So how do you make the world’s largest coffee house feel like a neighborhood haunt? The answer: good design. The intense customization is meant to make the Starbucks brand a little less brand-y.

The coffee giant has announced the return of its holiday menu and unveiled its much-anticipated red cup designs. Starting Nov. 2, Starbucks’ seasonal suite of beverages, food and more will be ...

Drinking a cup of coffee, for example ... You'll notice a pointed corner in the center of the cup; this strange bit of design is what makes it possible to drink liquids in low gravity.