Modern devices—like smartphones, self-driving cars or smart thermostats—often hide their complexity behind seamless automation. “Greenbox Barista” takes another path: It involves a human in every step, while the machine is happy to assist. It guides visitors with arcade-inspired light elements that illuminate where the next action is due: From picking up a filter and carafe to cranking its wheel (in order to grind coffee beans) to pushing up water using a manual pump. The only two buttons on the machine are for selecting between coffee and tea.

One key design point was to make the key functional components visible,  exposing what is usually hidden in a coffee maker’s casing. Winding transparent pipes and a large glass vessel filled with coffee beans emphasize this visibility.

To complement Z33’s beautiful new building, we selected elements like the handwheel and glass cylinders reminiscent of early modernity, combining them with more contemporary shapes and materials. The vivid green color makes the installation stand out in the bright spaces of Z33. As a reference to classic coffee bar counters, the table top is made of solid ash wood.

Apart from the glass vessels and some refurbished mechanical components, the entire machine was produced by the design team. 

Apart from formal concerns, a lot of thinking went into designing a safe product that gives almost no opportunity to “fail” in handling it. This challenge was met by integrating sensors which communicate with a motherboard inside “Greenbox Barista”, only triggering the next action (e.g. dripping hot water), when the previous action was successfully performed (e.g. placing a carafe underneath the nozzle).

Since its launch in 2019, the “Greenbox Barista” has become a sensory highlight at the museum, inviting visitors to engage with the tactile pleasures of its design. During special events, the machine transforms into a lively gathering spot, drawing people together. And even during regular opening hours, it creates moments of connection: the beverage is offered for free, and each carafe yields three cups, encouraging visitors to share and start conversations over coffee.