Pot Plus is a group project that I completed for my Foundations of Interaction Design module. The project consisted of four assignments, which included the four main stages of designing a new product.
The Brief
Using a number of interaction design methods and techniques, create a design intervention in the home. The room you have been assigned is the kitchen and the sub-theme is chores.
Pot Plus Summary
Pot Plus is a pot that connects via wifi with the Pot Plus app. On initial set up the user creates a profile where they set their preferences (i.e allergies, likes, dislikes). This information is processed to present the user with a tailored selection of recipes. The user can opt to further filter the search to suit the ingredients and time that they have. The user profile allows them to update the preferences they’ve set as well as displaying all the recipes the user has favourited and providing access to their settings for troubleshooting and set their metric units.
Once the user picks a recipe they can set how many people they are cooking for and begin to follow the easy step-by-step methods. To measure, the user selects the ingredient from the Ingredients Panel and adds it. The app communicates with the scales in the pot and keeps the user informed as to how much more they need to add and giving feedback through the app via a pop up that tells them they have added the correct amount.
The timer feature can be used to ensure they will be notified if their attention is needed. This works in conjunction with the heat sensors in the pot and the connection of the pot to the IoT, meaning the pot can communicate with the stove to turn down the temperature. The user can also check in on how their meal is progressing by using the camera that is built into the lid of the pot. From the app, they can add photos to their recipes, take a photo, or even share what they are cooking to their social media.
The pot has built-in scales which can be used independently of a recipe. This is accessed through the scales tab in the app. The Camera and scales are controlled by a circuit board built into the handle.
Pot Plus’s simplicity means it is suitable for people of all ages and needs, providing us with a large target audience. When designing Pot Plus we had a large amount of research and feedback from all ages, backgrounds, etc. We focused on the common, reoccurring problems amongst all age groups and so instead of designing for a certain age, gender, etc., we designed for a purpose.
Once the user picks a recipe they can set how many people they are cooking for and begin to follow the easy step-by-step methods. To measure, the user selects the ingredient from the Ingredients Panel and adds it. The app communicates with the scales in the pot and keeps the user informed as to how much more they need to add and giving feedback through the app via a pop up that tells them they have added the correct amount.
The timer feature can be used to ensure they will be notified if their attention is needed. This works in conjunction with the heat sensors in the pot and the connection of the pot to the IoT, meaning the pot can communicate with the stove to turn down the temperature. The user can also check in on how their meal is progressing by using the camera that is built into the lid of the pot. From the app, they can add photos to their recipes, take a photo, or even share what they are cooking to their social media.
The pot has built-in scales which can be used independently of a recipe. This is accessed through the scales tab in the app. The Camera and scales are controlled by a circuit board built into the handle.
Pot Plus’s simplicity means it is suitable for people of all ages and needs, providing us with a large target audience. When designing Pot Plus we had a large amount of research and feedback from all ages, backgrounds, etc. We focused on the common, reoccurring problems amongst all age groups and so instead of designing for a certain age, gender, etc., we designed for a purpose.
My reflection on the project
The main area where I learned most was the research stage. Many projects that I have undertaken in the past would not include going into as much detail at that stage. By doing more research and understanding the users and space better, the process of designing a relevant and
useful product was much easier. Also, as part of the research stage, I found that interviewing is a valuable skill to have as you can really get to know the users and their needs.
By completing the research stage with a large amount of information it made the next stage of the project, choosing and designing a new product, much easier. It allowed us as a group to discuss what we felt would be an effective product to improve the user experience in the kitchen.
I enjoyed working as a group as it meant there was a constant flow of new ideas. Being in a group makes the process more enjoyable because you can bounce ideas off of your group and work together to solve problems. Also, each member brings something different, like ideas or
skills, to the table, building a diverse creative zone to work in.
useful product was much easier. Also, as part of the research stage, I found that interviewing is a valuable skill to have as you can really get to know the users and their needs.
By completing the research stage with a large amount of information it made the next stage of the project, choosing and designing a new product, much easier. It allowed us as a group to discuss what we felt would be an effective product to improve the user experience in the kitchen.
I enjoyed working as a group as it meant there was a constant flow of new ideas. Being in a group makes the process more enjoyable because you can bounce ideas off of your group and work together to solve problems. Also, each member brings something different, like ideas or
skills, to the table, building a diverse creative zone to work in.
Our group created a report and presentation for each stage, breaking down the work we did and explaining our findings. Each report is linked below: