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Sep 16 • 2 min read

How Café Coffee Day Brewed a Culture of Conversations ☕


✍🏻 Inspiration of the week

You can't just place a few icons on a screen and call it a design. It’s about the experience and flow.
- David Kadavy

Hi friend,

Ever wondered how Café Coffee Day (CCD) became the go-to place for millions of Indians?
It wasn’t just about coffee; it was about creating a space where people could connect, unwind, and share moments. Let’s explore how CCD mastered the art of turning a coffee shop into a cultural phenomenon.

UX Story of the Week: The CCD Revolution – More Than Just Coffee

Café Coffee Day, affectionately known as CCD, started its journey in 1996 with a simple vision: to create a space where people could come together over a cup of coffee. From its first outlet in Bangalore, CCD rapidly expanded across India, transforming the country's coffee culture.

But what set CCD apart? The answer lies in its unique UX approach. While competitors focused solely on the quality of coffee, CCD focused on the experience. They realized that, for many customers, the coffee shop was less about the beverage and more about the atmosphere—a place to socialize, work, or even just people-watch.

CCD designed its spaces to be welcoming and inclusive, with comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and ambient lighting that created a relaxed environment. The brand used its "A lot can happen over coffee" campaign to connect emotionally with its audience, positioning its cafes as destinations for conversations, friendships, and stories.

CCD also innovated by introducing new menu items, seasonal offerings, and localized flavors to cater to diverse tastes. By doing so, it kept the experience fresh and engaging, encouraging customers to return for more than just coffee.

Lessons Learned: Key Takeaways for UX Designers

  1. Focus on Experience Over Product: CCD thrived by understanding that its customers valued the environment as much as, if not more than, the product. Consider the entire user journey, not just the end product.
  2. Emotional Connection is Key: CCD’s messaging and campaigns tapped into the emotional aspects of sharing moments, making the brand relatable and memorable.
  3. Adapt to Local Preferences: CCD’s approach to offering localized menu items shows the importance of knowing your audience and adapting to their needs.

Cheers, UX Letter

P.S: Ever thought about designing a space that people love returning to? CCD teaches us that it’s about creating experiences where ‘a lot can happen.’ Start thinking about the environments you create and how they can foster connections.

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