C A S E  S T U D Y

Cigar & Spirits Native Mobile App

My goal for this Stogies on the Rocks mobile app was to create a clean and modern looking design. The art direction was to blend lots of shades of chocolate colored browns and yellows. This was just a fun concept project at the time but later it was developed and available in the App Stores.

vintage cigars
man viewing DG site on laptop
"Great mobile app! The best feature is the unique taste profile."
About Stogies on the Rocks
Discover the best in cigar and spirit flavor pairings to create perfect smoking experience. Stogies on the Rocks gives you detailed flavor profiles for both cigars and spirits, making it easy to find the perfect flavor pairing.The pairing recommendations will help you decide whether to choose bold or mild, complimentary or contrasting flavors, depending on the cigar or spirit that you choose to pair with. Cheers!

Overview
What began as a fun and experimental concept design quickly evolved into a fully developed mobile app, now available on the App Store. The project’s goal was to create a clean, modern-looking design with a distinctive color palette inspired by shades of chocolate-colored browns and warm yellows. The design aimed to evoke feelings of comfort, indulgence, and sophistication while keeping the user interface intuitive and user-friendly.

Project Goals
Establish a clean, modern design: The core goal was to create a sleek and minimalistic aesthetic that would appeal to users seeking a visually appealing and easy-to-navigate mobile experience.

Blend shades of chocolate browns and yellows: The chosen color scheme was meant to give the app a unique and comforting vibe, reinforcing the idea of indulgence and warmth.

Fun, conceptual design with future development in mind: While initially a concept project, the design's simplicity and visual appeal garnered attention, leading to its development and launch on app stores.
mood board color palette
Key Design Elements

1. Color Palette: Shades of Chocolate Browns and Yellows
The color palette was the centerpiece of the app’s design, featuring a range of chocolate-colored browns, warm yellows, and subtle beige tones. The rich brown tones were used for primary backgrounds, buttons, and elements requiring emphasis, while the yellows added a touch of brightness and energy, ensuring the interface remained lively and approachable. The blend of warm hues created a cohesive and inviting atmosphere, evoking comfort and sophistication, while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic.

2. Minimalistic User Interface (UI)
The design was kept clean and minimal, with ample white space to allow the colors to take center stage. Every screen followed a simple structure, focusing on clear, easy-to-understand typography and intuitive navigation. Icons were designed with a contemporary flair, complementing the overall aesthetic without overwhelming the user.

The goal was to ensure that the user’s focus remained on the content and functionality, while the design provided a rich, immersive experience. Key features were presented in an organized layout, reducing clutter and promoting a seamless journey through the app.

3. Fun Concept with Emotional Appeal
Although this started as a fun concept, the design aimed to invoke emotional connections with users. The warm, chocolate-inspired tones appealed to feelings of comfort and indulgence, while also evoking a sense of nostalgia and satisfaction. This emotional appeal made the app stand out among competitors, offering a unique and memorable visual experience.

4. Practical and Intuitive Layout
Despite the playful and conceptual nature of the design, usability was always a priority. The app was crafted with an intuitive layout to ensure that users could easily navigate through the various sections. Every action was straightforward, whether it was browsing content, interacting with features, or customizing settings. The goal was to create a frictionless experience where users could engage with the app without confusion, regardless of their technical proficiency.

5. Focus on User Experience (UX)
The user experience was a major focus, with particular attention to smooth transitions, quick load times, and user feedback. Animations were kept subtle yet effective, enhancing interactions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, interactive elements were designed to feel tactile, adding a layer of engagement that was both satisfying and functional.
SOTR logo
From Concept to Launch
What initially began as a conceptual design turned into a fully functioning mobile app that was developed and released to the App Store. The process involved refining the initial designs and ensuring that the app was fully functional across a variety of devices, maintaining its visual integrity and usability on different screen sizes.
Development Process: After the design was finalized, the app was handed over to a development team to bring the concept to life. The development phase focused on translating the visual elements into a smooth, operational app while maintaining high standards of performance and security.

App Store Launch: Upon completion, the app was launched on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The distinctive visual style and simple yet engaging user experience helped the app gain attention, even among users who initially discovered it as a fun concept.
Outcome
Aesthetic Appeal: The chocolate-brown color palette became the app's signature visual element, helping it stand out in the crowded mobile app market. Users responded positively to the warm, inviting design, which was often highlighted in reviews.

Increased Engagement: The clean, modern design, coupled with an intuitive user interface, resulted in increased engagement and positive user feedback. The app quickly became popular for its visually appealing design and smooth usability.

• Successful Transition from Concept to Market: The transition from a fun design concept to a commercially viable product proved that creative ideas can lead to successful real-world applications. The project was a testament to the power of innovative design in influencing user experiences and app success.
Conclusion
This chocolate-themed mobile app successfully combined playful, conceptual design with strong user-centered principles. The color palette, which was initially chosen for its aesthetic appeal, became the defining characteristic of the app, contributing to its identity and user attraction. By focusing on minimalism, intuitive design, and emotional connection, the app became a favorite for users looking for something different in both form and function. What started as a fun concept ultimately evolved into a highly successful and commercially viable app, proving that even experimental projects can lead to tangible outcomes with the right design and execution.

My Role
UX Design
UI Design
Art Direction
Wireframing
Mobile App Design


Outcomes
• Developed a sleek dark design but maintain legibility

• Established overall design direction for the future

• Design for native mobile

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