Transformed barista training into a fast, engaging mobile game that replaced paper manuals and streamlined onboarding.
Barista Basics | Training Game Series
Project Summary
Developed an interactive training game series to modernize employee onboarding for a global coffee brand. The Barista Basics series transformed traditional paper-based training into an engaging digital experience, helping new hires learn core barista routines in under two minutes while maintaining brand authenticity and visual consistency.
My Role
Senior Art Director, Designer — led UX and visual design for the interactive experience in collaboration with the client’s training and operations teams. Designed the game interface, user flow, and visual system to align with brand standards and technical requirements while optimizing for mobile performance and quick learning.
Deliverables
Interactive Training Game • UX/UI Design • Visual Design System • Gamification Framework
Background
The client’s existing training relied heavily on paper materials and manual oversight, creating inefficiencies and inconsistent learning experiences across stores. The team sought to introduce a modernized, digital solution that could teach core barista routines in a fun, time-efficient way — directly on employees’ mobile devices.
Challenge
To be effective in a fast-paced retail environment, the game needed to:
Run seamlessly on existing in-store devices and bandwidth
Replace traditional paper training with a quick, repeatable digital format
Reinforce correct beverage-making steps through gameplay
Keep sessions under two minutes to align with store operations
Objectives
Deliver a training experience that’s lightweight, engaging, and accessible on mobile devices
Eliminate paper clutter and streamline the onboarding process
Reduce the time managers spend on one-on-one training
Encourage learning retention through interaction and gamified repetition.
Solution
I designed a modular, interactive game interface that simulates barista routines through simple, tap-and-drag gameplay. The interface uses intuitive visual cues and brand-inspired illustration to reinforce key learning steps — from drink sequencing to quality checks.
The game was optimized for quick play sessions, allowing baristas to complete a routine in under two minutes. Each level reinforced proper technique through immediate feedback, encouraging skill mastery without requiring constant supervision.
Below are selected screens and gameplay visuals from the Barista Basics series, highlighting interface design, user flow, and brand-aligned visual details.
Impact
The Barista Basics series streamlined onboarding by turning complex barista routines into quick, interactive lessons that could be completed in under two minutes. The digital format replaced paper-based materials, reduced manager training time, and created a consistent learning experience across locations. The result was a more efficient, engaging, and scalable approach to training that strengthened brand connection for new employees.