Kingfisher
Split-Architecture Espresso SystemIn a world of bulky, obstructive espresso machines,
Kingfisher is designed to dismantle the physical and social barriers of the traditional
coffee bar. By moving the boiler and heavy
mechanical components beneath the counter,
the machine achieves a remarkably low-profile sillhouette that stands just above the work
surface. This visual minimalizism opens up conversation between the barista and the customer,
allowing for unique connection.
Duration10 Weeks
Winter 2026
Winter 2026
ToolsRhino 8
Keyshot
AI Design Tools
Keyshot
AI Design Tools
Individual
The ProblemWhere’s the barista?
Espresso machines are excessively bulky, often blocking the barista from interacting with the customer.
Where’s the barista?
Espresso machines are excessively bulky, often blocking the barista from interacting with the customer.
Market Research
Big & Bulky
Commercial espresso machines are designed for capacity rather than visibility. Few machines feel both decorative and unobstructive, or offer any opportunity to scale freely.
Persona
The Up-And-Coming Cafe Owner
Morgan opened her own cafe a few years ago in Seattle, with a focus on specialty coffees. Her business is doing well, but she wants to stand out as the industry continues to grow. Her cafe handles a medium range of customers, and she is hoping to hire a few additional employees.
Wants01 To connect with her regular customers
02 To elevate her current cafe setup
03 An easy-to-clean counter space
02 To elevate her current cafe setup
03 An easy-to-clean counter space
Frustrations01 Her current machine is too compact to work alongside another barista
02 Difficulty to converse with customers while making drinks
02 Difficulty to converse with customers while making drinks
Design Criteria
Visibility
The machine should be easy to see over/around, allowing ease of communication and to show off the barista’s craft.Ease of Use
Controls should be minimal, convenient, and customizable to different users and cafes.Cleanability
Surfaces should be smooth and easily cleaned, especially touchpoints and surrounding counter space.Moodboard
Ideation
01 Individual Units
A modular system of single machine units. Interesting form factor, but manual controls feel unecessary.
02 See-Through Back
Machine has a transparent back plate to allow for the customers to see the espresso being made. Difficult to scale, better suited for home use.
03 Low-Profile Longer Unit
Rearranged internal components to allow for a different distribution of mass. However, difficult to fit all necessary parts.
Iteration
A 2-part concept was developed, with the primary focus on the over-counter unit. The most iterations were performed on this concept around touchpoints and barista interaction.
The buttons were continually iterated, ending on a combination of solutions.
Introducing
Kingfisher
Low Profile
Kingfisher is designed to take up as little space as possible on the counter, leaving room for interaction. Easy to interact with and clean around, Kingfisher is a step away from bulky espresso machines. However, it allows the barista to showcase their art, and for friendly conversation across the counter.
Tucked Away
The controls you interact with the most are above the counter, while lesser-used functions and bulky components are hidden below for when you need them.
Decaf or Regular?
The buttons on the main device are customizable to the needs of the cafe. Set presets for decaf and regular, or special roasts. Quickly adjust temperature or time. Press for one shot, hold down for two.
Easy Adjustment
The steam wand operates through a slider switch on the side. A haptic “click” turns the wand on, adjust pressure by moving the switch up or down. The wand itself is on a moving joint allowing for easy adjustment and steaming to match workflow.