https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0121
Developing and Testing Muri Puzzle Game
Jose Torres1, Suryeon Kim2, David Jeong3 & Zofia Rybkowski4
1Undergraduate Student, Department of Construction Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA, [email protected]2Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Construction Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA, [email protected], orcid.org/0009-0002-2231-6674
3Professor, Department of Construction Science, School of Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0003-4074-1869
4Professor, Department of Construction Science, School of Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0002-0683-5004
Abstract
Muri, a Japanese term meaning overburden, is often overlooked in construction projects due to its intangible nature. Project participants rarely have opportunities to reflect on Muri, and it is difficult to measure its effects on project performance—such as time and cost. One effective way to enhance awareness of Muri and help project participants understand its impact is through educational simulation games. This approach allows participants to actively engage in decision-making and observe the consequences of their actions through embedded feedback mechanisms. This research introduces the Muri Puzzle Game, an educational simulation designed to teach the concept of Muri and raise awareness of its impact on the time-cost trade-off. Specifically targeting Muri in labor, the game was tested with 43 participants, with data collected through pre-and post-questionnaire surveys. The experimental results indicate that the Muri Puzzle Game effectively enhances participants’ understanding of Muri in labor and its influence on project performance, particularly regarding time-cost trade-offs. These findings contribute to the body of knowledge on Muri by providing a practical tool to facilitate its recognition and improve workforce management in construction projects.
Keywords
Muri, Overburden, Educational Simulation Game, Time-Cost Trade-off
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Reference in APA 7th edition format:
Torres, J., Kim, S., Jeong, D. & Rybkowski, Z.. (2025). Developing and Testing Muri Puzzle Game. In Seppänen, O., Koskela, L., & Murata , K. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 33) (pp. 1474–1484). https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0121
Shortened reference for use in IGLC papers:
Torres, J., Kim, S., Jeong, D. & Rybkowski, Z.. (2025). Developing and Testing Muri Puzzle Game. IGLC33. https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0121
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