Designing a market-ready SteamUp
Developing the minimum viable product configuration of a premium milk steamer for home use
L.R. Hilbrands (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
E. Tempelman – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
E.J.J. van Breemen – Mentor (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
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Abstract
This thesis explores the development of a high-end consumer product within the context of evolving coffee culture and growing user demand for premium home-use appliances. It investigates whether a prototype can be refined into a minimum viable product (MVP) that balances technical performance, user experience, visual appeal, and cost-effectiveness. The project integrates form-giving, user validation, and early-stage manufacturing cost modelling to assess market readiness. Findings indicate that user preferences strongly favour both aesthetics and performance, guiding a design strategy that blends expressive form with functional clarity. Financial feasibility improves with scale, especially beyond 1,000 units, though early-stage production may require temporary cost-saving strategies. Overall, the project demonstrates a viable path toward market introduction for a premium home appliance, provided key design and production criteria are met.