As a long-time Keurig connoisseur that recently discovered the world of espresso, I wanted to design an espresso-like Keurig that kept the convenience of the Keurig, but without the plastic waste.
Research
My research showed that most Keurig users disliked the waste they created with their pods, but the convenience of the machine outweighed their distaste for waste.
Even more unpopular than the pods was the cleaning required from the Keurig. Many users reported excessive splashing, especially from tall machines using short mugs.
Design
Because this machine would be unlike any other Keurig, I wanted to create something unique for them without losing their very minimal design language.
To solve the splashing problem I uncovered in my research, I wanted to make an adjustable drip tray one of the selling points.
Development
Unfortunately because of the COVID-19 pandemic, my prototyping facility for this project was my shared bedroom apartment. However, this allowed me to put a larger emphasis on the Solidworks and Keyshot portions of the project.
In place of physical prototyping, I did much more thorough Solidworks and Keyshot work. Below is an animation done in Keyshot of the coffee machine disassembly and some moving parts in action.