Strain Card Icons
What is a Strain Card?
Cannabis strain cards are cards that provide information about different strains of the cannabis plant to cannabis consumers. They typically include information such as the strain's name, the type of cannabis it is (indica, sativa, or hybrid), its appearance and flavours, and its potential effects on the user. Some strain cards may also include information about the plant's genetic background and its medical properties. These cards are often used by cannabis dispensaries to help customers choose the right strain for their needs.
The Problem
As part of our strain card redesign, I was tasked with designing a set of icons that represent the flavor profile of the cannabis terpenes. The flavor profile of the terpenes can be a key factor in a customer's decision when choosing a strain, and the icons needed to accurately and clearly represent this information. Additionally, the icons needed to be distinct from each other to avoid confusion, and had to comply with government regulations to ensure the cards were legal and could be used by the dispensary.
Process
Research
To begin this project I researched flavor profiles of the different strains of cannabis that appear on the current strain cards. This involved looking at the existing cards and researching online to learn more about the terpenes in each strain and how they are commonly described. I took note of the common descriptors used to describe each strain's flavor profile, as well as any variations or subjective interpretations. I also looked at how different sources described the terpenes and selected the descriptors that were most commonly used across these sources.
This research was very important. Terpenes can be quite similar to each other, and the research helped me to identify common descriptors that could be used to differentiate them and avoid confusion. By looking at how various sources described the terpenes, I was able to select the most commonly used descriptors and ensure that the icons accurately represented the flavor profile of each strain.
Refinement
After researching the flavor profiles of the different cannabis strains, the next step in the process was to use this information to create the new icons. I started by looking at some of our existing icons and using them as a starting point for the new icons. I wanted to ensure that the new icons would match the style of the existing set, so I used the same color palette and kept the icons large and simple. This was important because the icons would be displayed on small cards and needed to be easily recognizable.
Once I had a starting point for the new icons, I began creating the icons based on the flavor profile of each strain. I used the common descriptors that I had identified during my research to create icons that accurately represented the flavor profile of each strain. I also made sure to ensure that the icons were distinct from each other, to avoid confusion and make it easy for customers to identify the flavor profile of each strain.
