Cueswoody

Cueswoody is a term used in discussions of interactive media to describe a cueing design in which a wooden prop acts as a tangible trigger that initiates actions, signals narrative beats, or helps cue memory within a game, exhibit, or performative installation. It emphasizes the physical dimension of interaction and the role of objects in guiding user experience.

The term is not tied to a single creator or project; it appears in design discussions, escape-room literature, and online forums as a descriptive label rather than a formal methodology.

Implementation typically involves a wooden object selected for durability, weight, and affordance. When a player interacts with or rotates the prop, the object's state is captured by sensors or manual input and mapped to corresponding in-game events, prompts, or feedback. Wooden props are favored for their tactile quality and resilience in public settings.

Applications range from live-action games and theatre workshops to educational simulations and VR narratives. Cueswoody can support embodied learning, reduce cognitive load by providing physical grounding, and extend storytelling through physical space.

Critiques focus on accessibility, cost, and practicality; wooden props require space and maintenance and may not suit digital-only experiences. Proponents emphasize its potential for engagement, memory cues, and broader audience inclusion when combined with accessible design.