¶ Flux It Out!
Reveal hidden shapes on the mystery board with magnetic paper magic!
Course: MD2, Media Systems
Project Duration: Summer Semester 2025
Supervisor: Prof. Ralf Hebecker
Group members
- S. Zidoun (xxx3551)
- S. Bosnak (xxx8240)
- A. Breitner (xxx6275)
Contact: Sophia.Bosnak@haw-hamburg.de
¶ Abstract / Project Summary
Players uncover hidden magnetic shapes using flux detector film – a tactile, visual decoding experience. Built entirely without electronics, the project emphasizes intuitive, screen-free interaction suitable for escape room environments.
¶ Game Concept
- Hidden magnetic symbols inside a picture frame
- Shapes: squares, triangles, circles
- Flux detector film reveals shapes as dark outlines
- Each shape shows dice-like dots → together form a secret code linked to Curtain_Puzzle
¶ Order of the Puzzle
 |
 |
|---|---|
| Sketch of layout & dice numbering | Simulation sketch |
¶ Technology Behind the Puzzle
Structure of the flux detector film
The film is made out of a thin layer of microcapsules suspended in a plastic sheet. These microcapsules contain tiny flakes of nickel or other magnetic particles suspended in oil. These align with magnetic fields, altering light reflections and making the fields visible
How it works
- Dark areas: field perpendicular to the surface
- Light areas: field parallel to the surface
🎥 https://youtu.be/GiPmoyKfb_E?feature=shared
🎥 Another example
¶ Why Magnetic Paper?
Flux paper reveals invisible magnetic layouts, enabling purely mechanical gameplay without screens or software.
¶ Experimental Construction & Results
Mockup
Mounted on an easel for stability. The flux paper holder was attached to the frame with thread and can rest on the easel.
Place & Time
GamesLab, Finkenau 35, 22081 Hamburg — 10.07.2025
Pictures
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¶ Target Audience
- Children (6+) · Teenagers · Adults
- Puzzle lovers & tactile learners
- Escape room players of all skill levels
¶ Competitive / Surrounding Analysis
Magnet-based puzzles often trigger hidden switches or move objects. Flux It Out! is distinct through its visual decoding mechanic.
¶ Unique Selling Points
- 100% analog, no reset needed
- Magical & intuitive experience
- Tactile, screen-free discovery
- Low-cost, robust design
- Clear visual feedback from magnetic shapes
¶ Physical Design & Materials
- Frame: A3
- Flux paper: 75×75 mm
- Mounting: pillar 50×50 cm
¶ Bill of Materials (BOM)
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Black foil | 10,00 € |
| Flux paper | 9,55 € |
| Magnets | 8,99 € |
| Picture frame | 9,99 € |
| Total (materials) | 39 € |
¶ Total Project Cost
| Category | Description | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Magnets, flux paper, frame, foil | 39 € |
| Student Work | ~160 h group work | 2 400 € |
| Space / Rent | Use of exhibition space (1 week) | 100 € |
| Total | — | 2 539 € |
¶ Tools, Resources & Assets
| Resource / Asset | Source |
|---|---|
| Magnets | Amazon |
| Flux paper | Magnet-Shop.net |
| Frame & backing | Action |
| Visuals & fabrication | Manual + 3D-print |
| Digital libraries | None |
¶ Platform & Output
- Medium: Physical installation
- Context: Escape room game
- Formats: Live demo & video documentation
- Accessibility: No tech skills required
¶ Inspiration
This puzzle draws from early learning tools and hidden-message books.
 |
 |
|---|---|
| Picture A — Dice-shape math game | Picture B — Detective book with red magnifying glass |
¶ Reflection & Outlook
Positives
- Easy & quick to learn · Low cost · Scalable
Player reactions
- Appreciated the analog feel
- Intrigued by revealing hidden forms via magnetic fields
Follow-up ideas
- Break symbols into multiple pieces (multi-step decoding)
- Add subtle 3D depth/relief
¶ References
- Picture A — Kindergarten Math Shape Game: https://themoffattgirls.com/kindergarten-math-board-games/ (opened 07.08.2025)
- Picture B — Magic Detective Book: https://www.stiftung-buchkunst.de/die-schoensten-deutschen-buecher/die-praemierten/das-magische-zauberlupenbuch/ (opened 07.08.2025)
- Flux paper: https://www.magnet-shop.net/buero-schule/schulmagnete/flux-detektor-folie-macht-magnetfelder-sichtbar-75-x-75-mm
¶ License / Open Use
For reproduction or commercial use, please contact the creators.