Asahi “Bar of the Future” Entry

The App: Rising Sun

Setup

Users begin by downloading Rising Sun from the app store. Upon opening the app, they answer a few onboarding questions—covering age, location, drink preferences, and lifestyle habits. The app can also connect to social media accounts, building a richer user profile based on interests and behaviours.

In Practice

When deciding on a night out, users can open Rising Sun to receive bar suggestions tailored to their mood, location, and desired experience (e.g., romantic date or lively celebration). The app uses a short questionnaire to generate a custom profile and recommends a bar accordingly.

Once a bar is selected, Rising Sun suggests a drink based on the user's inputs and previous choices. The user can accept the suggestion or browse other options. Once a drink is ordered, the app notifies the user when it's ready—reducing queues and creating a calmer, more efficient bar experience.

Sun Symbols & Social Interaction

At the end of the questionnaire, users receive a unique Sun Symbol, represented by one of four colours. This colour determines which bar section they’ll collect their drink from. People who’ve had similar days or answered questions in similar ways receive the same symbol, subtly grouping like-minded individuals. This fosters natural interactions—sparked by curiosity, common ground, and a shared visual cue.

Once the app is locked, the Sun Symbol softly glows on the user’s phone screen, contributing to the atmosphere of the bar with ambient coloured lighting.

Smart Data Use

Rising Sun also gathers anonymised data to optimise the overall experience. It can show real-time patterns—like which bar is more popular for dates or dancing—allowing users to make informed decisions about where to go. This creates an ecosystem of bars that respond not only to individuals but to broader social energy.

Bar Layout: Modular + Responsive Design

Each Asahi bar is designed to be modular and adaptive. With collapsible furniture and hidden fixtures, the physical space can change based on real-time app data.

If most customers are seeking a relaxed, seated evening, staff can quickly deploy more tables and chairs. If the app detects a high-energy crowd, the layout can open up for dancing and mingling. This seamless integration between digital feedback and physical space makes Rising Sun a tool for both customers and venue operators—encouraging transparency and tailored atmospheres.