Lightmug Project

The aim of this project is to achieve sustainability by making products that create through their esthetics, and functionality, positive, long lasting relationships with their owners. 

The XXth century demanded the industry to create disposable, readily available goods, providing people with the tools they needed to live their daily lives. However we all know that unlike the XXth century, the XXI not only demands the same functionality, but also sustainability, to due the fact that resources seem much more limited than in those days, and we simply can’t afford both in practical and ecological terms to waste them. Creating the need to shift from a linear production cycle, to a circular cycle.

In this specific case, the challenge is to replace disposable, with durable, reusable, and recyclable. Our culture is almost addicted to “disposable”, and like many addictions, it can feel good, be easy, and convenient, but, like most addictions, it’s harmful for us in the long run. Our first step towards a more sustainable society should be then to replace disposable objects, with reusable ones, that not only perform the same function but also add in a positive manner to our lives.

Taking this in mind, this project works on two fronts, the first one, the actual cup, is a re-interpretation of the coffee mug, it’s smaller, more stylish, simpler, more portable, and transparent. It’s a strong, practical product that can create such positive relationships with it’s owner.

The second front consists on using XXI century technology in order to make reusable products, much more convenient. By embedding a chip into the coffee lid, and creating a web based, social network for Starbucks, users can create a profile, where they can be informed of the brand’s latest news, program their orders, and connect with other Starbucks customers.

 Once inside the shop, the lid is used as a store card, allowing the user to make their order more efficiently, by just handing it to the cashier. At this point the user won’t be given the option of a disposable cup, they can either buy their cup, which can be used as their personal daily mug, or borrow one for the day through a deposit.

Should the customer borrow it, this info would be updated into their profile; they would then leave, and drink their coffee on the go. Afterwards, taking in mind, the advantage of the numerous Starbucks shops one can find in a city, once the users needs to return their cup, they would simply take the lid off, and scan it in an electronic mailbox located on the outside of each shop. The mailbox would activate, allowing the user to drop the cup; once dropped the system would update their profile to “returned”.

Due to the fact that the cup is made from polycarbonate, it can be easily sterilized like a baby’s bottle, and the material resistance, would allow it to withstand daily abuse. Lids, and the entire mug would become a symbol of the owner’s commitment to sustainability, and Starbucks would have the opportunity to reach, and work with it’s customers much more closely.