Hearth
At the recent exhibition, I proudly showcased Hearth, my senior capstone project. Hearth is a revolutionary platform designed to unite baking enthusiasts from around the globe. Through Hearth, users can connect, share recipes, and foster a sense of community while honing their baking skills. It was a pleasure to present Hearth and share its vision of bringing people together through the joy of baking.
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The objective was to develop a capstone project that addresses the problem we've identified. I had approximately three months to complete this project, with Capstone Day scheduled for May 2nd, 2024. All of my designs needed to be finalized and printed by that date.
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I created this app to solve the challenge of finding a supportive baking community online. Many people, like me, turn to baking for therapeutic reasons but struggle to connect with others who share this passion. The app offers a platform where bakers can come together, share their progress, and encourage each other in a space that fosters both creativity and well-being.
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Solution:
Develop a social baking app that connects enthusiasts through shared recipes, virtual workshops, and community support, providing a space for therapeutic baking experiences and creative collaboration.Thesis:
My goal is to create an app that fosters a supportive baking community by facilitating recipe sharing, interactive workshops, and emotional connection, allowing users to find encouragement and creativity through their baking journey. -
From home bakers to mental wellness advocates, Hearth is designed for baking enthusiasts aged 16-65 who seek to connect with a supportive community, find inspiration, and use baking as a form of therapeutic expression.
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There is a minimum of 6 design pieces required for this project: 1 interactive (ex. website, app, book), 3 environmental, 2 "any" (choose 2 of the 3 - takeaways, motion graphics, packaging).
I created Hearth to foster a vibrant community for home bakers like me. I wanted to provide a space where we can connect with fellow enthusiasts, share our experiences and creations, and find both support and inspiration!
Why did I make Hearth?
When I developed the brand identity for my capstone project, Hearth, my primary goal was to craft a visual that radiates warmth, friendliness, and approachability. I designed the mascots, Sugar and Spice, to emphasize camaraderie and the community aspect of Hearth.
The color palette was carefully selected to evoke the comforting and inviting atmosphere associated with baking and communal gatherings. Each color was chosen to reflect the coziness and joy of sharing baked goods and connecting with others. This thoughtful approach to design helps to foster a sense of belonging and encourages users to engage with the brand on a personal level.
Branding Process
Since Hearth is a social media app, I focused on building a strong online presence through Instagram. I aimed to show what Hearth is all about by sharing content that highlights recipes, community interactions, and behind-the-scenes moments. This helped potential users see the app's vibrant and supportive environment and encouraged them to join both online and in person. I created an example of the pattern of each post and Instagram stories
Social Media
The supplemental deliverable for the Hearth project is the subscription box, which centers on monthly baking challenges. Each box is tailored to different skill levels and includes ingredients, baking tools, and recipe cards. Subscribers are encouraged to use the provided materials to create new recipes and share their results with the Hearth community. The packaging of the subscription box reflects Hearth’s inviting and supportive ethos, aiming to enhance the baking experience and foster a sense of connection among users.
Subscription Box
Social Media App
I developed a test trial version of Hearth to showcase its core functionalities and user experience. This version includes a home page where users can explore and navigate the app, a posting process that allows users to share their baking creations and engage with others, and a preview of the chat and profile features to illustrate how users can connect and interact within the community. This test trial serves as an initial glimpse into the app’s design and functionality, demonstrating how Hearth aims to foster connections and support among bakers. You can check out this trial version below!
Physical Advertisements
Takeaways
For the capstone project, I needed 100 takeaways for the event. I opted for custom fridge magnets and stickers (and tote bags for friends and family) to spread the Hearth brand, and I also handed out 100 homemade delicious brownies. The treats tied perfectly with our baking theme and added a fun touch. Overall, the event was a success and left everyone with a sweet memory!
Project Reflection
Creating Hearth was a rewarding journey driven by my passion for baking and a desire to build a supportive community. I focused on developing a warm and inviting brand identity, a vision that I didn’t think would turn out so cohesively. I've realized how much I want to turn this project into something real. Although managing multiple tasks and overcoming creative roadblocks was challenging, I genuinely enjoyed creating a brand that I’m proud of and passionate about. This experience taught me a lot about developing a full brand identity and presenting it to people unfamiliar with design. I felt proud to showcase my work and share it with others!
Combining my love for baking and graphic design made me realize that you can create something truly unique—something that hasn’t been done before. It's a reminder that you can forge your path and bring your passions together in new ways.