Starbucks Personal Cup Washer
OBJECTIVE
Create a personal cup washer for a Starbucks store.
APPROACH
Leverage human-centered design approach to define equipment business and user requirements, ideate and prototype solutions, and test and validate solutions with users. I led product and specification definition and worked with 3 suppliers to develop this system to be tested in stores.
ABOUT
In just one year, we developed a personal cup washer that lets customers safely bring in their own cups. Designed to reduce Norovirus risk and support sustainability, the washer ensures cups are cleaned before use, helping Starbucks reintroduce personal cups post-pandemic with confidence and a focus on hygiene.
RESULTS
After two successful tests, Starbucks expanded its personal cup washer pilot to 12 ASU locations as part of testing a reusables ecosystem. The washer, which cleans and santizes cups in seconds, reduces waste, Norovirus risk, and supports sustainability. This pilot helps assess scaling the concept nationwide, advancing Starbucks’ shift toward a circular economy.
MY ROLE
Product Designer
COLLABORATION
Engineer
DATE
JUL 2020 - JUL 2021
