Sounds like a solid project. Keep the design as close to “function beats form” as possible. First, pick a single, proven pump or motor type—no custom stuff unless you really need it. Stick to off‑the‑shelf valves, a clear brass or stainless steel drip head, and a straightforward pressure gauge if you want to monitor things. Use a modular approach: separate the bean hopper, grinder, brew chamber, and water reservoir into detachable units. That way you can swap out a clogged grinder or a leaky gasket without opening the whole thing. For the control side, go with a simple microcontroller and a single button or a minimal LCD display that only shows “brew”, “stop”, and maybe a warning LED. Avoid fancy touch screens or fancy motion sensors unless they add undeniable value. Finally, make sure the whole thing can be wiped clean in one go—use a flat panel design, no hidden crevices, and pick materials that resist staining and corrosion. Keep the aesthetic minimal; a matte black or brushed steel finish will look clean and professional. Good luck—just remember that less is usually more when it comes to reliability.