and fun manner. Its primary objective is to be user-friendly and accessible on mobile devices. Additionally, it serves as a reference guide, allowing users to revisit HACCP materials at their convenience, whether during their spare time or while at work.
WHO ARE THE LEARNERS?
The game is tailored for individuals who are new to the food preparation and service industry, as well as those with more experience but have not yet completed HACCP level 1 or require a certification renewal. Users of Safety Kitchen will hope to be able to pass their HACCP Level 1 certificate exam with ease using a learning tool that is more fun and engaging than the other more basic courses available.
SUMMARY OF GAME CONCEPT
Safety Kitchen: HACCP Training is an educational point-and-click adventure game designed for mobile devices. It combines the immersive storytelling and engaging mechanics of classic point-and-click adventures like Monkey Island with the goal of teaching players about food safety and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) rules.
Adventure Gameplay:
• Learners embark on an exciting food safety adventure as they assume the role of a character they can customise to their liking.
• Learners will explore various food-related settings, including a bustling restaurant kitchen and a cafe.
• Learners will enjoy a relative and humourous narrative filled with interesting characters, each providing unique challenges related to food safety HACCP Level 1
Educational Scenarios:
• Throughout the game, players encounter real-world food safety challenges and dilemmas.
• They must apply their knowledge of HACCP rules to make informed decisions, ensuring the safety of both food products and consumers.
Point-and-Click Mechanics:
• Players navigate the game by tapping on different areas and objects in the environment, which initiates interactions and reveals important information.
• Solving puzzles and making choices based on food safety principles is crucial for progression.
Mini-Games:
• To keep the learning experience engaging, “Safety Kitchen” will incorporate mini-games that reinforce food safety concepts ie: Hand washing Game
• Examples include sorting food items based on their storage requirements, identifying hazards in a food preparation scenario and washing hands.
Character Customisation:
• Players can create and personalise their in-game character, making them feel more connected to the educational journey.
• Customisation options include choosing outfits, accessories, and even character backgrounds to reflect diverse learning preferences.
• This will also serve as an educational opportunity, as not all clothing meets HACCP compliance standards.
HACCP Guidebook:
• Safety Kitchen doubles as an interactive HACCP guidebook, accessible through an in game menu.
• Players can access comprehensive information on HACCP principles, guidelines, and best practices, making it a valuable reference tool for learners in the food safety field.
