Mystery Box — The HR Innovation Challenge

About The Competition:

• Mystery Box – The HR Innovation Challenge is an interactive inter-college competition focused on creativity, teamwork, and practical HR problem-solving.
• Teams receive a sealed box containing random everyday objects and must create a prototype or symbolic solution for a workplace HR problem using only the provided materials.
• The competition simulates real organizational challenges by introducing unexpected obstacle cards during the activity.

Event Details:

• Event Date: 9th April.
• Team Size: 2–4 members.
• Registration fee is non-refundable.

Competition Format:

Phase 1 – Unbox & Ideate:

• Teams open their sealed mystery box after the official signal.
• Each box contains 8–10 random everyday items.
• One item may intentionally be useless to test decision-making ability.
• Teams brainstorm possible solutions after the HR challenge theme is revealed.

Phase 2 – Build & Obstacle Challenge:

• Teams build a prototype or conceptual representation using only the provided items.
• Obstacle cards are introduced during the building process to simulate workplace challenges.
• Example obstacle cards include Silent Mode, Budget Cut, One Hand Down, and Manager Mode.
• Total build time is approximately 60 minutes.

Phase 3 – Pitch & Presentation:

• Each team will present its solution to the judging panel.
• Presentation time is 3 minutes followed by a 2-minute Q&A session.
• Teams must clearly explain the HR problem addressed, the concept behind the solution, and how the materials were used.

General Rules:

• Each team must have 2–4 members; individual participation is not allowed.
• Participants can be part of only one team.
• Mystery boxes cannot be opened before the official signal.
• Teams must use only the materials provided in the box.
• Use of external materials, mobile phones, or electronic devices is strictly prohibited during the event.
• The problem statement will be revealed after the box is opened.
• Teams must immediately follow the instructions mentioned in the obstacle cards.
• Non-compliance with obstacle cards may result in penalties.
• The organizing committee reserves the right to modify rules if required.
• The decision of the judges and the organizing committee will be final and binding.

Judging Criteria:

• Innovation and Creativity – 25 points.
• HR Relevance – 20 points.
• Resource Utilisation – 15 points.
• Obstacle Management – 20 points.
• Presentation and Pitch – 15 points.
• Teamwork – 5 points.

Bonus Points:

• Identifying the decoy item – 5 points.
• Functional model – 5 points.
• Using all items – 3 points.
• Audience favourite – 3 points.

Total Score:

• The maximum evaluation score is 100 points.