Budding Writers
Designing and developing a brand identity and website for a grassroots bookstore cafe - Budding Writers
Overview
Website for cafe and literature lovers
Budding Writers is not just a cafe; it’s a haven for literary enthusiasts and aspiring wordsmiths alike. This website is designed to help people navigate through their literary adventures and find hidden gems, all while having them grab a drink and some food, or even attending events.
Year
March 2024 – May 2024
Role
Designer, Developer, Researcher
Skills
Figma, Illustrator, WordPress, Photoshop, UX/UI Design, Graphic Design, Typography, Photo editing, Research
Introduction
Context
This project, completed as part of a design course at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, focused on developing a cohesive brand identity and a fully functional WordPress website for Budding Writers. The process involved in-depth research on the target audience, the creation of a distinctive logo, the selection of typography and color schemes, and the establishment of a brand voice that resonates with aspiring writers and coffee lovers. Additionally, a responsive WordPress website was designed and developed, incorporating custom themes, essential plugins, and an intuitive user experience to enhance accessibility and engagement. The final outcome delivered a professional and polished digital presence tailored to the client's needs.
The client
Budding Writers Cafe is a thoughtfully curated space designed for literary enthusiasts, offering a welcoming environment to explore secondhand books, connect with the writing community, or enjoy a selection of pastries and coffee. The website aims to enhance the customer experience by featuring a digital menu, online reservations, a virtual bookstore, and an event calendar—facilitating seamless interaction with the café’s offerings both online and in-person. With a focus on warmth and creativity, the site employs an earthy color palette of soft greens, browns, and neutrals to convey growth, while clean layouts, organic shapes, and refined typography reinforce its identity as a hub for writers and book lovers.
Reseach
Jumping into research. the research was done in two methods, primary and secondary. The primary method used was surveys while the secondary research was done doing online research. From the research, there were several key points that were found:
- Users bought more books online than in person
- Users don't like pop-ups
- Users don't want an overcrowded site with a lot of images and banners
Creating real-life insights
- The primary persona is of a full-time student
- The secondary persona is a professional events coordinator
Competitive analysis
There are many, many bookstores and cafes that have websites and a similar theme to budding writers. In order to see what the client likes and doesn't like, a competitive analysis was conducted on several websites and cafes to find the pros and cons of each. 2 direct competitors and 2 indirect competitors were analyzed to understand the strengths and weakness of their UX/UI, branding, and functionality.
Site map
The sitemap for Budding Writers Cafe’s website was strategically designed to ensure a seamless and intuitive user experience. The structure is organized with clear categories to guide visitors effortlessly through the site. Key sections include an accessible homepage, an online bookstore, a digital menu, an event calendar, and an easy-to-navigate reservation system. The design prioritizes user flow, with a straightforward layout that allows users to quickly access essential features, such as browsing books, making reservations, and exploring upcoming events. This logical structure ensures visitors can interact with the cafe’s offerings in a streamlined and efficient manner, both online and in person.
Wireframes
Explore the wireframes below. Each iteration of the design was based off feedback gathered from the client and users that tested the design.
Visual Design System
The goal of the design system was to provide a sense of warmth and creativity while incorporating and earthy colour palette.
The final design
The final design for Budding Writers Cafe’s brand and website successfully captures the essence of warmth and creativity, reflecting the cafe’s inviting atmosphere and literary focus. The design system is centered around an earthy color palette of soft greens, browns, and neutrals, evoking a sense of growth and tranquility. Organic shapes, clean layouts, and refined typography enhance the overall aesthetic, creating a visually cohesive experience. The website’s design prioritizes usability, ensuring that visitors can easily navigate the site while engaging with the cafe’s offerings, whether browsing the online bookstore, checking the event calendar, or making reservations. The combination of these elements reinforces the cafe’s identity as a creative sanctuary for writers and book lovers alike.
Some mockups
Final Thoughts and Reflection
Key Learnings:
- User-Centered Design: Understanding the target audience's needs and preferences was essential for creating a website that is intuitive and easy to navigate. Prioritizing user experience helped ensure that visitors could easily access the café's key offerings, such as the online bookstore, event calendar, and reservation system.
- Consistency Across Brand and Website: Maintaining a consistent aesthetic between the cafe’s physical environment and its digital presence was crucial in establishing a strong brand identity. Using an earthy color palette and organic design elements reinforced the cafe’s warm, creative atmosphere, both online and offline.
- Balancing aesthetic and Functionality: Striking the right balance between a visually appealing design and practical functionality was key. Ensuring that the website was both beautiful and functional allowed users to interact with the cafe’s services seamlessly while enjoying an engaging digital experience.
Reflection:
- Clear Communication is Key: Successful collaboration with clients and team members hinged on effective communication, ensuring everyone was aligned on the project goals and vision.
- Iterative Design Process: I gained a deeper appreciation for how design is an ongoing process. Each iteration helped refine the user experience, and small adjustments were essential in creating a more seamless final product.
- Flexibility in Design: As the project evolved, I learned how to stay adaptable, making necessary adjustments to accommodate new ideas and feedback, ensuring the design remained true to the brand.
- Creativity and Fun in Design: The creative process was not only about meeting the client's needs but also about enjoying the journey of bringing the vision to life. Embracing the design process allowed for greater creativity and a more satisfying end result.