PokéPals is a playful spin-off concept designed to bring Pokémon trainers together in a digital space built for connection, celebration, and a bit of friendly competition. It imagines a world where trainers can share their teams, find new rivals, and be part of an inclusive, adventure-loving community.
Project role:
UI/UX Designer
Industry:
Anime
The Project
Created as part of a Newform community challenge, this project was a chance to reimagine the Pokémon universe through a brand-new lens. The brief asked designers to develop a Pokémon spin-off brand that could stand on its own while staying true to the spirit of the franchise. My answer was PokéPals. A social platform for trainers to bond, battle, and belong.
The Brief
The task was to design a fresh Pokémon-inspired concept complete with a clear identity and user experience. I developed the idea of PokéPals and brought it to life through a fully designed landing page. The goal was to create a digital space that felt exciting, inclusive, and deeply connected to the nostalgia and energy of the Pokémon world, without leaning too heavily on the original IP.
The Challenges
One of the biggest challenges was building a brand that felt authentic to Pokémon while still introducing something original. With no existing visual system to lean on, I designed everything from scratch, developing a colour palette, icon style, typography, and layout that could live within the Pokémon universe while still feeling like its own thing. Balancing that nostalgia with a clean, modern UX was key to making the concept believable.
Project Impact
This was a solo project submitted as part of a global competition, where I placed fourth overall. I was responsible for everything from concept and art direction to UX, UI, and visual design. The result was a bold, interactive landing page that brought the PokéPals brand to life, complete with themed visuals, playful copy, and features like "Find Your Next Rival" to reflect the social spirit of the platform. The project became a showcase for my ability to combine storytelling, brand thinking, and digital design to create experiences that connect communities.
