Solution hot coffee problem

[CBSstudent]

We are a group of students from Copenhagen Business School making a project in one of our graduate courses called "Managing user driven innovation".
We already posted our problem previously which is:
We are experiencing that hot "to go" coffee is causing tongue burns, because the users can not sense the temperature - often the cups are double layered and are covered with lids. We are therefore searching for solution to this problem.

We have found different solutions to the stated problem and would like your expert opinion on which you think is most likely to be applíed:

• Temperature indicator on the side of the cup.

• Small metal plate in the bottom of the cup, leading the heat, so that the user can get an indication of the temperature when touching with the finger.

• Color changing lid depending on the temperature.

• Color changing stirring stick depending on the temperature.

(In your evaluation both function and cost should be considered)

If you have solutions that might work better you are more than welcome to suggest them!
Also if you know any persons who might have (expert) knowledge about this topic, that could help us in the search for the solution, it would be of great help.

[NE14COFFEE]

Re: Solution hot coffee problem

Hi CBS, maybe you should add a poll to gauge the responses. This can be found just above your post to the right "Add a poll".
Of the four options I’d say the lid would be best. Mainly because its right in front of your face before you take a sip. As for the stick not everyone would use one, no sugar usually means no stir. Metal plate, I know I never hold the bottom of the cup... Temp indicator on the side sounds ok too, but thats only if the customer looks at it. All the best

[Bill]

Re: Solution hot coffee problem

I agree. The lid would be the most obvious for people to see. Indicator on side of cup would be alright too, but probably not as obvious to the consumer as the lid.

[Thundergod]

Re: Solution hot coffee problem

Black coffee or with milk?
Which is the problem?

[Koffee_Kosmo]

Re: Solution hot coffee problem

The colour changing lid is my pic

But a well made 65 C espresso would be better

KK

[flynnaus]

Re: Solution hot coffee problem

I think overall the prevention is better than cure is the better approach.

Another way to go is to give customers the choice. Target one group of cafes; provide them with educational material and even a free thermometer. Demonstrate that not only will the coffee taste better with optimally steamed milk; they could even save time even if it only adds up up to 5 or 10 mins a day (which is at least one extra cup of coffee or more sold). If they accept the change then others may follow.

Just a thought, would the colour change indicators on steamer jugs or coffee cups/lids last indefinitely either during use for the jug or storage for the cups/lids??

[james74]

Re: Solution hot coffee problem

Maybe just connect a thermocouple to the steaming wand with a cutout set at the correct temperature, then regardless of training etc, the milk will never be scalded.

[Bill]

Re: Solution hot coffee problem

Maybe just connect a thermocouple to the steaming wand with a cutout set at the correct temperature, then regardless of training etc, the milk will never be scalded.

Good idea. I like it! Machine manufacturers could build their machines with the temperature sensor already built in to them, which automattically cut out when reaching the set temp.

[luke_gts]

Re: Solution hot coffee problem


Good idea. I like it! Machine manufacturers could build their machines with the temperature sensor already built in to them, which automattically cut out when reaching the set temp.[/QUOTE]

the La Cimbali at my work has a cut off temp for one of the 3 steam wands... come in handy only when if is considerably busy.

i think a side temp, would be a great idea and more user friendly than the color changing lid, IMO, cause you wouldnt have to have a color/temp scale. but either way all good ideas.

[A_M]

Re: Solution hot coffee problem

Good idea. I like it! Machine manufacturers could build their machines with the temperature sensor already built in to them, which automattically cut out when reaching the set temp.

the La Cimbali at my work has a cut off temp for one of the 3 steam wands... come in handy only when if is considerably busy.

i think a side temp, would be a great idea and more user friendly than the color changing lid, IMO, cause you wouldnt have to have a color/temp scale. but either way all good ideas. [/QUOTE]

As to the colour changing lids... Was chatting today over some Medical recalls ie. Heat packs etc...

It then crossed our minds that many dyes are in fact quite poisonous...

If the dye is impregnated into a lid, that some may actually drink from, I can only surmise that some might want it to be fully tested and proven to be safe...

I understand that HJ (fast food chain) have a temp strip that sticks to the side of their takeaway cups.. Opps, does this mean some one has already done the deed ?

Note: Commonly referred to as Independent parallel processing Or re inventing the WHEEL.