Simplifying tea steeping : design innovation driven by user needs

Abstract

An affordable appliance was designed to make steeping a "perfect" cup of loose leaf tea easy and less labor intensive for the user. A survey of 235 people, primarily millennials between the ages of 18-27, was conducted to determine key user needs to be addressed in the design of the tea steeping device. Primary concerns identified were cleanability, time it takes to brew, and making the device compatible with travel mugs so users can drink their tea on the go. These key user needs were addressed through system architecture, form factor, and materials selection. A method of steeping a concentrate to minimize brew chamber size was developed. The automated single-serve device proposed brews tea at the required temperature and time to allow users to enjoy the best flavor out of their tea with just one step.