Guardian Knot: A Space Force Gamified Capstone

At the end of Phase II, GRG will deliver the user-tested technical prototype for Guardian Knot that is proven to (1) accurately and reliably measure USSF’s target constructs; (2) engage trainees with an appropriate and compelling gamified scenario; and (3) proves feasibility of core technical elements of the capstone. In Phase III, GRG will complete the development of technical capstone elements, including all capstone modules (including all frontend UX elements like game art, soundtracks, etc., along with backend components including full data analyticscapabilities and LM integrations.GRG’s proposed capstone event, Guardian Knot, is based on the metaphor of the Gordian Knot, in which a complex problem is solved with an innovative and bold solution — a desired capability of every Guardian (USSF, 2024). GRG’s primary focus and effort in the capstone design is measurement science. If the capstone does not accurately and reliably measure what 1 DOS DET 1 and Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) need to measure, any technical innovation or enthusiastic engagement of participants is moot. GRG dedicated Phase I to defining what the capstone is intended to measure, thus building appropriate measurement scales for 1 DOS DET 1’s specific evaluative use case.The first step is to determine the purpose of the capstone, a key component to Phase I work. We are defining the capstone as “a culminating BMT event to evaluate the mental, emotional, and physical fitness of trainees to successfully represent the Guardian Spirit upon graduation.” This definition of purpose guides what we are measuring and how we are measuring. At the end of the Phase II effort, the scenario development and gamification will be 100% complete. It is vital to conduct thorough playtesting prior to beginning major technical development efforts; if game design parameters change after technical efforts have begun, this results in significant resource waste. If the technical elements are notthoroughly tested for their ability to facilitate the evaluation of trainee behavior against the 4 C’s, the technology is worthless to the core need of USSF. By taking the time for thorough playtesting and measurement science, Phase II efforts provide a runway for optimum Phase III efficiency in meeting 1 DOS DET 1’s needs as quickly as possible.