( Context )
Newell Sponsored Project
( Duration )
1.0: Sep - Dec 2020
2.0: May 2022
( My Role )
Industrial Design,
Digital Experience,
Branding
overview
"We now realize that plastic's flexibility and efficiency have a price."
-- Client (Mr. Coffee)

Being the world-first Automatic Dripping Coffee Maker, Mr. Coffee has consistently set the bar for morning rituals around the globe. With rising environmental consciousness, we were challenged to evolve Mr.Coffee's legacy into a greener future.
challenge
I've always been bugged by this common notion that 'eco-friendly choices often come at the expense of functionalities / experience.' M.Lab is an attempt to rewrite the narratives around product sustainability without compromising experiences.

* Weave eco-conscious design decisions into ux & product design process.
* Balance tangible interaction and digital engagement to a balance that feels intuitive and enriching.
at a glance
M.Lab speaks for 'Maximum enjoyment' + 'Minimum eco footprint'. It offers a blend of Auto-Drip and Pour-Over experiences with a commitment to sustainable circularity and affordable customization.
01 - A simplified structure, that enables dual modes

To reduce the material costs and energy consumption, we investigated the mechanics of traditional coffee makers and pioneered a gravity-driven, top-down water flow, eliminating components redundancy.

In addition to the water pumping system, we also removed the carafe as we believe that your mug is the most relatable and intuitive measurement. Rather than grappling with scales on a large-volume container that you rarely encounter, simply get desired amount of water with your mug, no more guessing or leftover water.

This top-down water flow is managed by a water valve at the kettle base; which enables Auto-drip and Pour-over modes.

We embedded a light ring to enhance ux in both modes.
Encircling the top of the filter loop, it provides rhythmic guidance for you to experiment with different pour-over paces, unlocking a myriad of flavors without distraction. In auto-drip mode, this light ring elegantly communicates the brewing status, with its reflection on the stainless steel kettle amplifying it into a graceful, 360° display that's easily readable from afar.

02 - Bring world-class coffee & creativity to your couch

A hurdle many new hands having is learning how to unlock the unique flavors of various beans and where to begin their coffee journey. This is where our 'recipes' come into play, a strategy to boost new user adoption and foster active user base.

M.lab coffee maker can be finely tuned much like an instrument. While seasoned users can create and share personal recipes, we also invited coffee experts and renowned roasteries to craft exciting blends to spark your exploration.

water temperature, water speed

The home page offers a spontaneous start to your day by a quick brew option using your presets and available beans; it also invites deeper explorations by showcasing diverse coffee recipes from the community. We use this layout to harmoniously blend the convenience of quick selection with the joy of new discoveries.

We treated the recipe page like an artwork showcase. It's a place where we want the creators to tell unique stories behind their recipes, meanwhile builds up anticipation for your brewing experience.

For those who prefer precision over guesswork, M.Lab employs a 'Water First, Coffee After' strategy. After adding water, the machine auto-calculates required coffee grounds amount based on selected recipe's ratio.
The core benefit of this flow is to ensure a consistent flavor profile, allowing you to replicate the original tastes shared by creators worldwide.

The global partnership around recipes & bean supply not only enriches your brewing journey, but also becomes a great opportunity for businesses and artisans to showcase their expertise and products.

03 - An eco-conscious lifecycle

M.Lab not only makes every single drip fresh and tailored, but also responsible to our planet 🌍.

*Reduced environmental impact by 60% compared to a traditional auto-drip coffee maker. (eco impact calculated with Okala Practitioner.)

04 - Coffee Grounds Re-purpose Program

For the 'after-brewing' experience, we want to close the loop by giving 600 million tons of coffee grounds a meaningful second life, other than going to the landfill.

Coffee grounds are collected in reusable pouches that can be easily dropped off in the neighborhood. Collected grounds will be used in farming & composite material manufacturing. As a thank you, you'll get credits to spend on certified fresh produce from farms that make use of these recycled grounds.

The tangible benefits fosters a cycle of reciprocity. It's a way of saying, "See, your efforts are directly contributing to greener farming, and here's a taste of the fruits (quite literally) of that labor."

Problem context
I failed to record my Glaze experiments process very well.

Since the lockdown, I picked up a new hobby of experimenting with Ceramic Glazes. 🧪🔥
Each time I fire a piece, it's always a surprise to see the final texture that varies depending on the firing temperature and ingredient ratios. So I've been taking lots of photos and notes with an expectation to see my knowledge grow over time and to create a library of glaze recipes for future reference. But after a while, my motivation to keep track of these experiments was dying out.

Hypothesis

* Too many tools were involved - paper notes/ photos/ web links are scattered everywhere.
* High effort to archive and organize fragmented records.
* Lack of quick and delightful reviewing experience.

after thoughts
User engagement to enhance sustainability

Sustainability in product design is more than material considerations and waste reduction - it's about crafting products that stand the test of time through adaptability and relevance.

Hence, in addition to a new coffee maker that has a dramatically reduced eco-footprint, we also bring in concepts like the 'community' and the 'coffee ground recycle program'; which elevates the rudimentary act of brewing coffee into an ever-evolving, explorative experience. With continuous influx of new recipes and merchant collaborations, you are granted a refreshing experience with each use. We believe such constant rejuvenation enhances product lifespan; meanwhile ensures its continued relevance in the market.

lens
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