CM-1

Coffee Maker

CM-1 is a versatile coffee maker utilizing innovative sustainable coffee pods. These pods offer the flexibility to brew either a single cup or multiple servings, catering to diverse preferences with ease.

Disciplines:
Industrial design
3D visualization

Time:
Spring 2024 - 4 weeks

Credits:
Matt Hoogestraat - Instructor

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73% of Americans report drinking coffee every day

PROBLEM STATEMENT

As coffee prices continue to climb, more individuals are opting to brew coffee at home. However, beginner coffee makers often find the brewing process daunting and time-consuming. Additionally, entry-level options like single-serve machines contribute to excessive waste and lack the modern features desired by many consumers.

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RESEARCH

Statistics from Balance Coffee, Ohio State University, and Mongabay news articles

83% of Americans have coffee at home

In 2020, 40% of Americans owned a single serve machine.

Annual waste from coffee capsules is 576,000 metric tons

FINDING OPPORTUNITY

Single serve coffee makers produce consistent waste while lacking modern accommodations that daily users find essential

How can we provided a more convenient and sustainable approach of single serve coffee machines while maintaining ease of use?

USER PERSONA

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

There are a variety of ways to make coffee these days, each product is tailored to different individuals based on experience, customization, convenience, and consumption size

A simple brewing device that uses a cylindrical container with mesh plunger and a lid. Grounds are poured into the the container with hot water to steep. Then plunger is pushed down to separate grounds from the liquid.
A convenient design to brew one cup of coffee at a time. Uses pre-packaged coffee pods/ capsules to make 1 serving. Water enters the pod through a small puncture that then drips directly into a cup.
Brews multiple cups of coffee at once that uses ground coffee grounds in a paper filter. Hot water is poured on top of the grounds extracting the flavor, which then drips into a carafe on a heated pad.
A versatile appliance that integrates multiple brewing methods into one machine. This allows the user to brew using various methods depending on their preferences. Combination coffee makers save money and counter space by combining multiple features into one appliance.

DESIGN CRITERIA

Intuitive

Simple and easy function and technology that streamlines user interaction.

Inviting

Aesthetic form and identity within the user’s household that encourages consistent interaction

High Quality

Utilization of premium materials that promotes durability and longevity that ensures sustained usability.

INITAL IDEATION

Ideation focused around simplistic stationary and portable coffee makers that promotes ease of use and versatility.

MOODBOARD

CONCEPT SELECTION

Independent portable coffee maker

Rotatable coffee maker

Single & multi serve coffee pod module

EMERGING INGREDIENT

CM-1 can be loaded with single or multi coffee serving. Coffee compounds tightly sealed with a seaweed film that dissolves into water without leaving a taste or odor.

POD HATCH

Embossed form accent leads users to push down on the hatch allowing them to insert new coffee pods. This function is allowed by a small friction dowel.

RING LIGHTS

Ring lights indicate when a pod slot is ready to be used or if a coffee pod needs to be inserted.

LCD DISPLAY

Simple LCD display allows user’s to schedule their coffee as well as choose their serving size.

Water resistant coating provides electronic protection in case of spills.

WATER TANK

Removable tank allows to easy refilling. Inset handle provides an easier and more confident grip when the tank is full

ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT

Adjustment head allows for user to set their preferred height to allow for minimal splashing, thus reducing cleaning and maintenance.