Barista
Brew focus, serve speed to master the art
of multitasking.
Objective
To enhance cognitive flexibility, time management, and task coordination under pressure by simulating a realistic, fast-paced multitasking environment.
Problem Statement
In modern work settings, people often juggle multiple tasks but lose efficiency or accuracy when switching between them. Poor multitasking can lead to missed details, delayed responses, and cognitive overload.
Solution Provided
Barista trains strategic multitasking in a dynamic digital café setting. Players must balance attention, timing, and prioritization to manage orders efficiently – strengthening the mental coordination required to handle multiple simultaneous tasks.
The Science
Based on executive function and task-switching theory, the game targets cognitive flexibility – the brain’s ability to shift focus between competing goals. Time pressure activates working memory and decision-making systems, improving task sequencing and mental agility over repeated play.
Time Commitment
15-20 mins.
Facilitation Level
No facilitation is required.
Materials Needed
Mind-n app login credentials.
Detailed Instructions for Using the Tool
- Start the Café:
- Launch the Barista game
- The café opens with multiple customers arriving to place orders.
- Take and Manage Orders:
- Listen to or read customer orders carefully.
- Each order must be logged into the virtual kitchen and prepared within the time limit.
- Manage simultaneous requests, such as taking new orders while fulfilling existing ones.
- Prioritize and Serve:
- Strategically decide which orders to complete first based on urgency or complexity.
- Deliver finished items promptly to avoid customer dissatisfaction.
- Scoring System:
- Points are awarded for each successful order completed within time.
- Missed or late orders reduce the score and affect your “customer satisfaction meter.”
- Level Progression:
- Higher levels introduce more customers, complex orders, and shorter timers – requiring sharper focus and improved task-switching.
- Winning the Game:
- The goal is to maintain high accuracy and customer satisfaction while managing as many concurrent tasks as possible.
- Over time, players notice improvement in how they plan, sequence, and execute tasks efficiently
Planning to run this game/activity? Listen to the audio instructions below for a smooth and effective session.
