Yangshuo's Historic West Street Starbucks. A Perfect Blend of Local Charm and International Comfort.An example of how interior design and UX design share a lot in common.
Interior Designer
Concept Design
Construction Document
Retail
Beyond aesthetics, both fields prioritize functionality and user experience. While interior design focus on physical spaces, UX focuses on digital spaces such as websites or mobile apps, but the main goal is always the same: making the experience easy to use to the end user.
To establish the first Starbucks Store in Yangshuo region, serving as the Starbucks flagship and representative outlet to expats and local customers.
Located within a historic district that attracts a substantial number of international backpackers and climbers, the objective is to create a space that seamlessly integrates elements of local Chinese architecture with the Starbucks ambiance, creating a comfortable environment for both local and traveler.
Yangshuo is an old town, with roots dating back approximately 1,400 years. Nestled in a tranquil valley along the serene Li River, the town remains blissfully distant from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Its pristine surroundings feature crystal-clear waters adorned with flat-bottom bamboo boats, making it a magnet for backpackers and rock climbers from across the globe who seek refuge in this hidden paradise.
In designing the 3-story building, the initial concept revolved around creating a unified experience across all three floors, with a particular emphasis on the design of the stair railings. Each stair railing was intended to symbolize a unique pattern inspired by coffee, Chinese culture, and modern aesthetics, effectively tying together the entire space.
The second concept revolves around showcasing the brand, highlighting the coffee's origin, and capturing the local essence through the artwork on each floor.
After presenting the design concept to the team, we decided to making the connection of Starbucks (the brand), the coffee and Yangshuo (local heritage) through the artwork on each floor (Concept 2).
First, it aims to serve as a cultural attraction, introducing visitors to the rich aesthetics and architectural heritage Yangshuo area. Secondly, it seeks to provide a welcoming haven for foreign visitors, offering the assurance of consistently high-quality coffee, an inviting environment for social interaction, and dependable internet connectivity to help them feel at ease in their new surroundings.
Much like user flow in UX design, when I approach space planning, I need to visualize how customers will move smoothly through the store without any traffic jams, while also encouraging them to explore the entire space. The store experience doesn't begin at the entrance but actually starts when customers catch sight of the green Starbucks umbrella from outside.
Upon entering, they should be warmly greeted by the barista and then proceed to line up for their drinks, with merchandise strategically placed along the checkout path for them to browse while they wait. After placing their order, they can explore various seating options or find another exit without causing any disruptions to the queue.
When I select furniture, I take into account how people use the space and how long they typically stay. Whether it's a bustling spot for quick visits or a cozy hangout, I tailor the furniture accordingly.
On the first floor, I've chosen bar seating to save space and encourage a quick stopover
Upstairs on the second floor, customer will discover comfy seating options, perfect for longer chats and suitable for groups of 2, 4, or 6 friends.
Similarly to UI design, for a well-known coffee brand like Starbucks, interior designers must adhere to strict brand guidelines. Even the artwork undergoes scrutiny by copywriting and requires licensing for use in the store. This meticulous process ensures a consistent look and feel for customers, no matter which Starbucks they visit worldwide.
Nevertheless, each store has the flexibility to incorporate local elements into how the artwork and materials are applied. In the case of Yangshuo, renowned for its brick and tile architecture, the second-floor stairway's artwork features a creative arrangement of bricks, forming a pattern reminiscent of Yangshuo's landscape, with the Li River depicted from an aerial perspective.
The artwork at the coffee bar and theater was crafted using multiple layers of diverse materials, giving it a three-dimensional appearance that seems to emerge organically from the wall.
As for the third floor, I set up a generous community table for up to 12 people, ensuring ample space for larger gatherings, well-isolated from other seating areas to maintain a peaceful and private atmosphere for everyone.
The outdoor area is the multi-purpose space that can also open up to become a traditional theatre for the Chinese Opera during the holiday seasons.
After 9 years of a fulfilling career as an interior designer, with diverse experience in retail, corporate office, and hospitality design, I find myself drawn to a new challenge: User Experience (UX) design.
Why, you might wonder?
It's because I firmly believe that the core principles of design hold true across various mediums. I've always had a knack for problem-solving, and I want to use my deep appreciation for aesthetics to humanize tech and solve digital solutions that are both visually appealing and highly functional just as the physical spaces I've had the privilege of designing.
