308a Umshini Wekhofi by Nicola Zanetti and Federico Bosque

308a Umshini Wekhofi by Nicola Zanetti and Federico Bosque is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Umklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award in Ukudizayina Izinto Zasendlini Competition Category.

InsimbiInto Yasendlini· 2026

308a Umshini Wekhofi

by Nicola Zanetti and Federico Bosque

Client: Segnoinverso

Umklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award Winner in Into Yasendlini Category

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The Design

About 308a Umshini Wekhofi

I-308a iwumshini wekhofi wamakhapsuli amaningi owakhelwe ukusetshenziswa ekhaya nasehhovisi. Lo mshini wamukela amakhapsuli, ama-pod kanye nekhofi egayiwe, futhi ulungisa i-espresso, ikhofi elide, itiye kanye neziphuzo ezinobisi. Iphampu yengcindezi kanye nokushisa okusheshayo kusekela ukukhishwa okuqhubekayo kanye ne-crema. Izinga lokushisa nomthamo kungalungiswa ngokwezinambitheko ezahlukene. Umzimba wenziwe nge-ABS efakwe ngokujovwa enezindawo eziqhubekayo kanye nokushintsha okuthambile okunciphisa ubunkimbinkimbi bokubukeka. Ikhapsuli iyafakwa, isibambo esiphezulu sivalwe bese isiphuzo sikhethwa ngesikhombimsebenzisi sokuthinta.

The Recognition

About the Umklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award

308a Umshini Wekhofi iwinile uMklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award, ukwaziswa okuhloniphekile okunikezwa imiklamo emihle ehlangabezana nezidingo zobungcweti nezemboni ezilindelekile ezimpahleni ezihlelwe kahle. Abawinile beNsimbi babonisa ikhono elikhulu, ubungcweti obuphezulu, ukuqonda kochwepheshe namandla okudala abadali babo. 308a Umshini Wekhofi ilindeleke ukuba ibe yinto exatshwa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo esebenzayo nenezinto ezintsha. Lo mklamo owinile uMklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award uhlanganisa izindlela ezinhle kakhulu zemboni futhi unezimfanelo zobuchwepheshe ezifanelekile ezihlanganiswe nolwazi nethalente. 308a Umshini Wekhofi iyahlonishwa ngenxa yokucophelela kwayo futhi ihlelelwe ukulethela izinguquko zomgangatho wempilo ezisiza ukwenza umhlaba ube yindawo engcono.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: This coffee machine stands out for its exceptional versatility, combining multiple brewing systems in one compact device. It is compatible with a wide range of capsules, ESE pods, and ground coffee, allowing users to prepare espresso, long coffee, tea, and milk-based drinks. A 19-bar pressure system and fast heating ensure rich extraction and consistent crema, while adjustable temperatures and volumes offer a highly personalized brewing experience for different tastes and beverages.
Dimensions & Packaging: 124x317x290h 1400 W 20bar pump
Tags: multicapsule, capsule, pod, espresso, cappuccino, coffee, machine
Production Technology: ABS injection molding
Design Challenge: The creative challenge was to design a coffee machine that feels friendly and approachable while standing out in a crowded market of technical-looking products. The goal was to achieve a fluid, compact form with continuous surfaces that visually soften the object and reduce perceived complexity. The design avoids aggressive geometries, aiming instead for a balanced and timeless aesthetic that can naturally fit into different environments, from domestic kitchens to office spaces.
Research: The design research began with a detailed benchmark analysis of existing single-serve coffee machines, identifying limits in compactness, visual coherence, and user perception. Early concepts were explored through sketches to define proportions and fluidity, followed by 3D models to refine volumes around internal components. Prototyping was used to validate ergonomics and visual balance. CMF studies finalized the design, enhancing surface continuity, tactile quality, and integration in different environments.
Inspiration: The design is inspired by the idea of fluidity and the expressive nature of liquid in motion. Soft, continuous surfaces flow seamlessly from one volume to another, creating a sense of natural continuity and visual calm. The form avoids sharp interruptions, favoring smooth transitions that recall the movement of water and coffee extraction itself. This fluid geometry conveys lightness, precision, and harmony, transforming a compact machine into an intuitive and elegant object.
Project Duration: Italy, 03/2022 to 06/2022
Operation Flow: The machine is designed for intuitive and seamless operation. The user inserts the preferred capsule or coffee pod, using the dedicated holder, close the top handle, selects the desired beverage setting through the touch interface, and starts brewing with a single action. Visual indicators guide each step, while automatic dosing and flow control simplify the interaction, creating a smooth and effortless coffee-making experience.
Team Members: Nicola Zanetti and Federico Bosque