Overview
The brief for this project, developed in pairs with my colleague Jorge Martinez as part of the Smart Synthesis Studio at Polimi, was to create innovative, sustainable solutions for De'Longhi, targeting the young generation. We worked under the theme of "Reproducts"—focusing on reducing, reimagining, repairing, repurposing, reusing, or recycling.
As a coffee enthusiast myself, this was a huge opportunity to merge my love for coffee with design innovation. I felt privileged to bring, Diventa—our concept of a coffee ecosystem centered on flavored recipes—to life during our presentation at De'Longhi's HQ in Treviso.
Research
Everything started with research, of course. We did a lot desk research to understand trends, technology, coffee consumption metrics, market analysis and more. But more importantly, even with the short time of 2 weeks, we made time for doing surveys, crowd-sourcing, visiting supermarket, coffee shops and roasteries (where we made a good expert friend, Tommaso!).
All that made us understand that Gen Z has quite a peculiar coffee habit, that spins around innovation, flavor and uniqueness.
With the information gathered we came up with Hannah, our persona.
Project Goal
After the research phase, our mission became clear:
Before starting the ideation and development phase, we took some time to deeply understand De'Longhi as a brand, but also the current market trends and how the company could appeal to the next generation of consumers.
Lastly, we set the product requirements that would guide our project:
Overview
The brief for this project, developed in pairs with my colleague Jorge Martinez as part of the Smart Synthesis Studio at Polimi, was to create innovative, sustainable solutions for De'Longhi, targeting the young generation. We worked under the theme of "Reproducts"—focusing on reducing, reimagining, repairing, repurposing, reusing, or recycling.
As a coffee enthusiast myself, this was a huge opportunity to merge my love for coffee with design innovation. I felt privileged to bring, Diventa—our concept of a coffee ecosystem centered on flavored recipes—to life during our presentation at De'Longhi's HQ in Treviso.
Research
Everything started with research, of course. We did a lot desk research to understand trends, technology, coffee consumption metrics, market analysis and more. But more importantly, even with the short time of 2 weeks, we made time for doing surveys, crowd-sourcing, visiting supermarket, coffee shops and roasteries (where we made a good expert friend, Tommaso!).
All that made us understand that Gen Z has quite a peculiar coffee habit, that spins around innovation, flavor and uniqueness.
With the information gathered we came up with Hannah, our persona.
Project Goal
After the research phase, our mission became clear:
Before starting the ideation and development phase, we took some time to deeply understand De'Longhi as a brand, but also the current market trends and how the company could appeal to the next generation of consumers.
Lastly, we set the product requirements that would guide our project:
The Final Design
Finally, after endless technology research and iterations, the De'Longhi Diventa ecossystem was born.
De'Longhi's is a company that heavily relies on italian culture and expertise. For this reason we chose the name "Diventa", which means "becomes" underlining an important pilar of both the brand and our project: The Art of Transformation.
Directed at beginners, we put our eyes on simplicity, intuitiveness, minimalism and surprise. The Diventa package comes with a coffee machine and a set of accessories, aimed at giving the user flexibility to make all kinds of recipes.
Diventa is not only a product, but an ecosystem, based on our Flavored Marbles technology. These marbles come in infinite flavors, and simplify the process of creating complex coffee recipes.
We understand that coffee trends are fast and influencers, from different areas such as music or acting, are getting in the game. Flavored Marbles can quickly adapt and turn crazy, complex, and trendy recipes to a simple fun experience. This way, the user can try the hot new thing without the full commitment of buying innumerous ingredients.
The Final Design
Finally, after endless technology research and iterations, the De'Longhi Diventa ecossystem was born.
De'Longhi's is a company that heavily relies on italian culture and expertise. For this reason we chose the name "Diventa", which means "becomes" underlining an important pilar of both the brand and our project: The Art of Transformation.
Directed at beginners, we put our eyes on simplicity, intuitiveness, minimalism and surprise. The Diventa package comes with a coffee machine and a set of accessories, aimed at giving the user flexibility to make all kinds of recipes.
Diventa is not only a product, but an ecosystem, based on our Flavored Marbles technology. These marbles come in infinite flavors, and simplify the process of creating complex coffee recipes.
We understand that coffee trends are fast and influencers, from different areas such as music or acting, are getting in the game. Flavored Marbles can quickly adapt and turn crazy, complex, and trendy recipes to a simple fun experience. This way, the user can try the hot new thing without the full commitment of buying innumerous ingredients.
How it works
The user journey for the Diventa experience starts with the machine signaling it is hot and ready to receive the desired Flavored Marbles.
The intended amount of dilution is set using the knobs on the machine. After that, the user can insert their marbles in the top funnel, according to the recipe, with room for flexibility and experimentation in quantity and flavor combinations.
Using sensors, at the right moment, the machine dispenses water in the pipe with the marbles, diluting them.
After seeing the transformation happen before his eyes, the user gets his coffee flavored directly in his cup or bottle.
How it works
The user journey for the Diventa experience starts with the machine signaling it is hot and ready to receive the desired Flavored Marbles.
The intended amount of dilution is set using the knobs on the machine. After that, the user can insert their marbles in the top funnel, according to the recipe, with room for flexibility and experimentation in quantity and flavor combinations.
Using sensors, at the right moment, the machine dispenses water in the pipe with the marbles, diluting them.
After seeing the transformation happen before his eyes, the user gets his coffee flavored directly in his cup or bottle.
Extra Features
For this project we were looking for simplicity and intuitiveness, but also something hands-on, that keeps the ritualistic experience of making a coffee. For this reason we brought some extra features, for flexibility and enriching the user experience.
Our design includes a magnetic stirring mechanism at the base, which froths or blends milk and coffee using a specialized glass container. With a simple, intuitive knob, users can easily switch between hot and cold milk options due to the thermally conductive platform, that can be adjusted in height via a rail system to accommodate different mug sizes.
The inside design was outside the scope of the class, but we of course had to make sure all components would realistically fit the machine. We listed and roughly positioned them inside.
Extra Features
For this project we were looking for simplicity and intuitiveness, but also something hands-on, that keeps the ritualistic experience of making a coffee. For this reason we brought some extra features, for flexibility and enriching the user experience.
Our design includes a magnetic stirring mechanism at the base, which froths or blends milk and coffee using a specialized glass container. With a simple, intuitive knob, users can easily switch between hot and cold milk options due to the thermally conductive platform, that can be adjusted in height via a rail system to accommodate different mug sizes.
The inside design was outside the scope of the class, but we of course had to make sure all components would realistically fit the machine. We listed and roughly positioned them inside.
After all, Diventa gives Hannah the capability to create innumerous drinks, following her routine and experimentations:
Prototypes
first explorations
During the process we kept prototyping as a way to make real our ideas quickly, and refine them in a more realistic and tactile way.
final version
By the end this is the final outcome we brought to De'Longhi's HQ, comprising of the Diventa machine, a portafilter, bottle attachment and of course the Flavored Marbles.
Presentation at De'Longhi Headquarters
Here I leave some good memories I will keep, of the amazing experience we had visiting the factory and presenting our concepts to the company's Design Team.
After the insights that came up while prototyping and the feedback received at De'Longhi, we understood some problems our concept had, and projected future improvements.
After all, Diventa gives Hannah the capability to create innumerous drinks, following her routine and experimentations:
Prototypes
first explorations
During the process we kept prototyping as a way to make real our ideas quickly, and refine them in a more realistic and tactile way.
final version
By the end this is the final outcome we brought to De'Longhi's HQ, comprising of the Diventa machine, a portafilter, bottle attachment and of course the Flavored Marbles.
Presentation at De'Longhi Headquarters
Here I leave some good memories I will keep, of the amazing experience we had visiting the factory and presenting our concepts to the company's Design Team.
After the insights that came up while prototyping and the feedback received at De'Longhi, we understood some problems our concept had, and projected future improvements.
