Design differences

Sunday, 11 Feb 2007 | Off-topic

We all know I am a big Starbucks fan. I’m not a fan because they sell the best coffee on the face of this earth. I’m a fan for several reasons, which mostly have to do with the concept and execution that makes for the Starbucks experience. The reason why I like Starbucks has actually changed over time. Anyway, thats not what I wanted to write about.

When I was in Hong Kong and ordered a coffee, I noticed one of the overhead signs about how you can customize your drink by using different kinds of milk, syrups, etc. Pretty much every Starbucks has this sign, but why I noticed it was because the design was completely different from the one I’m so used to seeing here in Bangkok. So I whipped out my camera and took a snapshot and yesterday did the same here in Bangkok.

 
Hong Kong (left) vs. Bangkok (apologies for the poor photo quality)

The difference is very interesting. While some of the icons are similar or even the same, I feel the overall design of the icons as well as the layout of the page reflects the general attitude of the two cities. Hong Kong much more structured and business-like, Bangkok cute and relaxed. The message at the top just underlines all that.

Yeah, I know. I notice weird things. And then bother you, my esteemed and valued reader, with this non-sense. But you know what, there are at least 3 people who I pretty much know will click through to compare those images. I wonder what it will be like in Singapore!