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Case Study: Coffee Machine

Case Study: Coffee Machine

ROLE

UI/UX Designer

TIMELINE

Jan 2026 - Feb 2026

SKILLS

  • Interaction Design
  • UI/UX Design
  • User Research

SOFTWARES

  • Excalidraw
  • Figma

Introduction

The goal was to design the interface for a shared coffee machine for industrial settings — hotels and large offices — serving a diverse user base ranging from casual guests to busy employees.

The design challenge was creating an intuitive, efficient, and user-friendly interface that could accommodate various preferences while maintaining the robustness required for a high-traffic environment.

Actions

I observed how users interact with existing coffee machines and vending machines, paying close attention to their natural behaviors, pain points, and typical workflows. This allowed me to map the user flow and identify critical moments where the interface could either simplify or complicate the experience.

User Flow: Key stages of interaction with a typical coffee machine.
A visual representation of the common user journey when interacting with shared coffee and vending machines.

Wireframing & User Flow

Wireframes

Following the user flow analysis, the next step translated insights into concrete visual structures. Wireframing allowed for a rapid exploration of layout options and interaction patterns, focusing on functionality and information hierarchy without the distraction of visual aesthetics.

Wireframe 1
Drink Selection screen: grid layout for beverage choices.
Wireframe 2
Customization screen: strength, sugar, and milk levels.
Wireframe 3
Payment Method screen: options for transaction completion.
Wireframe 4
Dispensing screen: preparation progress indicator.

User Flow

The comprehensive user flow diagram visualizes the complete journey from initial interaction to final beverage delivery. Each step is designed to minimize cognitive load and reduce the chance of user error.

Every transition in the flow must provide clear feedback — the user should never wonder what the machine is doing.

SVG Content
The complete user flow, detailing each step from approach to beverage retrieval.

UI Design

With structure and user flow established, the next phase focused on bringing the interface to life. The goal was to translate functional layouts into a visually appealing experience aligned with the premium environment of hotels and modern offices — clarity, accessibility, and a clean aesthetic guiding every decision.

Color Palette

A foundation of clean, neutral tones ensures a modern appearance that blends seamlessly into upscale environments. Accent colors highlight interactive elements and provide feedback, while the palette was selected with accessibility in mind — sufficient contrast for readability across different lighting conditions.

Core Interface Colors

Foundational colors defining the overall look and feel of the interface.

#FEFBF7
Primary BGA soft off-white for a bright and inviting interface.
#856A42
Secondary BGA rich dark brown for primary text and interactive elements.
#361F15
Primary TextA deep almost-black brown for optimal readability.

Ingredient Representation

Colors providing intuitive visual cues aligned with real-world associations.

#361F15
CoffeeDeep rich brown evoking freshly brewed coffee.
#809BB0
WaterMuted blue representing water's purity and neutrality.
#F7F3EA
MilkCreamy off-white matching the natural color of milk.
#715130
ChocolateWarm medium brown for chocolate-flavored beverages.

Typography

Typography was selected to ensure readability, establish a clear information hierarchy, and contribute to the premium feel of the interface. A sans-serif for primary content ensures crispness and legibility on digital displays, complemented by a more expressive typeface for headings and interactive elements to reinforce the brand's friendly yet sophisticated tone.

Typography Showcase
Font application for headings, body text, and interactive elements across the interface.

Figma File & Prototype

Design File

Explore the complete Figma project, including all design screens, components, and iterative stages.

Interactive Prototype

Experience the full user flow and interactions, demonstrating the rigorous definition of Focus States for WCAG AA compliance.