Coffee Icons

Overview

A simple introduction to coffee through icons. And how adding one extra icon to the set landed me a design placement when no one was hiring.

"The Bean Coffee App was designed with a mission to transform casual coffee drinkers into true coffee lovers. Central to this mission was a set of simple, yet elegant coffee icons."

The Challenge

The goal was to design a set of minimalistic coffee icons that clearly represented various coffee drinks and brewing methods. These icons needed to be versatile enough to be used across different digital contexts while remaining visually engaging and easily recognisable.

Solution Concept

To achieve this, I focused on creating icons with clear lines and a restrained colour palette. The simplicity of the design ensured that the icons could be easily integrated into the app without overwhelming users. Beyond just visuals, I added an interview section to the app, introducing a personal touch that differentiated Bean from other coffee apps. This addition not only enriched the user experience but also provided an opportunity to connect with local businesses, further expanding my network within the design industry.

Research & Insights

The process of designing these icons required extensive research and numerous iterations. I began with quick sketches on paper, experimenting with different styles to find one that balanced simplicity with functionality. Recognising the importance of these icons as a central element of the app, I ensured that each iteration brought me closer to a design that was both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional.

Going Above and Beyond

Just as I completed this project, the world was hit by a pandemic, halting job opportunities and making it difficult to secure a placement. Refusing to sit idly by, I sought out alternative ways to gain experience, attending online classes and conferences. One of these opportunities came through Christopher Murphy's weekly Espresso Lectures on Twitter. Wanting to express my appreciation for his free lectures, I decided to create an espresso machine icon using his brand colours and posted it on Twitter. This simple act of initiative not only caught Chris’s attention but also led to an unexpected opportunity. Impressed by the "fan-art," he invited me to design icons for his other lectures and eventually offered me a placement as a visual designer for his Start-Up.

Impact

What started as a small, personal project turned into a significant career opportunity during an uncertain time. My enthusiasm for design and willingness to go beyond the brief led to a placement that might not have otherwise been available. The coffee icons remain one of my favourite projects, a testament to how taking initiative and pursuing passion can open unexpected doors.