Analog Games
These projects examine how design principles translate into physical play experiences.
✦ UI/UX Design
✦ Tabletop Roleplaying Game
✦ Card Game
Ten Seals
UI/UX Design | Game Design | QA & Playtesting
Pen and Paper
Project Brief
A Beginner-Friendly Pen and Paper
A Beginner-Friendly Pen and Paper
Details
Platform
Analog TTRPG
Team Size
4
Focus
UI/UX Design, Game Design, QA & Playtesting
The Ten Seals is an analog role-playing game system set in a high-fantasy world, specifically designed to be intuitive for beginners without sacrificing depth. As UI/UX Designer of this project I was involved with creating the rulebook, the included starter adventure, character sheets, item cards, and maps.
01
The
Vision
A complex tabletop RPG system that feel effortless for first-time players. Full rulebook, adventure, cards, and maps inclusive.
03
The
Pressure
A fully interconnected rule system in a short timeline. Print-ready files that must be colour-consistent, durable, and production-ready.
04
What We
Shipped
A fully printed, playable system available on itch.io to this day. Character sheets that players understood without explanation.
05
What
Stuck
Print prep is a discipline of its own. Iteration is progress. And an expert in the room is worth weeks of research.
01 ✦ Ten Seals
Obstacles & Solutions
Rulebook Complexity
Rulebook Complexity
01 ✦ Ten Seals
Impact & Learnings
Key Takeaways
Planning Saves Time
The print process requires careful planning, functionality and aesthetics are equally important.
Teammates as Experts
An expert in their niche can efficiently educate the team on crucial aspects, which saves valuable time.
Precision from Day One
A solid feedback system and regular playtesting matters as much as the design itself.
Kardma
UI Design
Card Game
Project Brief
A Card Game Redesign
A Beginner-Friendly Pen and Paper
Details
Platform
Analog Card Game
Team Size
3
Focus
UI Design, Graphic Design
Kardma is a visual redesign of the card game “Love Letter”, a game of risk, deduction, and luck where players try to expose other players to get to the princess. The theme is a play on karma and cards, suggesting that actions taken within the game can have consequences in future rounds, reinforcing the idea that dishonesty or foul play may lead to repercussions down the line.
02 ✦ Kardma
Key Takeaways & Impact
Karma at the Card Table
Rulebook Complexity
Rulebook Complexity
The Devil in the Details
Small design details significantly impact user experience. Thoughtful illustrations, custom icons, and clear typography enhance both visual quality and usability, improving overall gameplay.
Conformity
Visual consistency was maintained across all game assets by aligning design elements for both digital and print formats. A unified aesthetic was developed to reinforce the game’s narrative and thematic direction.
02 ✦ Kardma
Consistency Checklist
Every card in Kardma has its own character, color, and visual weight. The design makes each one immediately readable and memorable.
Rulebook Complexity
Rulebook Complexity
How To God
UI Design
Card Game
Project Brief
A Card Game about Ascension
A Beginner-Friendly Pen and Paper
Details
Platform
Analog Card Game
Team Size
3
Focus
UI Design, Graphic Design
Drawing from the absurdity and madness of Munchkin, the concept of How to God pushes the idea to the limit, where players aren't only battling monsters, but climbing their way up the hierarchy and towards godhood through many levels of advancement.
03 ✦ How To God
Core Goal
Reach Level 10 to becoming the ultimate divine force at the table. The objective is to eliminate other players and reach the highest level by successfully playing cards, winning encounters, and making strategic decisions.
03 ✦ How To God
Key Takeaways
Collaboration
Cross-disciplinary collaboration is key to the success of this project. All aspects of the game should align with the overall vision, meaning team members have to work closely. Understanding and supporting each other’s roles, clear communication and collaboration are essential to make sure every detail worked harmoniously.
03 ✦ How To God
The Impact
Middle Ground
Successfully overcoming communication and collaboration challenges across different departments, we were able to bridge gaps in creative differences and align our goals. This led to a unified approach, where diverse perspectives contributed to the project’s success, enhancing the final product’s quality and cohesion.
✦ Contact Me
Have a project in mind?
Looking for collaboration? Send an email to contact@vhoffmann.design for inquiries and projects or fill out the form.