Design of an automated cocktail mixing experience

Abstract

This thesis describes the design concept development of an automated cocktail mixing device and user interface that is capable of dispensing a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic ingredients to produce a myriad of drink recipes. The design consists of twelve containers, each connected to an electronically controlled valve, mounted over a circularly symmetric frame that houses a cup while ingredients are dispensed into it. A user study was conducted in which participants responded to questions regarding their drinking habits, drink preferences and perceived experience/knowledge of mixing cocktails. In addition, participants were asked to rate a variety of functionalities that might be found in an automated cocktail mixing device based on how important or crucial they perceived them to be. The responses collected through this user study were used to drive the direction of the design concept development. The automated cocktail mixing device design concept was modeled using CAD software in order to better understand the spatial constraints and requirements of the assembly components. This model, combined with the user study and proposed user interface functionalities, serve as the foundation for the further development of the product.