Interface for an Automatic Cocktail Maker

Exhibitor: Ruth Schulz

Supervisor: Gordon Wyeth

Research Group: Complex and Intelligent Systems

Industry Sector: Tourism and Hospitality

Cocktail drinking has been popular for many years, and although cocktails have never gone away, they have experienced a recent surge in popularity. People traditionally add mixers to spirits in order to make the spirits more palatable. The problem is that in order to get the perfect cocktail, you need the perfect bartender, and this can be difficult in some restaurants or at parties. This is where an automated cocktail maker is useful - such a machine would bring cocktails to bars and homes as the alcoholic drink of choice.

There are some currently existing automated cocktail makers, generally with very simple interfaces, and not including all of the mixing mechanisms required to make the perfect cocktail.

The interface for an automated cocktail maker must be able to be used by the majority of people who drink cocktails, including bar staff providing cocktails for patrons, and people at home making cocktails for themselves. The important feature is that the interface should be easy and enjoyable to use.

This thesis involved the interactive design of an interface to plug into an automated cocktail making machine, which dispenses the drinks chosen. The interfaces designed reflect the nature of cocktails, and the way in which people tend to choose cocktails, and may have a further application as a general interest site for information about cocktails.