# Heat-Alert Coffee Cups The DD Smart Cup Changes its Appearance to Signify a High Temperature By Amelia Roblin | Published 2014-02-12 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dd-smart-cup References: [packagingoftheworld](http://www.packagingoftheworld.com/2014/02/dd-smart-cup-concept.html) & [tiagopinto.net](http://www.tiagopinto.net) Given that java tastes a great deal better when it's been brewed piping hot, the DD Smart Cup can help you decide when it's a safe time to finally take a sip. Most people have experienced a pretty painful burn from their fresh takeout coffees at some point because you don't receive a thermometer with your café order. Tiago Pinto's packaging solution is a personal concept for Dunkin' Donuts paper coffee cups in which he suggests producing them with two layers of paint. Temperature-sensitive ink would turn the container bright orange when the beverage inside is over 70 degrees Fahrenheit. With this, a speech bubble would appear that reads "Take it easy! I am hot!" Once the liquid goes down into the 60-degree range, the thermochromic effect would dissolve, leaving the DD Smart Cup its familiar white. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 90% | Activity: 76% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Temperature-sensitive Packaging:** Exploring temperature-sensitive ink in packaging can create new opportunities for product safety and user experience. - **Smart Consumer Products:** Developing smart cups and containers that provide real-time information to consumers can revolutionize their daily experiences. - **Personalized Branding:** Using customizable packaging solutions like Tiago Pinto's concept can help businesses create a unique and memorable brand identity. ### Who This Affects Most - **Food and Beverage Packaging:** Integrating temperature-sensitive ink in food and beverage packaging can enhance product safety and consumer satisfaction. - **Smart Home Appliances:** Applying temperature-sensitive technology to home appliances, such as smart coffee makers, can streamline morning routines and ensure optimal beverage temperatures. - **Brand Design and Strategy:** Offering personalized branding solutions through innovative packaging can attract and engage customers on a deeper level. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [QSR Color-Shift Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorchanging-cold-cups.md) - [Heated Espresso-Sized Coffee Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heated-espresso-cup.md) - [Sensor-Guided Tea Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soundsip.md) - [Sensor-Packed Smart Mugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nextmug.md) - [Designer Glass Coffee Carriers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ember-cold-tumbler.md) - [Smart Temperature Control Mugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-temperature-control-technology.md) - [Accordion-Style Coffee Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accordion-paper-cup.md) - [Sustainable Cafe Delivery Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-pulp-coffee-carrier.md) - [AI-Enhanced Smart Mugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pixelmug.md)