I designed a chic, new coffee shop and book store and utilized Design Thinking processes.
Before starting on the design, I interviewed patrons of other coffee shop/book stores to find out what they enjoyed about the stores and what made them keep coming back. A consistent theme was the light and windows of the structure and the ability to sit comfortably while there.
Before starting into the actual design, I made a bubble chart to plan the design and the traffic flow of the store. Once that was finished, I started into developing my design. Of particular importance, was the location and number of the windows.
Patrons I interviewed indicated they enjoyed having windows to gaze out upon the landscape, and I wanted them to feel relaxed and to enjoy the beautiful scenery, so I used a lot of windows in strategic locations throughout the building. .
I also took into consideration the furnishings to make sure everyone would be comfortable when visiting, reading, and sitting on their own enjoying their food and beverages. I used many comfortable chairs and couches into the design.
I utilized a Design Thinking process into my design for the coffee shop and book store. It involved interviewing store patrons, getting their feedback on my designs, and having a session, a type of Design Align, to determine what works and what didn't work. What they loved and what they didn't love and how the design made them feel.
