Calibri

Preface

Visiting a pub, or a restaurant is really the same thing as using an application to order something. If the user, or rather customer experience is poor, then the user is unlikely to enjoy their time in the venue or stay long enough to purchase anything of value.

In this project, we'll be looking at what problems pubs tend to face and apply both design thinking, and user experience parallelisms to showcase exactly how experience design affects our physical world.

My role in this project is a triad between architect, experience designer, and branding designer.

Setting the Stage

Exterior Photo of the Calibri Pub
Image Credit: Calibri Facebook Page
Exterior Photo of the Calibri Pub
Interior Photo of the Calibri Pub
Image Credit: Calibri Facebook Page
Interior Photo of the Calibri Pub

This project takes a well-known pub in Beirut, Lebanon called “Calibri”. Just like many other pub or nightlife venues in the country, customer experience is generally harmed by lack of design considerations, and as a result, are not conducive to pleasant experiences.

First of all, let us identify our pain points:

Architectural Pain Points

Current Floor Plan of Calibri and it's layout Current Floor Plan of Calibri and it's layout
Diagram analysing the floor plan for Calibri, the sound distribution, and interior design problems that affect customer and user experience Diagram analysing the floor plan for Calibri, the sound distribution, and interior design problems that affect customer and user experience

That column right in the middle of the room.

You don't need to be an architect to see it, it's right in the dead centre of the room. This column creates visual accessibility issues, which means if you're seated in the wrong place then you're out of luck since the will have a hard time noticing you. The column directly creates a poor user/customer experience – unless you enjoy being ignored, then that's something else entirely. This is exactly like trying to tap a button that has too small of a target area, and worse yet is when you do finally get to tap it you're taken to an error 404 page.

Poor Ventilation

Poor ventilation is generally overlooked but is a major factor that subtly makes the customers leave the venue (bounce). Pubs in Lebanon are generally smoke-infused, and if you're not suffocating from the fumes, you're probably feeling unsettled due to lack of fresh air. If you're feeling unsettled you're more likely to leave, and if you leave the pub is losing out on your next round of drinks (reduced conversion, and retention rates). We can think of this like an app that has a poor background to foreground ratio that causes unnecessary stress on the eyes when trying to read the text content.

Stage Area

A band is part of the pub experience, but if half of the customers do not have visual access to the band then we have two very different experiences taking place within the venue. There'll be one half that's actually enjoying the band's music, and another half that won't be able to relate nor interact with the band.

We also need to take into consideration the band's experience. Their space is cramped, and poorly optimised space means poor performance and long set up time. You can think of this like having a website with poor site architecture, and long load times.

Poor Sound Distribution

Sure it's nice to feel the bass, but if the sound isn't distributed properly then the customers are likely to hop off to another venue. Poor sound design creates two major issues: First of all, the customer will have a hard time to communicate and will be forced to shout in order to be heard, and second of all, the excessive noise will eventually induce headaches that will push customers to either leave the venue and go to another or call it a night. This is the equivalent of having a webpage flooded with pop-ups. When was the last time you saw a pop-up and thought "yay a pop-up!"?

Design Pain Points

No established design identity.

A lack of an established brand design guideline means potential customers are either going to undervalue the prices within the institution or choose a competitor instead. Design identity and brand personality are important in establishing user trust and influencing user decisions. We should never undervalue the importance of identity and experience.

Inconsistency between visual design and written language.

A lack of cohesion between design and written language affects trust. If a brand speaks in two dialects at the same time, potential customers will be less likely to try the brand.

Inconsistency between visual design and written language.

CALIBRI (the font) anyone? There's been no attempt to play with words here. Admittedly this might just be a designer's pet peeve, but it definitely does apply to other aspects of a brand's identity. If a place is the hub spot of Liverpool FC fans, then perhaps adding a motto or tagline that hints at it, or colours to signify it.

If you look at the pain points and change the context to an application, you'll very quickly notice that we are basically talking about user experience design principles, as well as basic marketing principles. If the app/pub has a poor user experience, users will leave and put their money on another app.

Now that we've identified our pain points it's time to establish the project scope.

Project Scope

Visual Communication

  • Establish Brand Identity
  • Print Design
  • Menu Design
  • Design Unification

Architecture

  • Spatial Re-Organisation
  • Interior Design
  • Lighting, and Sound Design
  • Introduce HVAC systems for air filtration

Visual Design

Branding

Logo and Brandmark

Logo Design and Typeface selection for the Branding and Brand Identity Design part of the proposal Logo Design and Typeface selection for the Branding and Brand Identity Design part of the proposal

The temptation was too big to avoid the wordplay between Calibri the pub, and the font. This bit of playfulness managed to amplify that bit of a cheeky spirit both Calibris have. I've added a homage to Liverpool FC by introducing the brand's new tagline - "You'll never drink alone". Now you've got a clear line that explains to potential fans that this is the place for them. A good tagline goes a long way in creating a memorable experience.

Brandmark colors proposed for Calibri, and coaster design for the Branding and Brand Identity Design part of the proposal Brandmark colors proposed for Calibri, and coaster design for the Branding and Brand Identity Design part of the proposal

Print Media

Poster Template

Poster sizes have been set at 540mm x 900mm, the proportions used by the interior brick wall allowing the joint lines to frame the posters.

Poster Template Design for Events in Blue Poster Template Design for Events in Blue
Poster Template Design for Events in Purple Poster Template Design for Events in Purple
Poster Template Design for Events in Plain white with Illustration by M.G. Hachem
Poster Template Design for Events in Plain white with Illustration by M.G. Hachem Poster Template Design for Events in Plain white with Illustration by M.G. Hachem

Menu Design

The menu design and items served went through a thorough service design research process. The research can be broken down into 3 steps:

  1. Find out what foods are profitable and generate the most sales.
  2. Design the menu to encourage impulse purchases.
  3. Create a menu that has variety but is short enough as to not overwhelm and confuse the customers.

Clarity and legibility of information, and clearly delivering what the user actually wants versus what we assume what the user wants.

Drinks Menu Design for the Pub with Carefully Studied Layout Design to Encourage Customer Purchase or Conversion Drinks Menu Design for the Pub with Carefully Studied Layout Design to Encourage Customer Purchase or Conversion
Food Menu Design for the Pub with Carefully Studied Layout Design to Encourage Customer Purchase or Conversion Food Menu Design for the Pub with Carefully Studied Layout Design to Encourage Customer Purchase or Conversion

Architecture

Architecture meets Experience Design.

Addressing that column

The bar was relocated and integrated with the column, and activating the column as a key feature of the venue in the process. Seating patterns and distribution were optimised while also taking into consideration human factors such as dimensions, and comfort. The pub initially seated 58 patrons, but now allows up to 69 patrons, or a 19% increase in user/customer capacity AND with increased customer comfort (and arguably increased retention and conversion rates as a result).

Proposed Design for the in Plan View Proposed Design for the in Plan View
Chart visualising the increase customer capacity of the venue by 19% Chart visualising the increase customer capacity of the venue by 19%

The stage

The stage area was designed with human-centric design factors in mind. Spacing was carefully considered to ensure that the band received a space that met their needs and at the same time, the stage area used the limited interior space efficiently. The best part? Everyone can now actually see the band regardless of where they're seated in the pub. We've effectively improved both the customer and the employee experience.You'll also notice that the DJ booth also receives a similar treatment making sure the entertainment is always top-notch.

Proposed Design for the in Plan View with Band Stage Layout Proposed Design for the in Plan View with Band Stage Layout
Sections
Detailed Architectural Section showing the design cutting through the stage area Detailed Architectural Section showing the design cutting through the stage area
Detailed Architectural Section showing the design cutting through the Bar Detailed Architectural Section showing the design cutting through the Bar
Detailed Architectural Section showing the pub's design, the bar, sound distribution area, and cutting through the stage Detailed Architectural Section showing the pub's design, the bar, sound distribution area, and cutting through the stage
Detailed Architectural Section showing the pub's design cutting behind the bar, and cutting through the stage Detailed Architectural Section showing the pub's design cutting behind the bar, and cutting through the stage
Detailed Architectural Section showing the pub's design cutting through the bar, and cutting through the stage Detailed Architectural Section showing the pub's design cutting through the bar, and cutting through the stage

The music tree

The column is now the “The Music Tree”. The tree has 3 large amplifiers that have been carefully placed to smoothly distribute sound around the pub. Now customers can both enjoy a casual conversation, and music without having to struggle to do either – a design decision that directly improves customer experience.

Proposed Design for the Sound Distribution in Plan View Proposed Design for the Sound Distribution in Plan View
Music Tree Design shown through plan, and elevation Music Tree Design shown through plan, and elevation
Music Tree Design shown through an axonometric projection Music Tree Design shown through an axonometric projection

The Fold-table

The FoldTable's design came out of a necessity to create space on the stage for band nights, and the lack of a storeroom where tables can be stowed away. The best part? You can hang a poster on the underside of the table, which frames the poster when folded up.

Axonometric Drawing showing how the Foldtable furniture design works Axonometric Drawing showing how the Foldtable furniture design works
Projection Drawings showing how the Foldtable furniture design works in plan and elevation Projection Drawings showing how the Foldtable furniture design works in plan and elevation
Three dimensional digital rendering of the Foldtable showing it in it's open and closed states. Three dimensional digital rendering of the Foldtable showing it in it's open and closed states.

HVAC Systems

An HVAC system has been designed to allow for constant air filtration and the introduction of fresh air. This will help customers be less likely to feel stir-crazy or uncomfortable, and as a result, will be more likely to stay longer (and spend more).

Proposed Design for the HVAC in Plan View Proposed Design for the HVAC in Plan View

Bar Section Details

Two important design details ought to be highlighted:

  1. The bar section, along with the hidden LED light strip to illuminate the floor allows for increased ground visibility for those pesky times when you drop your keys.
  2. The store-front bar that allows the pub to capitalize (attract) potential customers looking for a quick drink but aren't necessarily willing to commit to sitting inside (convert). It also allows patrons to stand outside while being visually connected to the pub while also attracting potential customers by acting as social proof.
Bar Detail Design and Architectural Drawing showing LED fixture Bar Detail Design and Architectural Drawing showing LED fixture
Detailed Architectural Wall Section explaining the design of the Storefront Bar Detailed Architectural Wall Section explaining the design of the Storefront Bar
Storefront Bar Rendering showing the architectural design with the Swingable Bar Shut Storefront Bar Rendering showing the architectural design with the Swingable Bar Shut
Storefront Bar Rendering showing the architectural design with the Swingable Bar Open Storefront Bar Rendering showing the architectural design with the Swingable Bar Open

Storefront Design

An HVAC system has been designed to allow for constant air filtration and the introduction of fresh air. This will help customers be less likely to feel stir-crazy or uncomfortable, and as a result, will be more likely to stay longer (and spend more).

Storefront Architectural Facade Elevation Design Storefront Architectural Facade Elevation Design
Wall Section cutting through the storefront and the design of the embedded logo signage embedded into the architectural wall Wall Section cutting through the storefront and the design of the embedded logo signage embedded into the architectural wall
Night time render showing the logo design embedded in wall, the interior design of the pub and architectural spatial flow Night time render showing the logo design embedded in wall, the interior design of the pub and architectural spatial flow
The Storefront Rendered and presented as a polaroid photo The Storefront Rendered and presented as a polaroid photo

Renders

Rendered view from the Interior of the pub showing the furniture, lighting, bar, and architectural layout design Rendered view from the Interior of the pub showing the furniture, lighting, bar, and architectural layout design
Rendered view from the Interior of the pub showing the furniture, lighting, bar, and architectural layout design Rendered view from the Interior of the pub showing the furniture, lighting, bar, and architectural layout design
Rendered view from the Interior of the pub showing the furniture, lighting, bar, and architectural layout design Rendered view from the Interior of the pub showing the furniture, lighting, bar, and architectural layout design

Final Thoughts

I like to think of this project as a Total Design type of project where I touched base with pretty much every design field to create a unified experience design. Everything in this project was designed and modelled three-dimensionally down to the screws, bolts, and joinery – Sure I could have gotten away with free 3D models but I wanted to leave my fingerprint on this project all over the place.

If I had the chance to pick up this project where I last left off, I'd like to try to design a social media post calendar, and perhaps a website design with a working prototype.