Goal:
Born from my personal frustration in finding games, Tavrn was developed as a solution to streamline the process, fostering a vibrant and inclusive gaming community.
Timeline
From explorations to beta launch in 8 months.
Background
The platform features a clean, intuitive user interface that incorporates a warm tavern-inspired aesthetic, with dark hues and golden accents to evoke the atmosphere of a cozy RPG hub. Through features like detailed game postings, time zone tracking, safety tools, and customizable schedules, Tavrn empowers users to connect in meaningful ways while ensuring accessibility and safety for all players.
As the creator, I was involved in every stage of Tavrn’s development: conceptualizing the idea, conducting user research, designing the branding, and developing the user interface through Figma. I collaborated closely with developers to create a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and worked on marketing campaigns, including email outreach and social ads, to generate interest. Tavrn’s launch was a resounding success, gaining over 600 users within the first four months and consistently growing its user base.
Role:
UI UX Designer
Tools Used:
Figma
Slack
JIRA
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Slack
JIRA
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Process
Research & Planning
The journey began with extensive research to identify the pain points in the tabletop RPG community. I explored existing platforms, such as forums, Reddit, and Discord servers, to understand the challenges players and Dungeon Masters (DMs) face when finding and managing games. This included reviewing game applications to identify the essential information players need to apply, studying safety tools to create a safer gaming environment, and researching branding concepts to make Tavrn visually cohesive and approachable. Armed with this knowledge, I developed a clear roadmap for features and functionality, focusing on streamlining game discovery, simplifying DM tools, and enhancing the overall experience.
Design & Prototyping
Using Figma, I designed the user interface with a clear goal: to make Tavrn feel like stepping into a virtual tavern. I incorporated warm, dark hues and golden accents to evoke a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Every design element was crafted with usability in mind, from intuitive navigation to profiles that act as player resumes. Interactive prototypes were created to visualize user flows, such as game creation, player applications, and game discovery, ensuring a seamless experience. Feedback from tabletop players and DMs was gathered at this stage to refine the design further.
Implementation
I collaborated closely with developers to bring Tavrn to life, focusing on creating a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that included core features like game posting, player profiles, and application tools. Regular check-ins ensured alignment between the design and development teams, while detailed documentation helped streamline communication. I also worked on integrating third-party features, such as time zone conversion and advanced filters, to enhance functionality.
Testing & Optimization
Once the MVP was ready, Tavrn underwent rigorous testing with a closed beta group of players and DMs. Feedback was collected to identify usability issues, refine the interface, and prioritize new features. Adjustments were made to improve performance, such as optimizing the explore page for faster search results and refining the game creation process to make it more user-friendly. With continuous user feedback, features like a profile completion guide, notification system, and event hosting capabilities were added post-launch.
This structured approach allowed Tavrn to grow quickly and gain traction in the tabletop RPG community, creating a platform that is not only functional but beloved by its users.
Solution
Tavrn offers a seamless user experience, allowing individuals to effortlessly find players and games.
Streamlined Game Discovery
Unlike forums, Reddit threads, or Discord servers where finding games can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, Tavrn provides a centralized and searchable platform tailored to tabletop RPGs. Users can filter games by availability, game system, DM experience, safety tools, and more, ensuring they find games that align with their preferences without wasting hours scrolling through unrelated posts.
Simplified Application and Profile Management
Instead of filling out lengthy Google forms or repeating information for every game application, Tavrn introduces player profiles that act as a "player resume." This allows users to easily apply to games with pre-saved information while giving Dungeon Masters a streamlined way to review applicants. It also keeps the application process transparent, ensuring better communication between players and DMs.
Enhanced Safety and Community Tools
Tavrn incorporates features like detailed safety tool descriptions and the ability to display session expectations upfront, ensuring players know what to expect before joining. This fosters a safer, more inclusive environment compared to less structured methods of game recruitment. Additionally, its integrated event hosting capabilities allow for seminars, workshops, and social gatherings, bringing the community closer together in ways traditional platforms don’t.
Explore Games
Filter Games
Application Review
Game Details
Event Explore
Event Details
Marketing Page
Outcome
Rapid User Growth
Tavrn attracted over 600 users within the first four months of launch, showcasing its immediate appeal and resonance with the tabletop gaming community.
Increased Game Connections
Hundreds of games have been created and actively managed on the platform, resulting in numerous successful player-to-Dungeon Master connections that otherwise might not have occurred.
Community Engagement
Feedback-driven updates, such as the addition of safety tool descriptions and robust game filters, were directly shaped by Tavrn’s active and engaged user base, demonstrating a thriving community committed to improving the platform.
