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Designed for grind precision and coffee experimentation, the DOT burr grinder aims to bridge the gap between commercial and consumer level coffee brewing experiences by providing users with greater analogue control through finely choreographed interactions.
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A wide range of forms and potential UI elements were explored. Ideation questioned the bean hopper, grind dial, grind volume selection, grind catch and dispense mechanisms, motor and burr serviceability, overall usability and button placement, and countertop orientation.
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Stepless Grind Dial & RPM Adjustment
A stepless grind dial sits atop the unit and allows for 180-degree in grind coarseness adjustments, ranging from espresso-grade to french-press. A similar 180-degree 10-stepped motor RPM dial is placed on the side of the unit that allows users to tune their unit to a desired motor speed. Hoping to deliver an experience where no two cups of coffee are the same, users are encouraged to explore varying configurations of grind settings to achieve a grind recipe that is perfect for their tastes and needs.
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Manual & Auto Modes
01. Manual
Many users wish to store their coffee beans away from the grinder in airtight, light-free environments, in which case they have no need or desire for a bean hopper on the grinder. Their routine includes weighing out coffee beans on a separate scale, then grinding only exactly what is needed in that moment. This is referred to as dosing. For these users, manual mode is best. They simply pour the weighed out beans into the grind chute, press the orange grind button to begin grinding, then press the same button once more to stop the grinder once coffee grounds are no longer being dispenses from grind spout.
02. Automatic
Other users may desire the convenience of a bean-hopper combined with an automated start-stop feature. For these users, auto mode is best. The unit can be switched into automatic mode by moving the radially brushed stainless-steel binary switch down, revealing an orange dot to communicate which mode they are in. Doing so will illuminate a subtle dead-front, captouch LED button just above the grind button. Pressing this button will illuminate a set of hidden dead-front dot-matrix LEDs that form a display. Pressing and holding on the two-digits will zero the scale. Users can press the minus (-) and plus (+) captouch buttons to set a desired weight of coffee grinds in ounces (Oz). Pressing the orange grind button will grind and stop automatically once the integrated scale in the base of the unit measures the desired amount of grounds set on the display. After 5 minutes without interaction, the display will fade back to a single pulsing LED, keeping the kitchen space free of many annoying, bright LEDs.
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Magnetic Hopper
For users that wish to store their coffee beans on the grinder and put the unit into automatic mode, the grinder accepts a hopper attachment. The hopper painlessly snaps on to the top surface of the unit through a series of hidden integrated magnets. A threaded lid, combined with a frosted surface texture, helps to keep stored beans fresh for longer.
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Brushless DC Motor
A brushless motor is used to increase grind efficiency, reduce the internal heat package, which in turn affects the grounds, and decrease noise, allowing for a quieter grinding experience.
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Grind Catch
The grind catch is made of glass to reduce static and prevent discoloration commonly seen on plastics when exposed to coffee overtime. Grounds can be stored within the catch for up to a week using a provided cork.
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Burrs
For an elevated grinding experience, and to achieve the greatest level of grind uniformity, the grinder uses a series of steel flat burrs. The burrs can be serviced or replaced by unthreading the grind dial and removing 6 set screws.
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Portafilter
For espresso drinkers, the grinder accepts a standard size portafilter through direct attachment on the grind spout.
Ethan Harrington
Georgia Institute of Technology - Industrial Design
6 weeks | 2022.07
