We started our design process by thinking about what we want our cup to look like and how we want it to function. We decided that to be an effective, insulating cup, we needed to to maximize the surface area to volume ratio, minimize the heat transfer and thermal conductivity of the cup, all while making sure that our design remains practical and can properly hold coffee. 

The materials were chosen for their low thermal conductivity and low emissivity, and the dimensions and sizing of our design were carefully chosen to maximize the insulating properties of our cup while maintaining the viability and practicality of our coffee cup.