Piatto Smart Tumbler
Designing a Smarter and Simpler Sip
Piatto is an innovative smart thermal tumbler designed to maintain beverages at the user's preferred temperature, whether warm or cool. This cutting-edge product combines sleek design with advanced technology, offering a personalized drinking experience. The Piatto system includes not only the tumbler itself but also a companion app that allows users to set and control their desired beverage temperature with ease.
Project Snapshot
Role UX/UI Designer
Timeline 2013 — 2014
Users Health-conscious professionals, students, and commuters
Scope Mobile app, hardware UI, packaging, brand identity
Outcome Cohesive product ecosystem, positive usability test scores, strong consumer trust
Scale Startup launch, integrated product, and digital experience
Initial Findings
When we entered the smart drinkware space, most products were technically interesting but lacked soul. Apps were cluttered, devices were bulky, and branding was almost an afterthought. People wanted their drinks to stay at the right temperature, but they also wanted a product that fit seamlessly into their lifestyle. Competitors weren’t meeting that need. We saw an opening to design a system where hardware, software, and brand identity worked in harmony, delivering both performance and emotional resonance.
What We Had to Solve
Our goal was to position Piatto as a category leader by creating a premium experience across every touchpoint. That meant three things: making the technology approachable enough for non-tech-savvy users, building a cohesive visual identity that communicated warmth and quality, and ensuring the tumbler and app felt like one unified product rather than two disconnected parts. My role was to lead UX/UI for the companion app, shape the brand identity, and help knit together digital and physical experiences in collaboration with the rest of the team.
How Might We
Create a thermal tumbler that bridges the wants of gourmet coffee drinkers and the needs of people on the go?
Deliver consistent temperature and a delightful, easy-to-use interface?
Design a seamless experience that communicates trust, ease, and joy across hardware and app?
How We Tackled It
01
Listening to Coffee Lovers Everywhere
We interviewed a wide range of coffee and tea drinkers, uncovering daily frustrations like reheating, guessing temperatures, and short battery life. Insights were synthesized into four personas; each reflecting distinct lifestyles and pain points.
02
Mapping Real-Life Use Cases
We followed each persona’s journey from unboxing to daily use.This helped us design for real scenarios, like early-morning commutes, post-workout cooldowns, and study marathons.
03
Creating a Look that Feels Like a Sip
Moodboards explored tactile materials, soft color palettes, and forms that felt premium yet approachable. Our chosen direction blended kitchenware warmth with sleek tech, creating a brand that felt instantly familiar and fresh.
04
Building the Visual Identity
We developed a timeless logo, clean color system, and playful but elegant packaging. This gave the product shelf presence and visual consistency from box to app.
05
Designing the Companion App
We focused the app experience around a temperature dial, real-time status, and simple device pairing. Screens were minimal, bold, and easy to use; ideal for busy hands and sleepy mornings.
06
Prototyping and Refining with Speed
Low-fidelity wireframes allowed us to test layout and functionality early. User feedback helped shape clear flows, notifications, and features that felt instantly usable.
The Outcome
The final product delivered what competitors couldn’t: a seamless ecosystem that felt both smart and simple. The tumbler and app worked together fluidly, packaging extended the experience with care, and the brand established a premium yet approachable tone.
Smart Drinkware
in Smart Sipping
Product + App Integration
What I Learned
UX is More Than Interface, It's Ecosystem
This project showed me how critical it is to sync physical product design with digital UX. A seamless experience isn't about perfection at every point, it's about harmony across the whole system.
Research Builds Relevance
The time spent developing personas and journey maps paid off throughout the project. Design grounded in real needs always leads to more resonant outcomes.
Emotional Design Matters
A tumbler is more than a utility, it's a ritual. Infusing joy, warmth, and personality helped elevate the experience beyond features.
