Electronic Theses and Dissertation

Kopi Gayo merupakan komoditas unggulan Aceh yang memiliki aroma khas dan berpotensi dikembangkan menjadi produk bernilai tambah. Salah satu pemanfaatannya adalah sebagai bahan tambahan dalam pembuatan lilin aromaterapi yang berfungsi sebagai media relaksasi sekaligus elemen home decor. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendesain dan mengembangkan lilin aromaterapi dengan penambahan bubuk kopi arabika Gayo serta mengetahui tanggapan informan terhadap produk yang dihasilkan. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode Research and Development (R&D) skala terbatas dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Proses pengembangan meliputi perancangan dua alternatif desain wadah dan pembuatan prototipe lilin aromaterapi dengan penambahan bubuk kopi arabika Gayo. Data dianalisis secara kualitatif melalui penguraian hasil wawancara informan terhadap produk yang dikembangkan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa produk yang dihasilkan berupa lilin aromaterapi dengan penambahan bubuk kopi arabika Gayo yang dikembangkan dalam dua alternatif desain wadah, yaitu tempurung kelapa dengan motif Kerawang Gayo serta batang pohon kopi sebagai elemen dekoratif. Desain produk menyerupai minuman es kopi susu sehingga menampilkan karakter visual khas berbasis kopi. Bubuk kopi arabika Gayo digunakan sebagai bahan tambahan dalam pembuatan lilin aromaterapi yang memberikan aroma khas kopi pada produk. Berdasarkan hasil wawancara, produk dinilai menarik, memiliki kesan alami, serta dapat digunakan sebagai media relaksasi dan dekorasi ruangan. Informan juga memberikan masukan terkait keamanan wadah, ketahanan aroma, serta potensi munculnya jamur pada bubuk kopi, serta terdapat perbedaan preferensi terhadap kedua model desain yang dikembangkan.
Kata kunci: lilin aromaterapi, kopi arabika Gayo, home decor, relaksasi.

Gayo coffee is one of Aceh’s flagship commodities, known for its distinctive aroma and potential to be developed into a value-added product. One of its applications is as an ingredient in the production of aromatherapy candles, which serve as both a relaxation aid and a home decor element. This study aims to design and develop aromatherapy candles incorporating Gayo Arabica coffee powder and to assess informants’ responses to the resulting product. This study employed a limited-scale Research and Development (R&D) method with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The development process involved designing two alternative container designs and creating prototypes of aromatherapy candles with added Gayo Arabica coffee powder. The data were analyzed qualitatively by interpreting the informants’ interview responses regarding the developed products. The results showed that the resulting products were aromatherapy candles with added Gayo Arabica coffee powder, developed in two container design alternatives: a coconut shell featuring the Gayo Kerawang motif and a coffee tree trunk as a decorative element. The product design resembles iced coffee with milk, thereby showcasing a distinctive coffee-based visual character. Gayo Arabica coffee powder was used as an additive in the production of the aromatherapy candles, imparting a distinctive coffee aroma to the product. Based on the interview results, the product was considered attractive, gave a natural impression, and could be used for relaxation and as a room decoration. Informants also provided feedback regarding the safety of the container, the longevity of the aroma, and the potential for mold to grow on the coffee powder; there were also differences in preferences regarding the two design models that were developed. Keywords: aromatherapy candles, Gayo arabica coffee, home decor, relaxation.