Unlock Your Future: Usability Evaluation of A Gamified Educational Escape Room For Vet Learners

This study presents a usability evaluation of Unlock Your Future, an educational escape room designed as a gamified learning experience for Vocational Education and Training (VET) learners. Aimed particularly at young people from rural or socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, the game seeks to foster engagement, develop employability skills, and promote inclusion through innovative digital experiences. The research investigates whether the game’s usability and educational design align with the expectations and needs of VET learners in practical, real-life scenarios. A comprehensive literature review was conducted on gamification, creative design processes, and usability in educational technology. The methodology involved structured usability testing supported by a Likert scale questionnaire (1–5), focused on interaction design, visual arrangement, and user experience. A total of 91 participants provided 6,004 individual responses across all items. The analysis revealed an average rating of 3.8 (SD = 0.93), with most users expressing agreement regarding the clarity of the game’s visual elements—including text, icons, and 3D models—as well as game mechanics such as movement and object-based interaction within puzzle-solving tasks. The results suggest a generally positive reception while also highlighting opportunities for iterative improvements, particularly in feedback mechanisms and flow. Though limited in scope, the study provides practical insights for future development and broader implementation. This research contributes to the field of gamified learning by demonstrating the value of inclusive, learner-centred digital tools in addressing employment inequality and fostering skills development in marginalised communities.