Northern Ireland’s popular coffee brand, Barista Bar, is celebrating its 10th anniversary by partnering with the Ulster University Belfast School of Art & Design. As part of a final-year professional practice module, local graphic design students have been tasked with creating a commemorative design for reusable cups, marking the milestone for the brand. The winning design will have the chance to go into production and be sold online.
Founded in 2015 by Henderson Foodservice, part of the Henderson Group, Barista Bar set out to revolutionize the coffee-to-go experience. The brand has since become a household name in Northern Ireland, with 450 locations and a rapidly expanding presence.
This collaboration with Ulster University is the first of its kind for Barista Bar. Fifty students will participate, designing a cup collection that reflects the brand’s upbeat, playful, and optimistic tone. Research indicates that real-world experiences like this help students engage with their communities and enhance their academic knowledge and skills for future career opportunities.
Keavy O’Mahony-Truesdale, brand manager at Barista Bar, shared the significance of the project: “This is a fantastic opportunity for students to understand the importance of design and storytelling at Barista Bar. As our first collaboration of this kind, it’s all about giving the next generation of artists, designers, and coffee lovers a platform.”
The winning designs will be selected by Barista Bar’s marketing team. The creator of the winning design will see their cup produced, receive a year’s supply of free coffee, and take home a special hamper.
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