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Rituel
By : Vincent De Bellefeuille et Hubert Côté
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Student
Categories : Students work / Student - Industrial Design / Product / Furniture : Platinum Winner
Rituel is a coffee machine that fights against programmed obsolescence. This coffee machine has been developed according to rigorous eco-responsibility criteria, with the aim of reducing premature product disposal. It takes a critical look at the foundations of product development, and paves the way for a new approach to design: eco-design through emotional attachment. In this sense, Rituel attempts to respond to the challenges of programmed obsolescence, by considering both the physical and psychological longevity of products. It attempts to target the complex emotional drivers that influence how we use, consume and discard certain products more quickly than others. The project development criteria focus above all on interaction and experience. The aim of this coffee machine is to engage its owner in a long-term relationship.
Rituel has integrity, honesty, authenticity and structural transparency. The machine consists of a base, a post, a water tank, a heating head and a handle.
The coffee machine is operated entirely by the handle. When the handle is lifted, water from the reservoir is sent to the heating head. At this point, the water reaches a certain temperature. The thermometer on the front of the head indicates the ideal brewing temperature. All the user has to do is squeeze the coffee into the cup using the handle. The coffee machine produces espresso coffee with a pressure of 4 to 10 bars, depending on the speed and force applied. It comes with a standard filter holder.
Through its composition, Rituel attempts to communicate the coffee-making process and the operation of the machine to the user. The addition of a manual press allows the user to consider his or her own contribution to the coffee-making process. Using the manual press requires a certain level of learning. Mastery of the object engages the user to make the object their own, to create their own ritual.
Furthermore, the machine features hinge doors on both side. By unscrewing the single screw that holds the handle in place, it is possible to easily access the machine’s critical components, i.e. the pump, gears and hoses. The heating head can be easily removed using two screws on the top of the machine. Rituel stands for accessibility to repair. It offers access to the critical component and integrates elementary technology. In this perspective, Rituel’s composition (internal and external components, mechanisms and systems) encourages the user to take care of it.
The choice of materials is distinguished in particular by the’integration of wood. The aim is to celebrate the imperfections of coffee stains, which recall the ephemeral nature of the user’s interactions with the machine. The machine is fitted with a counter that indicates the number of coffees brewed. This time marker strengthens the relationship and makes it easier to prevent machine maintenance.
Rituel offers a multi-sensory experience through the touch, heat, smell and taste of a good coffee. It attempts to forge a lasting marriage between user and product, and humbly hopes to help reduce the programmed obsolescence found in small appliances.
