App Design Discussion on NEXTWave Network, Part 2: More UX and a bit of UI

I am excited to share my second NextWave Network Community Lunch, where we delved deeper into designing an immersive role-playing game that extends into the real world.

We explore how QR-coded jerseys, AI storytelling, and quick-hit social play could create new ways for people to connect, role-play, and “touch grass.” Along the way, we test ideas live, riff on narrative design, and even compare notes with existing platforms like AI Dungeon and avatar kits from Synty Studios.

This is part two of our design jam. You can watch part 1 here: https://youtu.be/113IORBZfRY

⏱️ Key Moments

• 01:16 – Reviewing what we talked about last time
• 05:42 – JJ reintroduces the core ideas of the project
• 07:43 – Sharing the idea with a Dungeon Master & early LARP feedback
• 14:57 – Avatars (Synty Studios Sidekicks) as visual identity
• 19:05 – Warren’s perspective: discomfort with RPG
• 26:02 – Demoing AI Dungeon as inspiration for AI-driven storytelling
• 42:19 – Multi-layered stories: individual, campaign, and world arcs
• 44:36 – Memories as persistent narrative building blocks
• 47:16 – JJ’s personal story: losing a character and its emotional impact
• 49:01 – The importance of physical connection (touching grass, meeting IRL)
• 53:24 – Why limitations create value (quick hits vs. deep play)
• 55:04 – Enough clarity to prototype: moving toward UI & event design

🔗 Links & Resources

• The Jungle Vlog → aaroncollegeman.beebo.network/thejungle
• Ruscella Immersive → ruscellaimmersive.com
• OrchestrateXR → orchestratexr.com
• Miro (collaborative whiteboard) → miro.com
• AI Dungeon (AI-driven storytelling) → aidungeon.io
• Synty Studios (low-poly assets & Sidekicks) → syntystore.com