UX / Experience Design — Case Study
Overview:A collaborative digital–analog game night experience curated by a local board game store and hosted by a local restaurant in Newark, DE.
Definition:
To establish The Days of Knights as a welcoming entry point within the board game and TTRPG community by providing a guided experience for newcomers to find, play, and connect with others who share their interests.
Created in collaboration with Addy Nare and Genevieve Gore
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Duck Illustration by Jenna Kaufman
Rat Illustration by Jenna Kaufman
Wizard Illustration by Jenna Kaufman
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Client
The Days of Knights × Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen
Challenge
Grow beyond the established TTRPG audience
Customer Base
80% University of Delaware students & alumni — multigenerational
Popular Events:
Magic: The Gathering · Board Games · D&D
Core Challenge:
Lack of online presence; difficult shopping UI
The Problem
New and potential gamers in Newark experienced uncertainty engaging with The Days of Knights without prior connections within the TTRPG community — limiting broader participation and preventing the store from extending beyond its established audience.
The Solution
Fostering community engagement through a curated game night experience that allows participants to find games to their liking and connect to both established Days of Knights community members and new players — all in a free, welcoming environment.
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"The value in the store is the experience and suggestions it can give customers, as well as being a place to play."
— Joe, Store Manager
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Deliverables
Logo Redesign: Refined the brand from a complex shield to a clean dice-inspired shape, modernizing for digital use.
UI Prototype: A mobile matchmaking interface that guides users through game preferences, matches them with companions, reveals their table assignment, and links to game rules.
Print & Digital Promotion: Three poster variants featuring linocut-style characters, QR registration codes, and event details, along with Discord announcement templates for the store's online community.
Menu Design: A co-branded Grain × Days of Knights menu featuring game-themed small plates and drinks.
Experience Design: Worker t-shirts with medieval character roles (Tile Squire, Board Lord, Match Mage, Game Knight) and illustrated gothic arch table markers, making staff instantly identifiable and on-theme.
Environmental Signage: Physical wayfinding, including chalkboard boards and street marquee promotions placed at Grain and throughout Newark to attract foot traffic and curious newcomers.
Experience Design Mockup by Jenna Kaufman
Experience Design Mockup by Jenna Kaufman
Signage Mockup by Jenna Kaufman
Signage Mockup by Jenna Kaufman
Shirt Designs by Genevieve Gore
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Promotional Poster by Genevieve Gore
Promotional Poster by Genevieve Gore
Promotional Poster by Genevieve Gore
UI by Addy Nare
Menu Design by Jenna Kaufman
UI by Addy Nare
Table Markers by Jenna Kaufman
Logo Redesign by Genevieve Gore
Discord Promotion by Genevieve Gore
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Style Guide:
Title, Level 1 Heading: P22 Sting
Header, Body, Caption: Le Monde Livre
Patterns & Textures: Inspired by medieval illuminated manuscripts’ intricate adornment and geometric shapes. Incorporating textures from textiles like velvet and silk as a backdrop.
Motifs & Accents: Stars represent luck and guidance; part of playing games and establishing DoK as a north star in the world of TTRPG. Linocut-style characters with a goofy tone.
