Linje - Process
The norwegian coffee experience
We were contacted by the Norwegian coffee production house Solberg & Hansen to design an espresso maker for the Norwegian market for whole coffee beans. Existing whole bean espresso makers are often complicated machines requiring skill to operate. The machine itself should have a low threshold of use, meaning the process of making coffee should be very simple while allowing for manual settings. The aesthetics had to communicate high quality and ease of use, all while suited for the Norwegian market and most importantly - brewing a high quality cup of coffee.
THE PRODUCT
The espresso maker “Linje” is the result of a Norwegian approach to coffee - a world by and largely dominated by Italian influences. Through the process we defined some of the core values of Norway and Scandinavia. We have a unique landscape of mountains and vast forests and thus the shape of mountains and use of wood became our inspiration. We transformed these values into a design language, and the result is a truly unique product.
Existing espresso makers usually have a very distinct appearance, a good thing because they are immediately recognized as espresso makers, but a bad thing since they often disappear in the big plastic/metallic mass that is espresso makers. The final product is a completely different approach to the traditional espresso maker. Through its use of new materials and esthetics the product is a breath of fresh air in the market of espresso makers. This is combined with a focus on ease of use, and most important - the ability to brew an excellent cup of coffee.
The process
While brain storming, the founding idea emerged from a small architectural contour model made of cork.
This model and the succeding ideas defined our concept story. Norwegian mountains and forests would spark the idea for both the shape and materials of the espresso maker. Wood would be the material, and mountains would be the shape. Layering the wood like the cork model would create a very different and new appearance. A look completely unique for these type of products. The sketching now focused on this direction.
Mockup & Focus groups
Having sketched out a shape we were happy with, we built a one to one mock up model. The model was carved out of styrofoam and finished off with putty to present to our focus group. Quick 3D mockups lets the end user get an approximate impression the end product. Letting the user influence the design at a early stage ensures that the product is tuned in to its targeted consumer group. The focus group consisted of random people within our target user group. They were first interviewed regarding their relation to coffee, and was then presented with our espresso maker. The testing provided us with unbiased and very valuable feedback. In general our maker received a very positive feedback with some remarks on the size, positioning of the dials and buttons, and the water and waste compartments.
The build
We chose a construction where we would layer up 1.5cm thick planks of Populus. This would ensure a nice dynamic appearance with continuous lines throughout the shape.
CATIA was next. Considering we were to make the machine in wood, we faced a series of challenges. Our school has a CNC milling machine, but they do not have the appropriate equipment to mill wood. We therefore had to find a way to translate the computer model into a real life model.
Easier said than done, but we found a solution. In CATIA we would slice the 3D model in 1.5 cm thick horisontal cross sections , corresponding to the woodplanks.
We would then extract each silhouette of these cut shapes of the 3D model, much like a contour map. We plotted out these shapes in 1:1, 35 in total, and traced them off atop each of the seperate wood planks. After cutting out the shapes of the wood plank, we were left with a very rough 1:1 model of the 3D-model - merely hinting the final shape. These were then glued together in a very specific order so the neccesary holes could be cut out of the shape.
- DSC_0549">Building process, cutting out the profiles of the wooden planks." title="DSC_0549"/>
- DSC_0554">Glueing together the different sheets of wood to make up the main shape." title="DSC_0554"/>
- DSC_0552">All the sheets of wood placed on top of each other." title="DSC_0552"/>
- DSC_0543">The process." title="DSC_0543"/>
- DSC_0550">Scalp, paper and wood planks." title="DSC_0550"/>
- DSC_0557">
- DSC_0560">
Then we started sanding down the model - proving to be a very labour intensive process.
In the end we were very pleased with the result. The layered wood turned out beautiful and the feedback from our teachers, potential customers and people in general is great. Enjoy the photos.
Complete photo gallery
- Building process, cutting out the profiles of the wooden planks." title="DSC_0549"/>
- Our finished 1:1 product model. Complete with rotating dials with graphics." title="DSC_0605"/>
- Our finished model" title="DSC_0601"/>
- In the making. Lots of sanding left." title="DSC_0573"/>
- Audun posing in the back of our model." title="DSC_0582"/>
- In the makin.g" title="DSC_0578"/>
- Our finished model." title="DSC_0608"/>
- Glueing together the different sheets of wood to make up the main shape." title="DSC_0554"/>
- Our finished model." title="DSC_0596"/>
- All the sheets of wood placed on top of each other." title="DSC_0552"/>
- The process." title="DSC_0543"/>
- Scalp, paper and wood planks." title="DSC_0550"/>
- Our finished model." title="DSC_0586"/>
- The process. Still lots of sanding to be done." title="DSC_0568"/>
- The control panels of our coffee machine." title="DSC_0602"/>
- Making the mock up model. Using Extruded Polystyrene coated with putty." title="DSC_0286"/>
- Our mock up model" title="DSC_0285"/>
- Making the mock up model." title="DSC_0282"/>
- Visiting nespresso." title="DSC_0265"/>
- Nespresso`s wall of coffee." title="DSC_0252"/>
Bitte teilen sie uns mit ob die Linje zu kaufen ist und wo sie in Deutschland erhältlich ist . Wir sind ein Holzbaubetrieb und stellen im Juni auf einer Regionalmesse aus und würden die Maschine einsetzen . M
Good afternoon,
were and when can I buy this product?
And what would be the price?
Greetings
G. Schreiber
This is awesome work
Veldig bra jobbet folkens..
jeg skal ihverfall ha meg en hvis den kommer til produksjon
Takk for det Jarle! Vi tar varsler deg når den kommer på markedet!
I want one! I want one!
Where can I buy one?
Best, Lisa
Thanks for the question Lisa! Unfortunately, the product is still in the prototyping phase and thus not for sale.
I’ll be sure to let you know when you can buy one.
Nice idea but surely a nightmare to clean the coffee splashes on the wood?
Hei, er det mulig aa faa maskinen til aa funke?
Hilsen Per Ivar
Are you planning to put this into production and sell it? If so, it will be a good one to have at home. Nice creative work. Cheers.
Are any for sale? if so how much does it cost to buy one?
What a great looking design! More stuff needs to be made from wood, it’s a wonderful material.