BonusBrew
The Project
BonusBrew is an organizational web program that allows users to easily navigate their documents, roll customized dice, and connect with like-minded creators in their community.
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Dungeons and Dragons is a traditional tabletop game created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson in 1974. It was originally designed as an alternative to miniature-military war gaming, but is now used as an immersive storytelling and bonding experience. While the traditional 5e version has gained popularity -even celebrities such as Drew Barrymore and George RR Martin play it- alternative versions are constantly being devised, commonly referred to as “Homebrew D&D”. There are many podcasts and TV Shows dedicated to well-known faces playing D&D, such as Dimension 20 that solely plays Homebrew.
The Problem
Homebrew D&D campaigns allow accessibility that traditional D&D does not provide. Many people are interested in games like D&D, but the rigidity of the traditional rules and abundance of long and expensive campaign books can sometimes limit players. This is a project close to my heart as I have created many homebrew D&D games and struggle to organize it without the resources normal D&D campaigns have access to. Secondarily, I also would love to connect with other people who have created homebrew games and want to share their gameplay formats with others in a safe online environment. This project will touch upon those goals and establish a relevant design.
Users who play Homebrew Dungeons and Dragons have a difficult time finding alternative character sheet/organization apps and want ways to design their character without conforming to traditional D&D formats. Creating an app that gives homebrew players a place to organize, connect, and create would widen the scope of their gameplay options.
Research
Existing MAterial
There are many mobile applications and web programs that cater to D&D games, although most are either not very fleshed out or designed poorly. Furthermore, all cater to traditional 5e D&D while BonusBrew would cater to those who stray from the original game. There are many groups (via Reddit, Facebook, etc.) dedicated to homebrew players, but none offer organization features. One web program that stood out, however, was Roll20. It allows players to create a digital tabletop board game and play virtually, but is lacking in customization outside of that.
Culture Background
This is just to give some background on the culture of D&D. The user base is obsessed with customization. If there’s a way to make it their own and change it to fit their needs and wants, they will do it. For example, there are many people who make and sell dice designs. There are also many people who collect said dice. D&D is a hobby that has a plethora of sub-hobbies within itself.
User Survey and
Interview Data
For my research, I was able to get over 100 survey responses and three 30-40 minute one-on-one interviews. I found myself enriched with new information on exactly how big my project's problem was. Many people had many opinions, all just as passionate as the other.
These are highlights of my findings:
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Users prefered a web application vs a mobile application. However, users hoped that both would exist in the future for easy device switching
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Users prioritized a fully developed and customizable dice roller over character creation. The data on whether a character creator should be included at all was mixed.
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User feedback on the key features led me to combine the character sheet and character creator aspects and create a separate section for the dice roller.
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User Persona
An example of a user based on interview data. This persona will help focus on the main features of the prototype. I used this information to streamline and prioritize my work within the timeline. I wanted to allow myself time to flesh out what was most important to the users rather than bouncing around between aspects of the web program.
Initial Sketches
These sketches were created with functionality in mind. The users made it clear they wanted something with easy access and multiple features. I wanted to make sure my initial designs were clear on how they would interact with each other and what they illustrated.
User Scenario 1 - Check Tavern
Scenario
Ashley has just come home from work and wants to lose herself in the world of D&D but she’s not playing a game until 7:30pm that night. She opens up her BonusBrew web program and checks the top posts. She wants to see if anything catches her eye that may be relevant to the games she's currently playing with her friends.
User Scenario 2 - Character Sheet
Scenario
Ashley decides to create a new character sheet template to transfer her current character information on to. She’s been using a standard PDF version but wants to insert an image of her character. She’s hoping she can convince her friend to draw one later. She goes to her game folder in the library and adds a new sheet using the character template. She likes what aspects are already there, but decides to add an image box from the widget section. Once she’s added it, she finishes and changes the title. She realizes it’s time to get on the zoom call for the game and hits done to add the finished template to her library.
User Scenario 3 - Dice Roller
Scenario
After being on the call with her friends for a while, Ashley decides to change her dice design while she waits for her turn. Suddenly, she encounters a fight within the game. She decides to engage and is told to roll her weapon modifier. She quickly goes to the Roll section and clicks her modifier. The web browser automatically gives her the total and she’s able to see her new roll history at the corner of her screen.
User Testing
User testing was done within a time crunch, but still allotted helpful feedback. Most of the users who were involved with testing were impressed with the options available to them and had good ideas on how things could be improved. Not everything could be implemented in time, but here are some of the aspects I was able to improve within the given time frame.
Before
The buttons (not shown) were all to the left and the "untitled" section was darkened.
Before
The modification and past totals are to the right side.
After
The "finished" button is at the bottom and the "untitled" section is greyed as well as featured in the bolded text.
After
The modification and past totals are pop-ups when the respective buttons are clicked.
Next Steps
01
More User Testing
Get a clearer idea of what other users might want from this program
02
Sectioned Screen
Playing around with a sectioned off screen to show two different aspects in one browser window
03
Enhance Fidelity
Create a higher fidelity version of the current prototype
04
Mobile Version
Create a mobile app counterpart
Reflection
This was a passion project, through and through. I love Homebrew D&D because it allows users to bond, create, and problem solve in the comfort of their own home. I think there are many things I learned from this project, but the main takeaway was that people care more than you think. I expected a few responses to my survey, but got showered in a plethora of responses, concerns and opinions. If I were to go back and do it again, I would add more one-on-one interviews to further my research.
People were excited about my inkling of an idea. They were so happy to be involved and demanded updates for when I was finished. Their passion carried me through every late night and tough day. So, if I were to leave this project behind with only one lesson to keep with me, it’s to never underestimate your user base.
