Newform is an innovative freelance community that hosts competitions to showcase the brightest design talent from around the world. In one such competition, I took on the challenge of creating a Pokémon spin-off brand—and PokéPals was born. A fun and friendly social media platform, PokéPals brings Pokémon trainers together to bond, battle, and belong. Whether showcasing their teams, finding new rivals, or sharing their adventures, PokéPals offers trainers a space to connect and thrive in the Pokémon universe.
Project role:
UI/UX Designer
Industry:
Popular Anime
The Project
The task was to create a Pokémon spin-off brand that could stand on its own while staying true to the spirit of the franchise. I developed the concept of PokéPals and designed a landing page that captured its essence. The goal was to craft a user-friendly platform where trainers could find community, celebrate their Pokémon journeys, and engage in friendly competition—all while immersing users in the playful, nostalgic magic of the Pokémon world.
The brief, in a nutshell
The brief challenged participants to design a new Pokémon spin-off brand with a compelling identity and user experience. I proposed PokéPals: a social media platform for Pokémon trainers to connect, bond over shared experiences, and challenge one another. The design had to capture the excitement of being a trainer, creating a digital space that felt as adventurous and inclusive as the Pokémon world itself.
Challenges/Conclusion
One of the key challenges was creating a brand that felt authentic to the Pokémon universe while introducing a fresh concept. The absence of an established design system meant building PokéPals from scratch—from selecting a playful yet cohesive colour palette to designing elements that embodied the adventurous and social spirit of Pokémon. Balancing nostalgia with modern design sensibilities also required careful consideration to appeal to both long-time fans and new trainers.
The result was a bold and engaging landing page that brought PokéPals to life. Featuring playful Pokémon-themed visuals, interactive elements like a "Find Your Next Rival" feature, and a clear call-to-action, the design perfectly encapsulated the fun and camaraderie of the platform. My entry earned 4th place in the competition and showcased PokéPals as a digital space where trainers can truly "catch 'em all" together. This project not only highlighted my design and storytelling abilities but also reflected my passion for crafting experiences that connect communities.
