KOFIKALCHER: AN ITERATIVE DESIGN APPROACH TO A CAFE REVIEW PLATFORM FOR CREATIVE SPACES

Abstract

In today’s interconnected world, shared experiences and peer-generated recommendations play a vital role in decision-making. This paper addresses the growing need for a specialised platform that rates and reviews cafes with a focus on their creative spaces—environments designed to inspire productivity, innovation, and collaboration. Unlike typical cafe review sites that emphasise food and beverages, this platform highlights the significance of creative spaces for designers, artists, students, and other creative professionals who seek ambience, resources, and comfort to support their work. The proposed platform will feature a user-friendly website that offers tailored recommendations based on individual preferences. Users will be able to search for and filter cafes by specific criteria, such as Wi-Fi availability, quiet zones, natural lighting, seating comfort, or inspiring decor. Customised recommendation algorithms will guide users towards venues that align with their creative needs, enabling them to make informed choices about where to work, study, or collaborate. The significance of this project lies in its contribution to both the creative community and the local economy. By promoting cafes that invest in providing conducive work environments, the platform encourages the development of spaces that foster creativity, social interaction, and community growth. Future work will focus on expanding the platform’s coverage to all Malaysian states, incorporating AI-driven personalisation for more accurate recommendations, and introducing interactive community features such as event listings, networking opportunities, and user-generated content. Performance enhancements—including database optimisation and mobile-first design—will ensure fast, seamless browsing. By iteratively improving both functionality and user experience, the platform aims to establish itself as the most trusted resource for discovering and evaluating creative spaces nationwide.