Coin-Op Tap Room is a vibrant barcade that blends retro arcade games with craft cocktails and shared bites, creating an immersive social destination for adults. This project focused on redesigning their web and mobile platforms to enhance user engagement, simplify reservations, and highlight both the nostalgic atmosphere and varied offerings.
The goal was to create a user-friendly site that captures the fun spirit of Coin-Op, making it easy for guests to view game lists, specials, events, and book a visit—all while showcasing the brand’s unique energy.
Strategic Creative Direction :
Coin-Op Tap Room called for a strategy that combined nostalgia with a modern, lively atmosphere to create a unique social destination. The focus was on building a brand identity and user experience that celebrates classic arcade culture while appealing to a contemporary audience.
Through thoughtful positioning and immersive design, I crafted an engaging environment that encourages social connection, fun, and memorable experiences, making Coin-Op a standout spot for community and entertainment.
CHALLENGE
Coin-Op Tap Room aimed to translate its energetic in-person barcade atmosphere—rooted in classic arcade nostalgia and modern social flair—into a cohesive digital experience. The existing site suffered from outdated design, weak visual storytelling, and mobile usability issues, making it hard for visitors to connect, explore, or engage effectively.
The Problem :
In the realm of barcade websites like Coin-Op Tap Room, users often encounter challenges related to cumbersome navigation processes. Excessive clicking through multiple pages can lead to user frustration and confusion, hindering their ability to easily find information about games, events, and menu options, ultimately affecting their overall experience at the barcade.
* Fragmented Navigation: Struggled to easily access game listings, event schedules, and menus.
* Poor Mobile Experience: The site wasn’t optimized for mobile, resulting in a cumbersome browsing experience for on-the-go users.
* Lack of Event Visibility: Event details were buried or unclear, hurting awareness and attendance.
* Muted Brand Expression: The digital presence failed to capture the vibrant identity of the venue, diluting its unique charm.
Product Strategy & Vision
Coin‑Op Tap Room’s goal was to create a digital experience that mirrors the excitement and nostalgia of its physical barcade while making essential information and interactive features easy to access. By understanding user frustrations with traditional barcade websites, the strategy focused on:
* Enhancing Usability: Streamline navigation and mobile functionality so users can quickly find games, events, and menu options.
* Immersive Brand Experience: Translate the vibrant, playful identity of Coin‑Op Tap Room into a cohesive visual and interactive online presence.
* Engaging Event Access: Provide clear, accessible information about events to drive attendance and community engagement.
* Visual Storytelling: Use rich visuals, dynamic layouts, and interactive elements to bring the barcade’s energy to life online.
Every design and feature decision was guided by a clear vision: to create a seamless, fun, and engaging digital platform that invites visitors to explore, participate, and immerse themselves in the Coin‑Op Tap Room experience.
Design Process / Methodology
The project employed a user-centered design approach to ensure every decision enhanced the visitor experience and reflected the brand’s lively personality:
* Research & Discovery: Analyzed competitors, reviewed existing barcade websites, and gathered user feedback to identify pain points, such as confusing navigation or unclear event information.
* Ideation & Information Architecture: Mapped out key user flows—exploring games, events, and menus—then created an intuitive site structure to simplify navigation.
* Wireframing & Prototyping: Developed low-fidelity wireframes to plan layouts, followed by high-fidelity prototypes in Figma for usability testing and feedback validation.
* Usability Testing & Iteration: Conducted testing with target users, refined interactions, clarified event listings, and ensured playful, yet functional design elements.
This methodology ensured the Coin‑Op Tap Room digital experience is fun, engaging, and easy to navigate, capturing the energy of the physical barcade while serving the needs of its online audience.
The Solution :
To address the challenges and elevate the online experience for Coin‑Op Tap Room, the website was designed to be engaging, intuitive, and interactive:
* Streamlined Navigation: Simplified menus and clear pathways allow visitors to quickly explore games, events, and food & drink options without confusion.
* Event & Game Highlights: Key events and featured games are prominently showcased, giving users instant insight into what’s happening at the barcade.
* Interactive Features & Virtual Tour: Visitors can engage with interactive elements like hover effects, animated icons, game previews, and a full virtual tour of the space, letting users explore the venue online before visiting.
* Visual Storytelling: Bold imagery, vibrant colors, and thematic typography immerse visitors in the brand’s energetic and nostalgic arcade atmosphere.
* Instant Information Access: Users can view hours, menus, event schedules, and booking options seamlessly, reducing friction and enhancing satisfaction.
By combining clarity, interactivity, virtual exploration, and strong brand storytelling, the Coin‑Op Tap Room website ensures a fun, memorable, and user-friendly experience that mirrors the excitement of visiting the barcade in person.
CASE STUDY
The goal was to create an immersive online experience that mirrors the energy and excitement of visiting Coin‑Op Tap Room in person, while making information and navigation seamless.
Research and Discovery :
* Competitor Analysis: Examined other barcade and entertainment venues’ websites to identify best practices in event promotion, game displays, and interactive features.
* User Interviews & Feedback: Gathered insights from patrons about pain points in finding events, games, and menu details online, highlighting the need for clarity and engagement.
* Behavioral Observations: Tracked how users explored similar entertainment sites, noting where they spent time, which features drew attention, and where confusion occurred.
* Interactive Benchmarking: Studied the use of virtual tours and interactive elements in entertainment and hospitality websites to understand how to enhance the user experience.
Target Audience :
Coin‑Op Tap Room is designed for adults aged 21–40 who enjoy social gaming, craft beverages, and unique entertainment experiences. The platform caters to both casual visitors looking for a fun night out and dedicated enthusiasts seeking a fully immersive barcade experience.
* Social Gamers: Individuals and groups looking for a fun, interactive environment where games and socializing intersect.
* Craft Beer Enthusiasts: Visitors who appreciate a wide selection of craft beers and seasonal brews, with easy access to menus and tasting notes online.
* Event Seekers: Patrons interested in live events, tournaments, and themed nights, needing clear schedules and RSVP options.
* Tech-Savvy Explorers: Users who enjoy virtual tours, interactive game maps, and engaging online previews before visiting.
* Community-Oriented Visitors: Those who value a welcoming, energetic space that fosters connections through games, food, and drinks.
Flowchart :
A flowchart was created to visually map the structure and functionality of the Coin‑Op Tap Room website. It highlights the key sections such as the homepage, games, virtual tour, menu, events, and booking features. The flowchart clarifies how interactive elements and content are organized, ensuring that each component supports engagement, seamless navigation, and easy access to essential information. This visual guide helps maintain consistency across the website and supports efficient design decisions.
KEY ELEMENTS TO ADDRESS:
* Design Elements: Employ a bold, modern aesthetic with dark tones and vibrant accent colors that reflect the lively, fun atmosphere of the arcade and taproom. Typography should be clear and playful, balancing readability with personality.
* Interactive Features: Integrate engaging elements such as hover effects, interactive menus, and click-to-play games that enhance visitor engagement and replicate the excitement of an in-person visit.
* Overall User Experience: Ensuring easy navigation across devices and effectively conveying the theme through visuals and text is essential. The design should enhance the user’s journey, evoking the desired emotions while maintaining accessibility and modern aesthetics.
RESULTS
* Enhanced Engagement: Interactive features and arcade-themed design elements increased user time on site and encouraged exploration of games and events.
* Virtual Tour Success: The virtual tour allowed users to explore the taproom digitally, boosting interest in in-person visits and bookings.
* Streamlined Navigation: Simplified pathways for finding games, menus, and events reduced user confusion and improved overall satisfaction.
* Consistent Brand Experience: Bold visuals, typography, and playful accents reinforced the arcade’s unique personality, strengthening brand identity across web and mobile platforms.
* Consistent Brand Experience: Bold visuals, typography, and playful accents reinforced the arcade’s unique personality, strengthening brand identity across web and mobile platforms.
* Social Media Integration: Seamless integration of social media feeds and interactive features boosts user engagement and extends the Barcade’s brand reach across multiple platforms. This approach helps Coin-op Tap Room Barcade attract a larger audience and solidify its reputation as a vibrant and exciting destination.
Overall, Coin‑Op Tap Room is a vibrant arcade and bar designed to offer a fun, social, and interactive experience. The project focused on redesigning the website and mobile platform to reflect the energetic atmosphere of the taproom while making it easy for users to explore games, check menus, discover events, and book visits.
The goal was to create an engaging, user-friendly digital experience that captures the playful spirit of the arcade, highlights the unique offerings, and encourages both online interaction and in-person visits. By combining bold visuals, intuitive navigation, and interactive features, the website aims to strengthen brand identity and foster a strong community of arcade enthusiasts.
social media
Creating an immersive social media presence for Coin-op Tap Room involves highlighting the thrill of classic arcade games paired with refreshing beer. With engaging posts and direct interactions, we aim to enhance the experience and build a vibrant community. Join us to ignite excitement, foster connections, and make weekends more enjoyable through the nostalgic joy of gaming!
