Brew Pulse is a smart accessory that uses interaction design to enhance the everyday task of cleaning moka pots, turning it into an engaging and habit-forming experience. Designed for fast-paced environments such as offices or universities, it addresses the challenge of cleaning during short breaks, where time constraints often lead to neglecting tasks like post-brewing cleanup.
The system consists of a moka pot, a charging station, and a smart band. Users interact with the system by unlocking the pot with the band and returning it to the station after brewing. The station monitors the pot’s temperature and notifies the user with a tactile pulse when it is safe to clean. If the reminder is ignored, the band intensifies the sensory feedback, emitting a stale coffee smell, creating a playful yet effective nudge to encourage action.
This project emerged from the team’s shared experience as new students at CIID, where they faced the challenges of using a communal kitchen. Their goal was to design interactions that were not only intuitive but also behavior-changing, transforming the task into a more thoughtful and personal experience.
Brew Pulse showcases the power of interaction design in shaping daily habits. It blends subtle reminders with sensory feedback to foster better behaviors, turning a mundane task into a meaningful interaction. The project demonstrates how well-crafted design can enhance everyday routines, offering a solution that is both functional and engaging.