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Case study

Redeveloping Breville’s top Espresso offering.

Barnaby Ward (Auckland) led Breville's Oracle Jet redesign, delivering ID development, rig building and prototype testing for a validated prototype.

Redeveloping Breville’s top Espresso offering.

The project

Project overview

Breville: The Oracle Jet

The Oracle Jet was envisioned as a complete reimagination of Breville’s top-tier espresso machine. The project introduced a new technological foundation, integrating an advanced auto-tamper ‘augur’ system and a redesigned hydraulic assembly to elevate performance and user experience.

ID development.

The design process focused on refining both the machine’s overall form and detailed components. Clay modelling and foam prototypes enabled exploration of shape and proportion. These physical models were 3D scanned, transitioning into digital CAD environments to inform the development of a fully machined “looks-like” prototype. This prototype was critical in advancing through Breville’s stage gate review process.

Rig building

Rig development played a pivotal role in validating design and engineering solutions. Sub-system rigs were built and iteratively tested to demonstrate feasibility and functionality at each stage gate, ensuring confidence in performance before advancing.

Prototype testing

A series of prototypes were created to rigorously test design concepts and mechanical systems. This iterative process embraced a “fail-to-succeed” mentality, allowing the team to identify and resolve challenges before progressing to production.

Mechanical assemblies. 

Developing the Oracle Jet required precise coordination of complex mechanical assemblies. Subsystems were independently modelled and later integrated into a unified chassis architecture. Managing over 3000 parts necessitated the implementation of Teamcenter PLM software, streamlining supplier interactions and component releases.