DC Drybar
Designing an Immersive Bar Experience for Pocketed Comic Fans
Designed a physical bar experience to cater to fans who feel isolated by the nature of comic-related discourse on social media and in-person.
Project Summary
A research plan and findings, 3D design, logo design, in-bar experiential design and end-user testing
Deliverables
See the full project breakdown below. ⬇️
Navigation Hub
My Role
Researcher & UX Designer
Google Forms & End-User Interviewing
My Research Tools
Figma, SketchUp, Enscape
My Design Tools
While comics themselves inspire heroism, hope, and imagination, the spaces where fans engage in discourse have become increasingly divisive - especially online. Online discussions often devolve into hostility, making it difficult for comic lovers to find welcoming, respectful conversations. As fandom becomes more digital, the lack of positive, real-world gathering spaces has left many fans feeling isolated or disengaged.
The DC Drybar is designed to bridge this gap. More than a themed venue, it’s an innovative social space—both in-app and in-person—where fans can connect, share ideas, and engage in meaningful comic book discussions without the toxicity of online platforms.
It’s not a bar.
It’s not Comic-Con.
It’s the DC Drybar.
The Context
The Ask
How might we design a physical space for comic fans seeking positive community interactions?
My research objective was to understand the positive and negative experiences of DC Comics fans online.
My research extended to a five question survey and separate responses pulled from Reddit discussions.
View my research plan below. ⬇️
Research Findings
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Project Title: DC Drybar
Client: DC Comics; DC Entertainment
Background
DC Comics, a cornerstone of the comic book industry since the 1930s, is known for introducing iconic superheroes during the Golden Age of Comics. In 2024, the company held 16.4% of the market share, generating $329.7 million in revenue. Its success is rooted in legendary characters like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, as well as its expanding portfolio of live-action and animated films. Because of this, DC has become a cultural pillar for comic fans, fostering passionate communities and fulfilling its mission of “truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.”
Yet, while comics themselves inspire heroism, hope, and imagination, the spaces where fans engage in discourse have become increasingly divisive. Online discussions often devolve into hostility, making it difficult for comic lovers to find welcoming, respectful conversations. As fandom becomes more digital, the lack of positive, real-world gathering spaces has left many fans feeling isolated or disengaged.
The DC Drybar is designed to bridge this gap. More than a themed venue, it’s an innovative social space—both in-app and in-person—where fans can connect, share ideas, and engage in meaningful comic book discussions without the toxicity of online platforms.
It’s not a bar.
It’s not Comic-Con.
It’s the DC Drybar.
Goals & Objectives
Foster Positive Fan Engagement – Strengthen DC’s relationship with diverse fan communities by creating a welcoming space for respectful and meaningful discourse.
Reignite Passion for the DC Brand – Increase engagement with DC Comics’ stories, merchandise, and experiences by providing a unique, interactive social environment.
Establish DC as a Community-Driven Brand – Position DC Comics & DC Entertainment as a leader in fostering inclusive, in-person fan communities—offering an alternative to the divisiveness of online spaces.
Participant Recruitment
Fans disillusioned by online discourse – Comic enthusiasts who are active on social media but feel fatigued by the negativity and hostility in online discussions.
Fans seeking community – Individuals who love comics but struggle with social isolation and are looking for a welcoming, in-person space to connect.
Detail-oriented comic fans – Readers who deeply engage with comics by analyzing storytelling, artwork, and thematic elements, valuing in-depth discussions.
Research Methodology
In-Person Interviews – Conduct one-on-one interviews with comic fans to gain deep insights into their experiences, frustrations, and desires for a more positive community space.
Surveys & Online Feedback – Collect quantitative and qualitative data from comic book fans on social media to understand broader trends in fandom engagement and discourse.
End-User Concept Testing – Gather participant feedback on physical mockup designs, VR experience concepts, and other creative prototypes to refine the DC Drybar experience.
Research Questions
In-person interviewing/survey questions:
What aspects of comics do you enjoy the most?
Do you believe comic book discussions contribute to a stronger fan community? Why or why not?
How would you describe your experience with comic book discussions online? (Scale: Very negative, Somewhat negative, Neutral, Somewhat positive, Very positive)
How often do you engage in debates or disagreements with other comic fans online? (A few times a year, A few times a month, A few times a week, A few times a day)
What typically leads to disagreements in comic book discussions?
End-user Concept Testing
Does the DC Drybar feel like a welcoming and positive space for comic book discussions? Why or why not?
On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = Not appealing, 5 = Highly appealing), how appealing do you find the DC Drybar concept?
What aspects of the DC Drybar concept do you find most exciting or valuable?
What would you change or improve about the DC Drybar experience?
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Survey Type: Google Form
Survey Title: Comic Book Conversations: Exploring Fandom & Online Discourse
✅ 40 responses
Research Context & Participant Reach:
r/DCcomics
r/Superman
r/WonderWoman
Survey Results
Survey data revealed that most participants have had positive experiences with online comic-related discussions—48% rated their experiences as somewhat positive, and 13% as very positive.
Over 75% engage in discourse regularly, debating with fellow fans at least a few times a month.
How would you describe your experience with comic book discussions online?
How often do you engage in debates or disagreements with other comic fans online?
Main Insight
Online and In-Person, Fans’ Experiences Are Positive, But Pocketed*
Reddit users echoed initial research findings, emphasizing that while they enjoy discussing comics online, they actively avoid negative or repetitive conversations that lack depth or originality.
As one user shared, “Many frustrating conversations I end up disengaging from [are] simply making points that get repeated far too often with nothing new.”
In-person, fans encounter different limitations. One Reddit user noted that even in her local comic shop—despite it offering drinks and space for conversation—she often has to steer toward more mainstream topics. This reflects the challenge of finding spaces that support deeper, niche comic discourse offline.
The DC Drybar needs to offer more than just a space for fans to grab drinks and chat—something they already do in familiar spots like their friends’ comic book shops.
To stand out, it can provide unique experiences that foster positive fandom discourse while setting itself apart from other venues in the following ways:
Key UX and Product Considerations
The DC Drybar can:
Foster conversation at each table, balancing user-driven discussions with guided topics.
Offer interactive experiences at the bar high-top, paired with unique food and drink options.
Integrate supportive UI to keep users engaged and excited for what comes next.
The DC Drybar is a 6,000 sq. ft. experiential space designed to accommodate up to 400 guests.
The layout includes two thoughtfully designed bathrooms, with expanded stall sizes to ensure accessibility and comfort—particularly for guests wearing elaborate costumes or with diverse body sizes.
In addition to the main structure, the concept features a 4,000 sq. ft. outdoor garden area—Poison Ivy’s Groovy Grotto Garden— created as a lush, immersive extension of the bar where guests can relax, explore, and engage in casual conversation within a themed environment.
DC Drybar: Strategy & Spatial Design
3D Designs Made with Sketchup & Enscape
To reflect DC’s animated legacy within the DC Drybar architecture, I drew from Bruce Timm’s iconic color work.
DC Drybar: Aesthetic References
LED Silhouette Window Designs
From mighty, heroic mixes to delicious, villainous vices, the DC Drybar serves up refreshments full of niche references and bold flavors.
Explore our saga-worthy selections below. ⬇️
DC Drybar: Eat, Drink, and Geek Out
Cup of Hope - Superman's Drink
Dark Knight Rises - Batman's Drink
Amazonia Colada - Wonder Woman's Drink
Bringing Lexy Back - Lex Luthor's Drink
Pure Chaos - Joker's Drink
The Cold Heart - Mr. Freeze's Drink
The Urzkartaga - Cheetah's Drink
The Manhunter - Martian Manhunter's Drink
Opposites Attract - Fire & Ice's Drink
The Homo Magi - Zatanna's Drink
The Survivor - Red Hood's Drink
Nobody Screws The Wall - Amanda Waller's Drink
The Grandmaster - Lady Shiva's Drink
DC Drybar: Immersive Garden UX
The 4,000 sq. ft. back garden of DC Drybar draws from Batman: Arkham and DC Comics visuals to create an environment that resonates with fans. High-top tables support social interaction, while immersive elements—like the Arkham Asylum sign and perimeter fencing—anchor guests in a familiar narrative setting.
Designed for flexibility, the space adapts for seasonal and character-themed events, keeping the experience fresh and aligned with evolving fan interests.
3D Designs Made with Sketchup & Enscape
The DC Drybar will also host special events during certain months to cater to fans niche interests.
Black Superheroes Month
Join us for an exclusive month-long celebration spotlighting Black excellence in the DC Universe. Hosted by Mr. Terrific, this event series brings together iconic and underrepresented Black heroes for curated experiences, themed nights, and unforgettable moments.
Wonder Women’s History Month Takeover
In honor of Women’s History Month, we proudly present a takeover led by DC’s fiercest heroines. This month-long tribute centers legendary and lesser-known women across the DC canon with themed menus, immersive decor, and empowering storytelling.
Superman Celebration Week
Celebrate the cinematic return of the Man of Steel! Enjoy a premiere week filled with specially crafted menu items inspired by Superman (2025), capped off with a special guest appearance by David Corenswet.
Scarecrow’s Halloween Takeover
This Halloween, the DC Drybar transforms into a fear-fueled escape room experience. Guests must assist Batman and other heroes in rescuing Poison Ivy’s beloved plants from Scarecrow and a coalition of DC’s most notorious villains.
Special Events
I'm incredibly proud of the primary research I conducted and the design execution I brought to life for this project. From developing the full research plan to designing the logo and building the entire 3D space, every aspect was created solely by me—without assistance from art directors, copywriters, or other design professionals.
This project pushed me to wear multiple hats, blending UX research, branding, environmental storytelling, and visual design into one cohesive experience
I can now say this: Being a lifelong comic nerd finally paid off—professionally. 😄
Project Reflection
Check out my other projects below. ⬇️
