primary outcome
Zero ▸ Launch
Scope of work
Product Design Marketing Website Design Content Creation iOS App Development Marketing Collateral
Collaborators
Kathryn Yokoyama, Brand Design Mike Doan, Development & Product Design Hitomi Abiko, Visual Direction & Product Design
Visit
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A need to soak
Expats in Japan face a conundrum. Many have a small tattoo, a harmless thing. But Japanese locals fear them because they’re associated with the yakuza. A tattoo-bearer is denied entry from many a public hot spring.
Kathryn Yokoyama wanted to remedy that. She has tattoos, but loves Japanese hot springs. She decided to take matters into her own hands, and came up with the idea of Ofuro and its logo.
Conclusion: let's help fellow English-speakers find some hot springs.
Diving deeper
While locals can access all information in Japanese, for those with only English and a cursory knowledge of onsen, we can start with a few basics. Am I allowed in? What kind of facility is it? How much does it cost? And do I need to bring a towel?
Even in the niche of hot springs, there are sub-niches. The local bathhouse sento and the popular traditional inns called ryokan could be appealing to tourists. And how about just some nice views?
Making a splash
In a month’s time, we had something up and running on the App Store. In the spirit of launching a new product, we set up all the marketing avenues: ProductHunt, social media, The Best Japan, newsletters, and more.
Relaxing should be fun
We have a version 1 down, but we’ve only scratched the surface. Next up: gamification. Onsen aficionados have been to plenty of these onsen, and are searching for new relaxing experiences. Why not turn it into a fun game? Gotta dip in ‘em all. Granted, we’re not thinking of putting any leaderboards in this one. That would stress us out.
Ready, set, relax...
Curious about the bath scene in Japan? Check it out.
