#Japan #Good Design #Kobe #UCC #DRIP POD

DRIP POD YOUBI: 2025 Good Design Award Winner

UCC Ueshima Coffee Co., located in Kobe, Japan, has announced that their capsule-based drip coffee machine DRIP POD YOUBI has been honored with the 2025 Good Design Award. This recognition marks the brand's second award, following the earlier accolade for its first model, DP1. The design of YOUBI is a collaboration between UCC and Welcom, a company known for its focus on high-quality lifestyle products. Launched in September 2023, YOUBI embodies the brand's commitment to enhancing daily living with an emphasis on a rich and flavorful cup of coffee.

Designed by renowned space and product designer Koichi Futatsumata, the YOUBI is distinctive not only for its functionality but also for its aesthetic appeal. The machine is characterized by its elegant design that fits seamlessly into any environment, whether it's in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, office, or even outdoors. Its newly designed carry handle encourages users to transport it easily from one place to another, promoting a versatile coffee-drinking experience.

One of the standout features of DRIP POD YOUBI is its ability to connect with the dedicated app, COFFEE CREATION, via Bluetooth. This integration allows users to control extraction recipes, opening up possibilities to explore over 100 different ways to enjoy coffee from the same capsule. The patented Pro Recipe function enables users to customize their brewing process, adjusting variables such as temperature, water volume, and pouring speed to suit their mood and preferences for the day.

The judges at the Good Design Award praised YOUBI for transforming the act of brewing coffee into a memorable ritual. They noted that the integration of professional hand-drip techniques across three precise extraction stages—steeping, first brew, and second brew—makes it possible to craft a coffee that rivals those prepared by baristas. Its compact size allows coffee lovers to brew anywhere, free from the constraints of kitchen space. Furthermore, the intuitive design leads the user's hand naturally, striking a balance between minimalism and tactile personality.

Product Highlights

Name: DRIP POD YOUBI
Smartphone app integration: Control of brewing parameters for a customizable coffee experience.
Collaboration: Developed in partnership with Welcom, famous for their lifestyle enhancements.
Design: Studio led by Koichi Futatsumata, focusing on both aesthetics and usability.
Color Variations: Available in five colors, including limited editions exclusive to specific vendors.
Weight: Approximately 3.4 kg, easily portable due to its ergonomic design.

From the perspective of Futatsumata, the project's designer, he expressed joy at this recognition for a product designed to be a lasting home companion. The design's versatility allows it to fit naturally into varying daily routines and environments. UCC's President Yuki Yanagihara shared his excitement, emphasizing that the YOUBI represents a significant leap forward in concept and design compared to previous coffee machines.

The YOUBI will be featured in the upcoming GOOD DESIGN EXHIBITION 2025 held in Roppongi, Tokyo, from November 1 to November 5, showcasing all award-winning designs.

Purchase Information

DRIP POD YOUBI is set to debut in Japan's sole design-focused retail shop, GOOD DESIGN STORE TOKYO by NOHARA, from October 15 to December 3, 2025, offering coffee enthusiasts the chance to experience its premium qualities firsthand.

Specifications:

• - Power Supply: AC 100V, 50/60Hz
• - Weight: 3.4 kg
• - Tank Capacity: Approx. 0.7 liters
• - Dimensions: 120mm x 214mm x 376mm

With innovative designs and a focus on craftsmanship, UCC and its collaborators aim to change the coffee culture landscape in Japan and empower users to redefine their coffee experiences at home.