Capanna Verde
Details: My role was as a UX Designer & Web Developer for Capanna Verde AB. Tools used were Figma, FigJam, and Squarespace, and the project took around 5 weeks to complete.
Capanna Verde is a vibrant and retro-themed website that I designed and hosted on SquareSpace for a newly opened ice cream kiosk in Stockholm. The goal was to create a fun, colorful, and engaging online presence that would help the kiosk stand out and enhance its social media visibility. The website offers users information about the kiosk’s location, operating hours, and product offerings, while also reflecting the brand’s lively personality.
Visit the Website
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Problem Statement
Capanna Verde needed an online platform to compete with other local businesses and enhance its visibility. Being a new business, they sought a digital presence that would resonate with their target audience and reflect the fun, retro vibe of their brand. The challenge was to create a website that not only shared business information but also encouraged social media engagement to build a loyal customer base.
Question: How can I create a fun, retro online platform that attracts Capanna Verde’s audience and boosts social media engagement?
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Solution
The solution involved designing a website that aligned with Capanna Verde’s brand identity. Using SquareSpace as the platform, I developed a colorful and retro-inspired site that visually communicated the kiosk's fun and lively spirit. The website was structured to provide essential information such as the location, opening hours, and product offerings in a simple, easily navigable format. The design also prioritized social media integration, making it easy for visitors to connect with Capanna Verde on various platforms and stay updated on events and promotions.
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Research and Ideation
Market research
User research
Interview (5 persons)
Market research: Most local businesses have simple, plain websites, but Capanna Verde stands out with its bright colors and fun, retro design. While others lack social media features, Capanna Verde’s website focuses on connecting with customers through social media, helping it build a strong community and attract more attention.
User research: To understand user behaviors and preferences for a local business website, I conducted 10 interviews and mapped the user journey. This research helped identify three key user personas for Capanna Verde which are:
The Practical Planner: Seeks quick access to essential information like the menu and location. Prefers a simple, easy-to-use website for finding details quickly.
The Social Explorer: Enjoys a unique, playful website that reflects the brand’s personality. Values retro design and social media features for sharing and connecting with others.
The Curious Visitor: Interested in the brand’s story, reviews, and images to explore the vibe. Prefers a visually appealing, trustworthy design that encourages them to learn more.
Capanna Verde Journey & Key Findings
Discovery and Engagement: Users arrive from search or social media and want a clear, inviting introduction to Capanna Verde’s brand. They should feel curious and eager to explore.
Information and Social Engagement: Users look for essential details like the menu, location, and brand story, alongside social media links. They should feel informed and motivated to connect on social media.
Action and Follow-up: Users may book a table or contact Capanna Verde for more info. They should feel excited and confident about their upcoming visit.
Post-Visit Engagement: After their visit, users are likely to engage on social media, share photos, or leave reviews. They should feel connected to the brand and appreciated.
Overall Insight is to prioritize ease of access, brand personality, and social engagement to build a loyal community and encourage repeat visits.
Weaknesses:
Though the website is visually appealing, it may not cater to users looking for more advanced features like online ordering or booking, which larger competitors may offer. Additionally, relying on SquareSpace means the website is somewhat limited in terms of advanced customization compared to a fully coded solution, which might restrict future scalability or feature expansion.
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Result
Conclusion and Key Learnings: The Capanna Verde website project aimed to capture the brand’s fun, retro style and boost the kiosk’s online presence. With a bold, playful design and easy social media links, the website increased customer interaction both online and in-store, helping Capanna Verde stand out in a competitive market. Users appreciated the quick access to essential info and the visually engaging experience, which helped promote the kiosk and build its social presence.
This project taught me the value of working with a real client with specific needs and limitations. I learned that the client’s happiness is key, and that balancing creative ideas with their requirements is essential. This experience also showed me how a strong, user-friendly design can shape a brand’s identity. Moving forward, I’m eager to keep improving the site, add interactive features, and gather user feedback for even better engagement.