The coffee world is an intriguing realm, capturing the devotion of millions who can't kickstart their day without it. Amidst these enthusiasts are the few who obsess over their coffee beans – their origins, sourcing timelines and, most crucially, their freshness.
I joined the Voltaire project in hopes to cater to these coffee fanatics, those hungry for the science behind their daily obsession. An initial Kickstarter campaign proved there was a market that craved this information, and I was more than happy to help serve it.
Profile
Company
GIR
Role:
Product Designer
Team Size:3
1 Product Designer,
1 Front End Developer,
1 Back End Developer
Contribution:
UX
(Research, Mapping, Wireframing, Prototying, Testing)
Design
(Branding, Logo, Graphics, Illustration, iOS Mobile App, Package Design, Social Media Content, Marketing Design)
This is seriously smart coffee.
With the hardware in development, our next step was to craft the accompanying app. Together, Voltaire aimed to ensure the freshness of coffee, educate the novice, and elevate the coffee experience as a whole.
The task at hand was to craft a straightforward, user-friendly tool that wouldn't divert attention from the product but rather enhance it. This involved not only delivering crucial information on the freshness of the beans in use but also understanding user preferences, dislikes, and seamlessly integrating with Amazon's Web Services for seamless user experience
Discovery
Understanding the Vision
During the initial stages, I collaborated closely with GIR's founder Sam, to understand her vision for the product and the desired user experience of Voltaire's hardware and software. Immersing myself in GIR's team and culture to be able to translate their energy into a digital product.
Over many conversations, brainstorming sessions, napkin doodles and cups of coffee, we began to visualize ideas.
Direct User Feedback
With the help of our Kickstarter backers, we were able to speak directly to our audience and receive the invaluable feedback of our early customers. This played a pivotal role in shaping the core features of the companion app
Here are some early notes and doodles shaped the final outcome.
Flow Map
A user journey begins with a map, a visual guide showing the various paths a user might take when closing the experience loop.
Crafting Personalized Journeys
With a deeper understanding of our user base, we delineated distinct personas and identified key steps along their journey. We were able to then translate flow maps into content screens.
Streamlining Development
Transitioning from User Flows to Collaborative Wireframes
With a clear understanding of user behaviors and needs, we proceeded to create comprehensive wireframes that served as a collaborative foundation for both design and engineering teams.
Coffee Excellence
Aesthetics and Intuitive Functionality
With perfect symmetry, the Voltaire Grinder and its accompanying app were introduced to the public. Aligned with our mission, the app delivered a clean aesthetic and a simple, intuitive user experience. It became the perfect companion to an already brilliant physical product.
Crafting the Perfect Package
From Unexpected Task to Revolutionary Design
When the time came to finalize the packaging for Voltaire, an unexpected yet exciting challenge emerged. Although not initially slated for the task, I stepped in when the work fell through with another designer. Who better to pick up the mantle than the person who had come to know the brand inside out?
Having designed packaging once before, I eagerly embraced the challenge. However, navigating a new medium brought its set of challenges, with numerous design guidelines and steps to adhere to throughout the process.
The package design underwent several iterations. Given the limited time before shipping dates were set, we needed a package that mirrored the revolutionary nature of the product itself. Each design decision was a step towards not just enclosing a product but enhancing the overall experience for the consumer.
Branding
Common Sense Is Not So Common
Voltaire didn't stop at the being a smart grinder. There were plans to expand the brand. And so a Brand Book was needed. I set out to distill the feel of this product into a cohesive visual identity. With an understanding of the brand's core values and the intricacies of its design, the Brand Book serves as a comprehensive guide to ensure consistency across all mediums.
From the symmetry of the grinder to the intuitive simplicity of the companion app, every element in the brand toolkit reflects the commitment to delivering an unparalleled coffee experience.
This document encapsulates the visual language and design principles behind Voltaire.
Here are a few example pages.
