Revolutionizing the Coffee Experience: The "Slid" Lid

Scott Shim and Loren Chen's Innovative Disposable Coffee Lid Design

The inspiration for the Slid stemmed from the designers' desire to address the major pain points of conventional coffee lids. They observed that the rapid flow of hot drinks from cup to mouth often resulted in a burnt tongue. Additionally, they noted sanitation concerns when securing lids onto cups and the need for splash prevention during movement.

What sets the Slid apart from other designs is its unique angled design that improves the flow of hot drinks and offers ergonomic references to prevent direct contact between the hand and the drinking hole. This design addresses the limitations of conventional flat top lids, which often lack physical or visual references when securing lids on the cup, and offer limited drink flow.

The Slid is made using injection-molded polystyrene, a common material for disposable items. Its dimensions are 3.5(W) x 3.5(D) x 1.5(H), making it a perfect fit for standard coffee cups. The design process took place at the University of Notre Dame between August 2017 and February 2018.

The design process involved extensive observations and field interviews to frame the problem accurately. Flow-testing of prototypes was executed to prove the concept. The designers faced the challenge of designing for a saturated market, prompting them to explore new possibilities for existing objects within the to-go drink experience.

The Slid has been recognized for its innovative design, winning the Silver A' Packaging Design Award in 2018. This award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. The Slid is not just a disposable lid; it is a testament to the power of design in improving everyday experiences.