Designing digital escape rooms for formative assessment: A practical case study in human resource management education

This case study introduces #HREscapeRoom, a digital escape room designed to strengthen formative assessment engagement in postgraduate Human Resource Management education. Developed entirely within Microsoft OneNote and existing institutional platforms, the activity required no specialist software or additional investment, representing a frugal pedagogical approach. The paper outlines the pedagogical rationale, design and implementation process, emphasising how a low-cost, accessible format can be embedded into existing teaching structures. Informal student feedback and tutor reflections highlighted increased motivation, improved assessment literacy, collaboration and reduced anxiety around assessment. The activity was intended as a formative assessment tool structured to mirror the stages of the summative consultancy-style assessment, enabling students to rehearse key processes in a supportive environment. This practical case study demonstrates how game-based learning, underpinned by frugal design principles, can address sector challenges through sustainable, scalable innovation, while offering concrete recommendations and adaptable models for use across disciplines.