Hack The Code

Hack The Code is a serious game that highlights the importance of cooperation over competition. Participants, organised in pairs, must decipher a coded message. The solution can only emerge by sharing their clues, which encourages reflection on information silos and the importance of collaborative work.

Walkthrough

1. 1

   Pair Formation

   5 min

   The facilitator begins by briefly explaining the purpose of the game: to decode a coded message. They then ask participants to form pairs. Each pair must prepare to receive an envelope containing a coded message and a unique clue. This step is crucial for establishing a sense of friendly competition among the pairs.

   Tip — Ensure that all participants are well acquainted with their partner to avoid any confusion during the exchange of information.

2. 2

   Envelope Distribution

   5 min

   The facilitator distributes to each pair an envelope containing the same coded message and a unique clue. They specify that each pair has a limited time to decipher the code. The facilitator does not mention the possibility of cooperation, to naturally encourage an initial competitive approach.

   Tip — Place a visible timer to heighten the pressure of time and encourage participants to focus on their task.

3. 3

   Decoding Attempt

   5 min

   The pairs begin working on decoding the message. They quickly realise that the unique clue they have is not sufficient to solve the code. The facilitator observes without intervening, allowing participants to discover the deadlock of their isolated approach.

   Tip — Walk around the groups to observe their interactions and note the moments when they seem stuck.

4. 4

   Discovery of Cooperation

   5 min

   Gradually, some pairs start exchanging their clues with others, realising that cooperation is necessary. The facilitator subtly encourages these exchanges without imposing them, by asking open-ended questions like 'Have you explored all available options?'.

   Tip — Be attentive to the first signs of cooperation and encourage these behaviours by asking suggestive questions.

5. 5

   Revelation and Resolution

   5 min

   Once several pairs have shared their clues, the coded message is finally deciphered. The facilitator congratulates the participants for their collaboration and emphasises the importance of cooperation in problem-solving.

   Tip — Use a board to show how the clues combine to solve the code, thereby reinforcing the visual impact of cooperation.

6. 6

   Debriefing

   10 min

   The facilitator leads a debriefing discussion, asking questions about the participants' experiences and lessons learned. They connect these experiences to challenges in the professional world, such as information silos and the importance of inter-team collaboration.

   Tip — Encourage each participant to share their feelings and reflections to enrich the collective discussion.

Variants

• Add additional clues to increase the complexity of the code.
• Organise the game with teams of three to see how it affects the dynamics of cooperation.
• Limit the decoding time to 3 minutes to heighten the pressure and observe the reactions.