O'Cunha
Overview
O’Cunha is a concept website redesign for a local barbershop I regularly visit. Despite having a loyal customer base and a distinctive identity, the business had no dedicated website, relying primarily on word of mouth and social media.
The goal was to create a digital experience that reflected the craftsmanship, personality and atmosphere of the shop while making it easy for both new and returning customers to find information and book an appointment.
The Problem
Choosing a new barber can be intimidating. Without knowing the people, the atmosphere or the quality of the service, many customers hesitate to book an appointment.
Although the business had built a strong local reputation, it had no website to communicate what made it different. New customers had no way of experiencing the welcoming atmosphere or understanding the quality of the service before walking through the door.
How might I create a website that helps visitors feel confident before they even enter the shop?
Research
To better understand the local market, I analysed the online presence of competing barbers in the surrounding area. Most businesses relied on Facebook pages, Instagram profiles or third-party booking systems, with very few investing in a dedicated website.
While these platforms provided practical information, they rarely communicated the personality, atmosphere or craftsmanship that made each business unique.
Key Insights
Most competitors don’t have a website
Many local barbers rely entirely on social media or booking platforms, limiting their ability to build a memorable online presence.
Booking is prioritised over branding
Competitor websites often focus on booking appointments immediately, offering little opportunity to introduce the business or build trust.
Atmosphere is part of the experience
A visit to the barber is about more than getting a haircut. The environment, craftsmanship and personality of the shop all influence a customer’s decision to return.
First impressions build confidence
Helping visitors understand the atmosphere before they arrive can reduce the uncertainty of trying a new barber.
Designing for Different Visitors
The Regular
Already a customer
“I just need to book, I already know I love this place.”
Goals
- Book an appointment in as few taps as possible
- Get straight to booking without wading through brand storytelling they’ve already bought into
Frustrations
- Slow or buried booking flows on a site they’ve already decided to use
- Having to search for basic info like hours or contact on mobile
The Curious Local
Heard about it, never been
“Is this actually my kind of place?”
Goals
- Get a real feel for the atmosphere before committing to visit
- Understand what makes O’Cunha different from other options nearby
Frustrations
- Generic barbershop sites that don’t communicate personality
- Not knowing what to expect walking in for the first time
The Out-of-Towner
Searching nearby
“I need somewhere decent, but this one actually looks interesting.”
Goals
- Find practical information fast: location, hours, availability
- Feel confident choosing O’Cunha over an unknown alternative in an unfamiliar area
Frustrations
- Barbershop sites that are all function, no personality, hard to differentiate
- Uncertainty about quality when there’s no time to properly research
Design Goal
Design a website that captures the craftsmanship, authenticity and welcoming atmosphere of the barbershop while helping new customers feel confident and returning customers book quickly.
Visual Identity
The visual direction was inspired directly by the physical space.
Warm colour tones, textured backgrounds and vintage-inspired iconography were chosen to recreate the feeling of stepping inside the shop. Rather than following modern barber website trends, the interface reflects the craftsmanship, heritage and character that make the business memorable.
Translating the Atmosphere Online
One of the defining characteristics of the barbershop is its carefully curated interior. Vintage tools, wooden textures and decorative artwork create a strong sense of craftsmanship and experience.
To reflect this digitally, I incorporated warm colours, textured backgrounds and classic iconography throughout the interface. These elements work together to recreate the feeling of the physical space, helping the website feel like a natural extension of the business.
Final Outcome
The final design creates a digital experience that reflects the personality of the business rather than simply presenting information. By focusing on atmosphere, craftsmanship and trust, the website helps visitors feel familiar with the shop before they ever step inside.
Reflection
This project reinforced the importance of designing for emotion as well as functionality. While the website provides practical information, its primary goal is to reduce the uncertainty of visiting a new barber by communicating trust, craftsmanship and authenticity.
If I continued developing the project, I would create a dedicated section for the pub and events side of the business. This would allow both sides of the brand to grow independently while maintaining a clear experience for visitors.