student project

idle café

for gamers to eat, play, and chill


UI/UX design

  • web design
  • 8bit
  • custom illustrations

overview

IDLE CAFÉ was a concept that i created using the likes of internet cafés and gaming. i combined the two into a project that involved designing a website and brand identity for the fictional café. the focal point of this idea was to have a safe space for gamers — regardless of gender — to enjoy their fun hobbies and encourage inclusivity in the gaming community.

challenge

when it came to gaming, the ongoing problem of girls being reduced to a separate term called “gamer girls” still existed. it was meant to have a negative connotation, which opened the door for misogynistic behavior. i wanted to find a way to offer a comfort zone where gamers wouldn’t have to worry about facing discrimination. i had to construct a brand identity that embodied this sentiment while using pleasing visual language.

solution

i invented IDLE CAFÉ, where gamers could hang out in a casual and friendly environment. i designed a website with engaging visuals that catered towards gaming. i formed a brand focused on communicating a warm message stating everyone was welcomed. i created a logo that expressed hospitality by using the shape of a heart. i produced 8bit illustrations that gave off soft vibes.

ideation

site map

idle cafe site map

style tile (cotton candy)

i decided to go with a soft neon aesthetic because it appealed to anyone and it showed what the café represented.

idle cafe style tile

logo design

the idea for the logo was to convey a welcoming vibe for both girls and guys by shaping their respective colors into a heart.

hi-fidelity wireframes

view prototype

website view of home page
website view of menu page
website view of about us page
website view of shop page

website v1

idle cafe coffee cups

website v2

idle cafe coffee cups

custom illustrations

i went with a pixelated art style as a personal choice because it was out of my comfort zone and i wanted to give myself a challenge.

"which style?"

final

8bit pink-haired girl

default girl

8bit blue-haired boy

default boy

8bit coffee bunny

shuri

8bit bear with bag on head

dren

8bit green squirrel sipping boba drink

yuyi

8bit pink fox

vira

8bit blue mouse

fumi

8bit inventory slot

inventory slot

8bit keyboard mouse

keyboard mouse

8bit burger

burger

8bit french fries

fries

8bit vanilla cake

vanilla cake

8bit moon

moon

8bit clouds

clouds

8bit stars

stars

8bit hearts

hearts

branding

idle cafe coffee cups
idle cafe gift cards
idle cafe shopping bags
idle cafe takeout-boxes
idle cafe menu and napkins
idle cafe enamel cup shuri