Group 26 - Mr. Coffee Coffee Maker Gate 1 Part 2
Contents |
Product Assessment
Development Profile
- Product Development Date
The Mr Coffee GBX25 coffee maker model was put into development in 2007. At the time of its debut it was the top selling coffee maker for its class. The coffee maker is no longer manufactored or sold since it has been replaced by the newer CM25 model.
- Key Economic and Global Concerns
Several factors considered in the development of the GBX25 model. At the time of development, The United States (Mr. Coffee's largest market area) was in a recession, requring the cost of development and intended marketing price to not be high. The Coffee makers already on the market were relatively cheep and effective requring the price of the GBX25 model to be competitave. Also because of the various countries that the Mr. Coffee brand is marketed in global feasibility and conveniance was important as well.
- Target Countries and Regions
The major targets for the Mr. Coffee market are the United States, Canada, Japan, China, Koria, and Western Europe.
- Intended Impact on the Consumer
The intended impact of the Mr. Coffee brand is to provided the consumer with a product of extream convenience. The "Brew delay" feature, self grinder, and easy to clean set up was all designed with consumer conveniance in mind. The main goal was to provide consumers with a product that could output a quality of coffee that was superior to coffee shop brewed coffee, from the conveniance of inside the home.
Usage Profile
The intended use of the Mr. Coffee GBX25 is to provide the user with a high quality flavorful brew of coffee based on the user’s preferences. The product offers several programmable features including, brew strength, auto shut-off, scheduled brew timer, and brew pausing. The coffee maker can output up to twelve 5oz cups per brewing. Like most coffee makers it is designed to be used in both the home and office setting, it is not intended to be used on the professional level such as in a coffe shop. The product requires only basic maintenance, and provides an useful cord storage ability for extra cord length. The Mr. Coffee coffee machine also can grind fresh coffee beans, or use pre-ground beans, in its coffee brewing production. Through its wide variety of programmable selections, the Mr. Coffee GBX25 coffee maker adequately meets every user's needs.
Energy Profile
- Types of Energy Used
Various forms of energy are used within this model. These forms of energy include, electrical energy, heat energy, mechanical energy and human energy. Electrical energy is obtained by connecting the system to an electric port. Electrical energy in the form of electrical signals is converted to heat energy. Mechanical energy is applied to the touch the control panel to control the coffee maker system and to operate it. Mechanical energy is used to grind the coffee. The mechanical energy is the rotational energy.
- Method of Energy Importation
The electrical energy is imported to the system through the power cord. The electrical energy can be used from the outlet source. To operate the system, human energy is used.
The frequencies of Mr. Coffee Maker is 1050watts, 120VAC 60Hz, 8.75AMPS
- Different types of energy Transformation and Modification
Electrical and Heat energy are transformed through the coffee making process. The Electrical energy is first imported to the system. The water in the reservoir is heated by the heating element where the liquid is poured. The human energy to operate the coffee maker is converted to electrical signals. The electrical signals are then converted to command (i.e. to make the coffee). The electrical energy is converted to mechanical energy which is the rotational energy of the blades to grind the coffee.
The energy flow chart:
Energy Flow for Brewer
Electrical Energy -> Human Energy -> Electrical energy -> Heat Energy
Energy Flow for Grinder
Electrical Energy -> Human Energy -> Mechanical Energy -> Rotational Energy
Complexity Profile
Components
- Water Windows
- Decanter Lid
- Decanter
- Grinding Chamber
- Removable Grinding Chamber Assembly
- Water Reservoir
- Warming Plate
- Coffeemaker Lid
- Grinding Chamber Lid
- Removable Filter Basket
- Water Channel
Complexity of Individual Components
The individual components are not that complex. This means that the components are simple and not composed of several individual parts, are easy to use, and perform basic funcitions that are easily understood. When the individual components are used together the system is very easy to use. The heating component of the coffee maker is the main component of the system as the water is heated by it. The coffee grinder is another main system in the product. It is fairly simple to use and make.
Complexity of Useage
The heating element which consists of an aluminum extrusion with two parts, a resistive heating element and a tube for water to flow through.
The main interaction is the interactions between the control panel and the whole system.
As complex as the system looks, it is still fairly easy to use. As it is a home based appliance, the system is very user friendly.
Material Profile
Visible Materials
The coffee maker's visible materials are mostly made from plastic aside from the glass coffee pot and the rubber electrical cord.
Asummed Non-Visable Materials
It is assumed that inside the coffee maker there is components for heating and insulating hot water. Thus this device is assumed to be made from alumminum tubing, for its cost effectiveness and its ability to insulating fluids. Also there the system must also included electrical componets made from silicon and copper to run the user control panel.
User Profile
The user can either use fresh coffee beans by way of the included coffee grinder, or pre-ground coffee beans for the selection of coffee preference. The only other additional materials requried are a filter purchased at any local conveniance store, and a varied amount of water based on amount of coffee desired. The steps on how to make a brew of coffee are as followed.
- First water is poured into the water reservoir located on top of the coffee maker.
- Next a filter is placed into the filter basket inside the coffee maker.
- Coffee grounds are then placed ontop of the filter, or fresh coffee beans are placed inside the coffee grinder.
- A desired brew selection is then made from the user control panel located at the bottom of the coffee maker.
- After the selection is made the coffee maker will automatically begin the brewing process.
- After a designated amount of time based on brew selection the coffee maker will stop and the brew process will be complete.
- The coffee can now be consumed by the user.
Intuitiveness and Simplicity
The interfaces are concluded to be very intuitive, for its simplistic user interface, ease of understanding the functioning of the selections, and ease of overall use. It is composed of many different functions. These functions include, delaying a brew, selection of a brew strength, grinding of fresh coffee, and automatic brew. Each can be completed by a simple press of a button. The featured function of this model is the delay brew function. This function allows the user to delay a desired brew of coffee for up to 24 hours. With this function the user can have freshley brewed coffee ready as soon as they wake up to start their day.
Ease of Use
The product is relatively simple to use. To users who have owned previous coffee makers the interface should seem easy and simple to learn. For users who have not owned a coffee maker before a complete set of directions are provided with the coffee maker can be referenced for intial uses. After a short period of time it is assumed that any consumer will have the ability to run and use of the GBX25 functions with ease.
Regular Maintenance
The maintenance is typical of most coffee makers. The filter should be removed and replaced with a new one by hand upon each use to maintain a quality brew. Also it is recommened that the coffee pot be soaked in soap and water for a short period of time before washing in a dish washer or by hand, to guareentee proper cleaning. The only additional maintenance is required only if the user uses the coffee grinder. If the grinder is used it is recommened that it is removed and cleaned with soap and water to ensure long lasting effiecient grinding for future uses. The maintence is easily done by any user and requires no special equipment or materials, other than soap and water.
Product Alternatives
The high demand for freshly brewed coffee in the workplace and the home has created a wide market of competitive alternatives to the Mr. Coffee coffee maker. Alternatives vary from small basic coffee makers, to highly sophisticated multi-functional models. To accurately compare the Mr. Coffee gbx25 coffee maker to the general market, the Cuisinart DGB-625 BC and the KRUPS FMF5 coffee makers were chosen for their known brand names and similar price ranges.
[File:Alternative Coffee maker.jpg|left]]
[File:Alternatives table.jpg|right|frame|Table 2: Alternative Product Table, Gate 1]]
Mr Coffee GBX25 vs Cuisinart DGB-625 BC
Advantages
The Cuisinart offers a professional water charcoal filtering system that provides exceptional flavor over a standard basket filtering system. Like the Mr. Coffee Model, the Cuisinart coffee maker allows for the coffee maker to remain on after brewing to keep the coffee warm, however it features a 2hr longer programmable shut off time, keeping the user coffee warmer for a longer period of time. The best advantage to the Cuisinart coffee maker is its limited 3yr warranty, compared to the 1yr warranty provided on the Mr. Coffee Model. This gives the user two additional years of protection just in case the product was to fail due to manufacturing errors.
Disadvantages
Even though the Cuisinart has many similar features, as shown on the previous table, it also lacks some useful key features provided by the Mr. Coffee Model. One key feature left out of the Cuisinart model is an ability to hide extra cord length. With so many kitchen appliances in today’s modern kitchens, countertops can become quickly covered with appliances electric cords. This creates a safety and appearance hindrance within the operators’ kitchen. The cord storage on the Mr. Coffee provides a solution to this problem. The Cuisinart model also lacks a programmable brew strength feature that can adjust the strength of the taste to the user’s preference. The final drawback of the Cuisinart in comparison to the Mr.Coffee model is its higher price of almost ten dollars. The price range is not a huge difference but can still become a contributing factor to a consumer selection in the present hard economic times.
Mr Coffee GBX25 vs KURP FMF5
Advantages
The KURP coffee maker offers includes features not included in both the Mr. Coffee model and the Cuisinart model. The KURP model features a control panel like the Mr Coffee Model, however it features a blue LED backlight display that is light sensitive. This can provide an easier to see display for a user who is operating the coffee maker in a dark area or at night. The coffee maker also features a audible signal for when the brew process is complete. This feature is very usual for busing home or office area where the user may not be in the same room where there coffee is brewing. The best advantage can be seen in the KURP's vaccum sealed stainless steel thermal coffee pot. By adding an advanced coffee pot, the KURP coffee maker can obtain a coffee with superior taste at the desired temperature for a longer time than the Mr. Coffee maker.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of the KURP model mirror many of the disadvantages of the Cuisinart coffee maker. Like the Cusinart model, the KURP model also lacks the ability to hide the extra cord length provided by the KURP model. As stated before this can create a safety hinderance when placed next to similar appliances. The biggest disadvantage to the KURP is its price. Although the KURP models includes features not provided in the Mr Coffee coffee maker, its recommened retail price of 125 is seen as far to high when placed side by side against the Mr Coffee coffee maker's features. The additional features are a nice includence to the coffee maker but not seen as necessary to daily coffee consumption or worth the extra forty dollars in cost that is required to purchase the KURP coffee maker.
Navagation
Home Page
Work Management Proposal
Sources Page
Gantt Chart
