From Bean to Screen: Designing for a Coffee E-commerce Website
Freshly Roasted Co. is a specialty coffee roaster and distributor targeting a new generation of coffee enthusiasts and professionals. The responsive web design project for Freshly Roasted Co. was initiated in January 2025.
The user interface design emphasizes a minimalist aesthetic, featuring visually appealing and dynamic layouts, and a warm color palette.
Key design considerations
User-centric approach. Prioritizing a seamless and intuitive user experience across all devices.
Minimalist design. Emphasizing clean lines, ample space, and a focus on high-quality product imagery.
Dynamic layouts. Creating engaging and visually interesting layouts that adapt seamlessly to various screen sizes.
Warm and inviting color palette. Utilizing warm colors that give a sense of comfort, and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
To create a welcoming user experience, the homepage features a banner that captures attention and directs users toward the new product preorder.
Website exploration
Users have the flexibility to explore the website in two ways:
- Direct Navigation. A user-friendly navigation bar provides instant access to key sections:
- ‘Shop’ for purchasing specialty coffee beans
- ‘Recipes’ for accessing barista coffee recipes
- ‘About Us’ for learning more about the roastery, its values, and the team behind it.
- Scroll-Based Exploration. Alternatively, users can scroll down the homepage to discover the latest arrivals and updates at a glance.
To enhance user engagement with new product releases, I designed the Freshly Roasted Co. homepage with a ‘New Arrivals’ section positioned below the main banner and CTA button. This section uses a clean background and minimalist typography to guide user focus directly to the showcased products. High-quality product images play a crucial role in this design.
A sticky navigation bar at the top of the page ensures seamless navigation throughout the website.
Each product listing within the ‘New Arrivals’ section presents an informative display. It features a product image, a clear product name, and a brief description. Product key information such as name and price is emphasized with a larger font size.
To maintain user focus and avoid information overload, the mobile version displays only four newest products, with an option to expand the section for further exploration. Meanwhile, the desktop version shows eight newest products. This approach captures user attention while presenting information in a digestible manner.
Layout
The ‘Recipe of the Week’ section is a standout feature. Its dynamic, magazine-style layout adds visual interest to the homepage and guides users through an article with high-quality imagery. Positioned in the left corner, a coffee recipe with instructions from a professional barista provides valuable insights for users. The visually appealing and dynamic design of the Freshly Roasted Co. communicates that it is more than an e-commerce platform. It’s a destination for users to dive deeper into the world of coffee. This section motivates users to return weekly for new recipes. Moreover, it fosters a loyal customer base and drives potential conversions.
The mobile version of the ‘Recipe of the Week’ section prioritizes user experience on smaller screens. The recipe is displayed after the header and an article image. This design approach saves users time searching for the recipe within a larger article. In addition, those interested in reading the full article will find an easy-access button right after the recipe.
Following the ‘Recipe of the Week’, a ‘Subscribe to Newsletter’ banner encourages users and provides an opportunity for interaction with the brand. The footer below includes contact details, copyright information, terms and conditions, etc.
This project aimed to create a visually attractive and user-friendly online experience that reflects the brand’s commitment to quality, and the enjoyment of specialty coffee.
The Freshly Roasted Co. website design is in progress, stay tuned for future updates.
Thank you for your time. I welcome your feedback and would be happy to discuss how I can contribute to your team or your project. Please feel free to contact me.