Los Angeles-based specialty coffee roastery Stereoscope is not just about the taste and processing methods of coffee; they believe in creating unique experiences and fair relationships. They consider coffee to be a living organism rather than a commodity, and they emphasize their responsibility towards the workers and the beans themselves.

OlssønBarbieri

, the design team working closely with Stereoscope, aimed to reflect this progressive philosophy through their brand identity, packaging design, and printed materials. They acknowledged the brutal realities coffee faces, including climate change and its colonial legacy, with the goal of decolonizing specialty coffee and raising awareness of the Arabica plant's history and potential futures.

To embody Stereoscope's vision of depth and simplicity, OlssønBarbieri drew inspiration from the Chinese cosmology concept of yin yang. They opted for a typeface that wasn't tied to any strong historical legacy, allowing the typography to feel alive, open, and ever-changing. The grotesque sans serif typeface comprises five distinct widths, combined randomly, symbolizing the interconnectedness of things. This dedication to duality extends to the material choices, production techniques, and typographic elements, resulting in the creation of Stereoscope's own "Stereoscope Cosmology." The packaging features a card-based labeling system with cut-outs inspired by Bagua iconography, revealing coffee details and narratives. The coffee bags themselves have a unique voice, with the seeds of Coffee Arabica speaking in the first person. The bespoke box design, inspired by mountain shapes associated with high-altitude cultivation, reflects seasons and practices. With their philosophy, perspective, shape, and story, Stereoscope and OlssønBarbieri showcase the significance of Coffee Arabica and its diverse, flavorsome history.