NA EUN CHOI[now-in · cho-ee]

Designer working at the intersection of strategy, systems, and sustainability

ABOUT














 






 
















*AI assisted render 
SOAVI 
Soavi is an automated syrup dispenser concept for Starbucks, designed to reduce bar friction, increase drink consistency, and consolidate a growing syrup lineup into one intelligent system









Product Innovation, 3D Modeling (SolidWorks), Keyshot Render & Animation, Design Research, CMF 
Course: Product Design 4
Time frame: 14 Weeks (05.2024)
Professor: Joseph Choi

*Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored project and not officially affiliated with Starbucks Coffee Company, all logos/images used for nominative, non-commercial, and demonstration purposes only as student work






Goal:


To design a workflow that allows for more ergonomic and 
efficient drink-making at Starbucks for the
betterment of starbuck’s employees (partners)








Research into Starbucks Baristas


Baristas at Starbucks navigate dozens of syrup varieties, each manually pumped, individually stored, inconsistently applied

The bottleneck isn't all speed, it's decision-making in disorder





IN-STORE OBSERVATIONS



Work stations get cluttered quickly                                                  Hard to reach and makes a mess easily








RESEARCH INSIGHTS


Baristas spend cognitive energy locating the right syrup, counting pumps, and compensating for inconsistent bottle fill levels. Multiplied across hundreds of drinks a shift and the inefficiency compounds fast





CONCEPT IDEATION & PROTYPING 


FORM DEVELOPMENT            



APPLYING INSIGHTS 

1. Consolidation only works if it doesn't slow access

2. Design should allow for maximum funtionality and align with brand values

3. The device has to fit an existing counter ecosystem, not replace it

FINAL DESIGN + CMF

Soft Siren Theme CMF



CMF Moodboard
*AI assisted render



Power Button


Cork Lids + Recycled Glass Syrup Holders
QR Code Reading Camera 


Cork Feet 

Power cord connection point 


Romantic Reserve Theme CMF


CMF Moodboard


Drip Tray


Brushed Copper
Recycled Ribbed Glass


Leather Feet

Walnut Backing 


Step by Step



Soavi integrates with the order system to select and dose syrups automatically. 

A consolidated cartridge format reduces counter clutter and simplifies restocking, faster service, consistent drinks, no disruption to existing workflow.




CMF SUSTAINABILITY GOALS

 


ORTHOGRAPHICS



INTERNAL MECHANISMS, ORTHOGRAPHICS & 3D PRINTED MOCK UP (1/5 SCALE)


SOAVI


meaning gentle in Italian
AI* Assisted Render, Matter of Something interior design image


© Na Eun Choi 2025  go back home >