On coffee machine size / strength matrix
The one in our office has 9 options:
* 3 sizes
* 3 strengths
I assume it can work in one of two ways, either the strength is a fixed dose of ground coffee independent from the cup size, that would make a large "strong" weaker than a small "strong".. That'd be terrible design, since this is a commercial-grade unit the size of a small fridge, I assume it does not work like that.
A nicer way would be if the dose of ground coffee is matched to the cup size, so that a large and small "strong" would taste the same.
Since more water runs through for a large cup, the machine must grind and load a larger dose of coffee into the brewing unit, than it does when it's making a small cup of the same strength..
But, if this is the case, then there are unexposed strengths available for the "medium" and "small" sizes! I basically want the strongest brew available, if I had the patience (and I sometimes do) I'll simply fill my mug with espresso..
Lots of interfaces in the world are like this.. they hide useful information from the user, the excuse is always "not to confuse the poor stupid users", but it takes away usable features from the product and options from the user... Why shouldn't I be able to run a small cup amount of water through the dose of coffee intended for a "strong" amount of coffee, giving me an cup extra-extra strong brew ?