Visual Communication - Bachelor
Kumo Café is a modern, tech-forward café that blends retro charm with a fresh, contemporary edge. Inspired by nostalgia but made for today’s generation, it captures the playful spirit of Gen Z through bold visuals, minimalist design, and an innovative digital experience that goes beyond the ordinary café visit.
Kumo Café was created in response to the growing desire among younger audiences for experiences that blend nostalgia, creativity, and technology. In today’s café culture, many brands focus solely on aesthetics or product quality, but few offer an immersive, interactive experience that reflects Gen Z’s digital lifestyle. Kumo Café bridges that gap by combining the warmth of retro design with innovative technology, creating a brand that feels both comforting and forward-thinking.
The idea behind Kumo, meaning “cloud” in Japanese, symbolises lightness, imagination, and connection. The café serves as a metaphorical “cloud space” where people can unwind, create, and connect both physically and digitally. Its visual identity draws from 80s–90s retro aesthetics while incorporating modern AR and digital experiences, appealing to Gen Z’s love for nostalgia and tech-driven novelty.
Similar experiences exist in the market, such as themed cafés or digital pop-ups, but few integrate technology as a core storytelling element. Kumo differentiates itself by using design and interactivity not just as decoration, but as an extension of its brand narrative. Through features like AR menus, low-poly visuals, and a cohesive digital presence, Kumo creates a seamless fusion between the tangible and virtual worlds.
“Scan to see me come alive”
Posters feature a scannable QR code that unlocks a seamless WebAR experience, bridging the physical and digital worlds. These QR codes can be found on the bottom right corner of selected posters.
Once scanned, users are transported into an interactive 3D environment where Kumo’s menu items come to life as low-poly digital models. Each object can be explored from every angle, creating a playful and immersive way to engage with the café’s offerings. This digital layer transforms a simple poster into an experiential touchpoint, inviting audiences to interact, discover, and connect with Kumo Café’s innovative blend of technology and comfort.
Michelle Rahardja is a graphic designer based in Brisbane, inspired by the intersection of creativity, innovation, and purpose. As a QUT Design student majoring in Visual Communication, she explores branding, packaging, and digital media with a keen eye for detail and storytelling. Curious and imaginative, Michelle enjoys experimenting with ideas that bring emotion and personality to design, continually refining her craft and pushing creative boundaries.