Digital Interface Cocktail Shaker
Making the art of cocktail creation more accessible.
SMART SHAKER
SMART SHAKER DIGITAL INTERFACE WITH COCKTAIL
About
To avoid entering into a socio-economic Prohibition 2.0, I designed a solution that would place the cocktail back into the hands of the consumer, by making it technologically and financially accessible. Using Feature Driven Development of the Agile Design Methodology
combined with User-Centered Design, I developed and iterated on a “Smart Shaker.” The Smart Shaker is an all encompassed cobbler shaker, which contains a digital interface, pre-programmed cocktail recipes, an auto-sense measurement feature and guided instructions on ingredient addition, shaking/stirring and pouring techniques. The Smart Shaker was
prototyped using an Arduino 101, TFT 1.8” Color Shield with a Joystick, 5” E-tape Liquid Sensor, a 5V battery pack and a custom 3D printed case.
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User Research
User Testing
Lo-Fi Prototyping (Axure)
Hi-Fi Prototyping (Arduino)
User Interface
Front/Back End Development (Arduino IDE)
3D Design (Autodesk)
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ROLe
INFOMERCIAL EDITED IN FINAL CUT
Problem
Statement
Almost a century has elapsed since Prohibition, but with the rising cost of cocktails and inaccessible education surrounding the craft, we have entered into Prohibition 2.0. By developing a “smart shaker,” I hope to make mixology more affordable, accessible, and enjoyable for all!
BRAINSTORMING COCKTAIL INDUSTRY
PROCESS
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Academic Research
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Brainstorming/ MindMapping
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User Research
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User Persona & Feature Prioritization
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Lo-Fi Prototyping
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User Testing
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Hi-Fi Prototyping
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User Testing
USER PERSONA CREATED WITH XTENSIO
2x2 MATRIX CREATED WITH AXURE
 User ResearchGeneral Alcohol Consumption |  User ResearchAt-Home Cocktail Creation |  User ResearchAlcohol Consumption Location |
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SAMPLE OF USER RESEARCH CONDUCTED
LO-FI PROTOTYPE DESIGNED IN AXURE
UX/UI
CHALLENGES
My objective as the sole creator of this technology was to develop a tool that would be simple, engaging and effective. My primary focus was to incorporate valuable user feedback into each iteration of the prototype. This was crucial to me delivering the greatest value to the consumer.
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To ensure the product's ease of use, users requested cocktail creation in five steps or less:
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1. Recipe Selection
2. Ingredient Collection
3. Auto-Sense Measurement
4. Timed Shaking or Stirring
5. Straining and Pouring
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With the goal of accessibility in mind, my aim was to minimize the bar tools required for at-home cocktail creation. The incorporation of a liquid level sensor into the device would eliminate the need for measuring implements. The implementation and visualization of this "auto-sense measurement feature would present the greatest challenge.
AUTO-SENSE LIQUID LEVEL SENSOR (LEFT) LIQUID LEVEL VISUALIZATION (RIGHT)
 User FeedbackGeneral Impression |  User FeedbackInformation Architecture and Navigation |  User FeedbackAudio Feedback |
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 User FeedbackVisual Feedback |  User FeedbackOverall User Experience |
SAMPLE OF USER TESTING CONDUCTED
RESULTS
I conducted two user tests with 22 participants, which revealed that the digital interface, information architecture and joystick navigation were intuitive and easy to use. The visual and audio cues used to indicate task completion were well received by the users. However, the users indicated that the ergonomics of the shaker and the auto-sense measurement could
be improved.
I conducted two user tests with 22 participants, which revealed that the digital interface, information architecture and joystick navigation were intuitive and easy to use. The visual and audio cues used to indicate task completion were well received by the users. However, the users indicated that the ergonomics of the shaker and the auto-sense measurement could
be improved.
IMPLICATIONS
While the Smart Shaker was developed to offer drinkers an easy and affordable means of enjoying cocktails in their own home, the implications of this product reach far beyond that. With continued development to shrink the hardware and improve the software, the Smart
Shaker could become a training tool for professional bartenders. It could also serve as a marketing tool in partnership with a beverage company. The possibilities for a Smart Shaker in the current market are endless; this thesis merely scratches the surface!be improved.
COMMUNICATION VIDEO EDITED IN FINAL CUT
For my more detailed process, visit: