The Problem
Virtual tabletop (VTT) platforms often fall into two extremes: overly complex tools that demand hours of setup or overly simplistic solutions that fail to recreate the depth of in-person play. Tabyltop was designed as a next-generation VTT, balancing powerful game management tools with an intuitive user experience that welcomed both new and veteran players.
As the primary UX/UI designer and visual design lead, I crafted an interface that was both functional and visually compelling, ensuring every touchpoint was immersive, accessible, and easy to use.
The Challenge
Building a ground-up VTT meant solving several major UX/UI challenges:
- Creating a modern, immersive visual language that felt polished and inviting.
- Minimizing friction for first-time users, allowing players to join and navigate games effortlessly.
- Designing a robust yet intuitive interface for GMs, reducing setup time while increasing control.
- Integrating seamless video conferencing & virtual cosplay, giving players new ways to express themselves.
- Ensuring the UI scaled effortlessly across desktops, tablets, and different screen sizes.
The Process
Agile, Hands-On, and Iterative
With a small, highly agile team, Tabyltop was built as a living and evolving product, constantly tested and refined through real-world gameplay.
Player-Driven Development
We conducted ongoing playtests, gathering live feedback from real RPG groups and adjusting features in response.
Designing for Real Play
Created an evolving UI that adapted based on player interaction, ensuring natural and seamless in-game experiences.
Rapid Iteration & Refinement
Tested new features in live games, refining UI and interaction patterns weekly for optimal usability.
Playtest-Driven UX Evolution
Observed real players in action and made immediate refinements to layouts, readability, and user flow.
Live Feature Refinement
Continuously improved GM and player tools based on weekly playtest feedback, keeping the platform adaptable.
Outcomes and Impact
- Faster Onboarding: 80% of users could join a session within 10 minutes.
- 40% Reduction in GM Prep Time: Campaign setup became significantly faster.
- High Engagement Rates: Sessions averaged over 3 hours with minimal interruptions.
- Seamless Social Features: Built-in video chat & cosplay tools increased roleplay immersion.
What I’d Do Differently
Introduce custom UI theming, expand in-app onboarding, and improve offline mode functionality.
Reflection
As the lead UX/UI designer, I ensured Tabyltop was intuitive, visually immersive, and accessible. This project refined my expertise in game UI, real-time social tools, and scalable design systems.