
Project overview: Research, design and prototype a coffee or tea set for a unique user and use case
Project length: 5 weeks
Skills utilized: Design research, Sketching, Fusion 360, Model Making, Keyshot, 3d printing,
Name: Luca (35 years old)
Occupation: High-altitude climber, expedition guide, or adventure photographer
Lifestyle: Frequently embarks on treks and climbs in the Himalayas, Andes, or similar mountain ranges; highly values lightweight, functional, and meaningful gear
Personality & Preferences:
Adventurous, resilient, and introspective
Passionate about the culture and environment of the regions they explore
Appreciates rituals like tea drinking as moments of calm and reflection amidst harsh conditions
Prefers well-designed, purpose-driven products that respect local traditions
Needs & Motivations:
Seeks a compact, durable tea set that works in rugged, high-altitude environments
Uses tea preparation as a grounding ritual during intense expeditions
Values items that combine function with aesthetic beauty and cultural respect
Wants products that are light enough to carry but still feel meaningful and personal
Pain Points Addressed by High Tea:
Standard tea ware is too fragile or bulky for expeditions
Lack of products that blend traditional Himalayan tea culture with the technical needs of climbers
Desire for gear that creates small “luxury moments” (like a peaceful tea ceremony) during physically and mentally exhausting journeys
Understanding the culture
The design revolves around combining functionality with the comforts and traditions of traditional tea in the most mountainous regions of the world