4DnD
4DnD
The Physical Dice, Digitally Connected: An Ecosystem for Tabletop Gamers
The Physical Dice, Digitally Connected: An Ecosystem for Tabletop Gamers
As a 13-year veteran of TTRPGs, I identified a critical emotional gap in the rapidly growing virtual tabletop (VTT) market. I conceived, researched, and designed 4DnD: a complete hardware/software ecosystem designed to bring back the lost tactile and social elements of in-person play. The solution is an overlay platform that works with existing VTTs, combined with a Bluetooth-enabled physical dice set. This project showcases my ability to conduct deep user research, synthesize insights into a cohesive product vision, and design a complex, multi-faceted solution from the ground up.
An overlay platform that elevates virtual TTRPG (table-top role-playing game) experience. Compatible with all existing VTT platforms it combines a Bluetooth physical dice set, 3D technologies and AI filters.
After my 13 years of TTRPG experience playing around the table and in person I was eager to create 4DnD, which brings the lost traditional elements from the table to the virtual realm finally making the experience whole again.
Role | Product Visionary, Lead Researcher, UX/UI & Industrial Designer (Solo Project)
Product | Hardware (Bluetooth Dice) & Software (Desktop Overlay Platform)
Product | Overlay platform, Bluetooth dice-set
Product | Overlay platform, Bluetooth dice-set
Core Skills | User Research & Ethnography, Competitive Analysis, Systems Design, Hardware & Software UX
Product | Overlay platform, Bluetooth dice-set
Product | Overlay platform, Bluetooth dice-set
Key Insight
Virtual platforms had solved the functional problems of remote play, but had lost the emotional "soul" of the experience. |
Key Insight
Virtual platforms had solved the functional problems of remote play, but had lost the emotional "soul" of the experience. |
Key Insight
Virtual platforms had solved the functional problems of remote play, but had lost the emotional "soul" of the experience. |
The Problem
Existing virtual platforms had stripped away the core elements that create immersion and connection: the tactile thrill of rolling a physical die, the natural flow of conversation around a table, and the freedom of role-playing. The experience felt functional, but hollow.
Existing virtual platforms had stripped away the core elements that create immersion and connection: the tactile thrill of rolling a physical die, the natural flow of conversation around a table, and the freedom of role-playing. The experience felt functional, but hollow.
The VTT market exploded during the pandemic, growing 250%. Platforms like Roll20 and Foundry solved the logistical challenges of remote play - maps, character sheets, and rules automation. But as an avid player, I knew something was fundamentally broken.
Competitive Audit
I analyzed the top VTT platforms. My findings were universal: they all competed on features like rules integration and map tools, but none were focused on enhancing the core human experience of communication and immersion. This was a massive, unaddressed market gap.
I analyzed the top VTT platforms. My findings were universal: they all competed on features like rules integration and map tools, but none were focused on enhancing the core human experience of communication and immersion. This was a massive, unaddressed market gap.
User Interviews
I conducted in-depth interviews with a range of players. Their stories reinforced my hypothesis and revealed specific, actionable pain points.
I conducted in-depth interviews with a range of players. Their stories reinforced my hypothesis and revealed specific, actionable pain points.
Zee, The Social Player
Key Love | Visuals, Automation
Key Hate | 2D communication feels less engaging
Pain Point | Lack of natural, flowing conversation
Zee, The Social Player
Key Love | Visuals, Automation
Key Hate | 2D communication feels less engaging
Pain Point | Lack of natural, flowing conversation
“Communication in person creates energy and flow without interruption”
Fin, The Tactile Player
Key Love | The feel of physical dice
Key Hate | A click of a button is unsatisfying
Pain Point | The magic of the physical dice roll was gone
“Real dice feels great in the hand and creates suspension and intense feelings while playing”
Tal, The Role-Player
Key Love | Getting into character
Key Hate | Lack of customization and immersion tools
Pain Point | Inability to fully embody a character
“Physical features help me dive deeper into character, I feel more connected with it”
Zee, The Social Player
Key Love | Visuals, Automation
Key Hate | 2D communication feels less engaging
Pain Point | Lack of natural, flowing conversation
“Communication in person creates energy and flow without interruption”
Fin, The Tactile Player
Key Love | The feel of physical dice
Key Hate | A click of a button is unsatisfying
Pain Point | The magic of the physical dice roll was gone
“Real dice feels great in the hand and creates suspension and intense feelings while playing”
Tal, The Role-Player
Key Love | Getting into character
Key Hate | Lack of customization and immersion tools
Pain Point | Inability to fully embody a character
“Physical features help me dive deeper into character, I feel more connected with it”
The Solution: A Hybrid Overlay Ecosystem
My strategy was not to replace existing VTTs, but to enhance them. I designed 4DnD as an overlay platform that sits on top of any VTT, combined with a physical dice set. This lowers the barrier to entry and respects users' existing workflows.
My strategy was not to replace existing VTTs, but to enhance them. I designed 4DnD as an overlay platform that sits on top of any VTT, combined with a physical dice set. This lowers the barrier to entry and respects users' existing workflows.
Feature
How it Works
The Pain Point it Solves
3D Audio & Seating Chart
3D Audio &
Seating Chart
3D Audio &
Seating Chart
Users choose a seat at a virtual table, and 3D audio tech makes voices sound like they are coming from that direction.
Users choose a seat at a virtual table, and 3D audio tech makes voices sound like they are coming from that direction.
Solves Zee's "flat communication" problem by recreating the natural acoustics of sitting around a real table.
Solves Zee's "flat communication" problem by recreating the natural acoustics of sitting around a real table.
AI Voice & Video Filters
AI Voice &
Video Filters
AI Voice &
Video Filters
AI-powered filters allow players to change their voice and appearance to match their character.
AI-powered filters allow players to change their voice and appearance to match their character.
Solves Tal's "immersion" problem by providing powerful, easy-to-use tools for role-playing.
Solves Tal's "immersion" problem by providing powerful, easy-to-use tools for role-playing.
Bluetooth Dice Set
Bluetooth
Dice Set
A beautifully designed physical dice set that wirelessly transmits roll results to the platform for all to see.
A beautifully designed physical dice set that wirelessly transmits roll results to the platform for all to see.
Solves Fin's "unsatisfying click" problem by bringing back the tactile thrill and suspense of a real dice roll.
Solves Fin's "unsatisfying click" problem by bringing back the tactile thrill and suspense of a real dice roll.
"Whisper" & "Mirror"
"Whisper" &
"Mirror"
"Whisper" &
"Mirror"
Users can speak privately to others without interrupting, and can see their own video feed on demand.
Users can speak privately to others without interrupting, and can see their own video feed on demand.
Solves nuanced social needs, demonstrating a deep understanding of the subtle interactions of in-person play.
Solves nuanced social needs, demonstrating a deep understanding of the subtle interactions of in-person play.
1 min platform walkthrough
full platform walkthrough + sound
The Physical Experience
The dice set is more than a tool, it's part of the fantasy.
Design: Inspired by D&D magical artifacts, the box itself is a desirable object with a hidden magnetic locking mechanism and fantasy like riddle.
Technology: It features a single button to connect the entire set via Bluetooth and a wireless charger, ensuring a seamless, magical user experience.
The Physical Experience
The dice set is more than a tool, it's part of the fantasy.
The dice set is more than a tool, it's part of the fantasy.
Design: Inspired by D&D magical artifacts, the box itself is a desirable object with a hidden magnetic locking mechanism and fantasy like riddle.
Technology: It features a single button to connect the entire set via Bluetooth and a wireless charger, ensuring a seamless, magical user experience.
Learnings & Reflections
Learnings & Reflections
The Value of Iteration: As my skills grew, I revisited this project to refine the UI. This taught me that a product is never truly "done" and reinforced the importance of iterating based on new knowledge and a fresh perspective.
The Power of Personal Connection: Designing a solution for a problem I deeply understood allowed for a level of empathy and insight that would be hard to achieve otherwise. The key was balancing this personal connection with objective user research to avoid familiarity bias.
Systems Thinking is Key: The most successful solution wasn't just an app or a piece of hardware; it was a cohesive system where each part enhanced the others. This project solidified my belief in designing holistic ecosystems, not just isolated features.
