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. ⬇️
My Role
Researcher & UX Designer
Google Forms & End-User Interviewing
My Research Tools
Figma, SketchUp, Twinmotion
My Design Tools
1 Year & 4 Months
Timeframe
Navigation Hub
Comic fans often struggle to find respectful, insightful conversations, as online spaces are riddled with toxicity and gatekeeping. As fandom shifts further into digital spaces, the absence of real-world community hubs has left many feeling disconnected.
Enter the DC Drybar, an innovative social space that saves fans from isolation.
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
-
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?
-
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 confirmed that while they enjoy talking about comics, they often avoid online discussions that feel repetitive or shallow. In-person spaces don’t always offer much better — one user shared that even her local comic shop limits deeper conversations, pushing her toward more mainstream topics.
This highlights a clear gap: fans want spaces that support thoughtful, niche comic discussions.
DC Drybar: Version One
The DC Drybar is a 6,000 sq. ft. social concept designed to host up to 400 guests. Its LED-lit exterior and comic tunnel entry immerse visitors in Bruce Timm–inspired visuals from the start.
Inside, accessible restrooms with expanded stalls support inclusivity for all body types and costume sizes.
The space encourages conversation and connection through guided prompts, in-seat ordering, and a playful “Joker Mode” that serves randomized discussion topics.
From mighty, heroic mixes to delicious, villainous vices, the menu offers refreshments packed with niche references and bold flavors.
Out back, Poison Ivy’s Groovy Grotto adds 4,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space, blending Arkham-inspired visuals with lush, calming design.
Built for flexibility and immersion, the environment easily transforms for seasonal or character-themed events, keeping the experience fresh and fan-focused.
Seasonal Events & Experiences:
Black Superheroes’ Month in February featuring Terrific Tea, a DC Comics x Twisted Tea collaboration
Womens’ Superheroes’ Month in March, with the outdoor bar space made to look like Themyscira
Brightest Day, Brightest Month in July to honor Green Lantern
Superman Month in June to honor the iconic Man of Steel
Scarecrow’s Halloween Takeover in October
Explore parts of the first version below. ⬇️
3D Designs made with Sketchup & Twinmotion
Tablet Designs made using Figma
DC Drybar Poison Ivy Garden Space in Twinmotion
"Cup of Hope" - Superman's Drink
"The Dark Knight Rises" - Batman's Drink
"Amazonia Colada" - Wonder Woman's Drink
"Bringing Lexy Back" - Lex Luthor's Drink
"The Killing Joke" - Joker's Drink
"Cold Heart" - Mr. Freeze's Drink
"The Manhunter" - Martian Manhunter's Drink
DC Drybar x Twisted Tea Brand Collaboration, ‘Terrific Tea’
Twinmotion Designs for Women’s History Month in March
Twinmotion Designs for Green Lantern’s Month in July
Twinmotion Designs for Superman’s Month
DC Drybar Scarecrow Halloween Takeover Garden Space in Twinmotion
DC Drybar: Reimagined
Looking back, I realized that the DC Drybar experience had a few opportunities for improvement:
💬 A single, centralized physical location is unrealistic for a comic book publisher whose core offering is digital content.
💬 Limiting the experience to one physical site restricts access for fans due to geography, cost, and accessibility barriers.
💬 DC’s strong online community and legacy storytelling should serve as the foundation for any experiential extension.
View the updated DC Drybar app integrations in the DC Universe Infinite UI below. ⬇️
The DC Drybar Experience, Accessible through the DC Universe Infinite Application
I led every part of this project—from research planning and branding to 3D design and storytelling—without help from art directors or designers. It challenged me to blend UX research, visual design, and immersive worldbuilding into one cohesive experience.
When reimagining the concept, I focused on addressing a real business and user problem: the social isolation and accessibility challenges many fans face. It’s hard being a nerd with nobody nearby to nerd out with.
Being a lifelong comic nerd finally paid off—professionally. 😄
Project Reflection
Check out my other projects below. ⬇️
