Dungeons & Documentation Dungeons & Documentation

In this episode, we explore how the five organizational methods of LATCH (Location, Alphabet, Time, Category, Hierarchy) provide order, generate discussion, and inspire creativity.

We also note how combining or overlaying multiple types of information organization can create hilarious results (hierarchical vampire caskets, reverse alphabetized stadium seating).

Why this matters:

Whether you think about it or not, the way you choose to organize information directly affects how others experience it, be it your next combat encounter or your record collection.

As dungeon masters, we often default to a mix of location and category (such as “in dungeon room L1 the party encounters 5 Giant Spiders”). What would happen to our campaigns if we switched up the way we organize?

When you are intentional with the way you structure your games, it allows you to be more intentional with the experience you’re creating for your players.

In this episode, Keith walks us through the fish bone diagram, a nursing shorthand for lab values. When information changes frequently, having a consistent system you can quickly refer to can literally save someone's life. As a dungeon master, the stakes are lower but tracking changing numbers like HP and Spell Save DC can drain your brain and the game's pacing. That's where a system like fishbones can help!

In this episode, visual designer Jason Naumann walks us through two important elements of both working with clients professionally and planning a successful D&D session:

Understanding the needs, wants, and interests of each player character

Allowing yourself time to ideate and explore, particularly visually, as you prepare a session

In this episode, we interview Laura and Kelly of Homebrew Coffee & Co, who run a Dungeons & Dragons themed, fresh roast coffee business. We learn about coffee roasting, coffee brewing, and how Dungeon Masters might perfectly roast their players for a balanced session.

Is Tarot actually information architecture? Is any effort to convey information a form of mysticism? In this episode, Sara walks us through the art of Tarot and divination. In part two, we review the newly released Dungeons & Dragons Tarot Deck.

2D Animator Diana Chao shares how she organizes her creative process to produce finished work. Can Dungeon Masters do the same?