In a series of posts I will show you how to make a maze in a wide variety of design constructions. The 16th type of maze construction is the Directional maze. Let’s define what I mean, then get into the example. I will show you an example using a basic outline (the state of Ohio) to illustrate the differences between each maze type, although this type of maze does not have a true shape !
Here is an outline for this blog post with jump links if you want to skip ahead to a section:
HOW TO MAKE A DIRECTIONAL MAZE
HOW TO MAKE A DIRECTIONAL MAZE - abbreviated writing & using a different shape
DIRECTIONAL MAZE DEFINITION:
Directional Maze (may also called a Left Turn Maze or No Right Turn Maze, etc) - A maze where the solver must follow a specific directional rule at an intersection, like you can only turn left (or you can’t turn right) ! Can be applied to any number of conditions. This maze design ends up looking like a cut thru maze in that you travel ON the line.
THE 5 RULES OF MAZE DESIGN:
These 5 rules apply to any maze you make so we start with them !
1. Always keep an open pathway for the solution
While drawing a maze you will need to juggle multiple open pathways each of which could become the solution. One of them will become the solution. Keep track of it. This is especially important if you are designing pathways in both directions (from the start and from the goal).
2. Clearly mark the start and goal, or the objective of the maze
A maze should have a start and a goal that you can assess just by glancing at it. There are many ways to start and end a maze I review in this blog post: Options for Starting and Ending a Maze
3. Ensure the difficulty matches the intended audience
Most people want to solve a puzzle/maze that is just slightly below or slightly above their skill level. Many things help determine the difficulty of a maze. Size, number of branches, the length of dead ends, the number of choices, the complexity of the rules (if the maze has them).
4. Ensure your maze has a solution
When your maze is complete, solve it to determine the difficulty level and to ensure it is a real, solvable maze. Depending on the complexity of the maze you may want to do this right away or wait so you can properly assess the difficulty.
5. Explain anything that needs explaining
Some mazes have rules or conditions. Explain them with directions. If it isn't obvious, make it so.
How to Make a Directional Maze
Step 1 - Draw the Outline (Optional)
Most directional mazes WILL NOT have outlines, including this first example. The shape will be formed by the lines that you draw.
Step 2 - Draw the Solution
Starting from the outline of the maze draw a line to another point in the outline that will become your solution. Obviously the solution will need to follow whatever directional rule you have decided on. In the example below I used a left turn only rule. This makes the solution a series of loops.
Step 3 - Add False Paths
Add new possible pathways that will not lead to a solution. Where you can turn onto them, but they will lead to a dead end, or they will lead to an intersection that requires breaking the solution rules. In the example below the false paths are in red. Check to make sure you haven’t created any additional solutions.
Step 4 - Complete the Maze
Convert the lines to a common color to complete the maze. Add directions if needed.
Step 5 - Make the Maze Solution & add directions
Highlight the correct path in the final version of the maze to create the final maze solution (shown here in red). Ensure the maze has directions.
HOW TO MAKE A DIRECTIONAL MAZE - abbreviated writing & using a different shape
Step 1 - Draw the Outline (Optional) - Most directional mazes WILL NOT have outlines.
Step 2 - Draw the Solution
Step 3 - Add False Paths
Step 4 - Complete the Maze
Step 5 - Make the Maze Solution
ADDITIONAL DIRECTIONAL MAZE EXAMPLES
Here is another example of a Directional maze, this is a Left Turn only maze with no outline/border.
Here is a similar looking directional maze that must be solved using right turns only.
And another right turn only example:
Interested in learning how to make or draw other types of digital mazes ? I have step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types.
If you prefer making labyrinths, you can find step by step labyrinth making instructions.