Visual Design as Metaphor: The Evolution of a Character Sheet

By carefully observing how character sheets are used in the role playing game, Night Witches (2015), I was able to not only refine the visual design of the functional tool but also reexamine and improve the game itself. I integrated aesthetics, theme, and inspiration into the character sheets by incorporating period-specific visual design choices, coupled with the careful use of images. What I learned through this very focused process is that the evolution of a character sheet, or any piece of essential player-facing ephemera, can mirror the evolution of a game’s design and serve as a metaphor for design missteps and triumphs. By making a commitment to both usability and the aesthetics of play, I was able to iteratively improve Night Witches outside the realm of traditional playtesting.