Problem Area
Kitchen appliances come in various capacities, sizes and shapes. Every appliance caters to a specific function. A good appliance is reliable, and meets all essential criteria such as performance, durability, usability & cleanability. The question is, how viable is it to buy so many appliances? Majority of individuals who prepare food frequently notice how appliances are left unused over long periods of time. Most appliances purchased by individuals are overpowered, bulky and buying multiple instruments creates storage problems. There is no such appliance that can somehow combine multiple kitchen equipment applications into one simplified machine who's performance is optimised for essential day to day use.
Insights
- Do people really need so many appliances?
- Are the appliances used to the fullest?
- What about individuals who need appliances for moderate use.
- Storage
- Cost of buying many appliances
How to approach design for disassembly?
Disassembly for longevity
Replacing damaged components easily increasing the products life and reducing the need to buy more.
Disassembly for recyclability
Easy separation of all components ensuring efficient recycling and reducing valuable landfill waste.
Disassembly for Utility
Design and ergonomics of certain components that eases usability.
The way to approach design for disassembly is by prioritising one or more of the 3 perspectives mentioned above. By knowing what you are designing for, who you are designing for, and most importantly where the output would be in a span of 10 years would enable us to design more resilient products.
Value Addition
This is a scenario map of the products intent for design. The points in green would be specifically addressed through form and function. The points in yellow would take certain aspects from the overall form to focus on disassembly, as a whole this would include both visual and tactile characteristics. The points in red are tertiary objectives that would eventually be achieved during the ideation process.
Solution
Individuals who do not purchase multiple appliances because of its scarce need, require a multifaceted appliance that can multitask, and sufficiently perform for basic day to day cooking needs.
- Multiutility
- Adaptative
- Storage
- Economical
- Cleanability
Optimised performance for general kitchen needs.
Conceptualisation & Ideation
The product inverses the motor placement compared to traditional food processors that have motors in the base. This progressive approach is very important to the adaptability feature of the hybrid kitchen aid. A sliding switch helps cut direct power to the machine.
A minimal and robust design, every design element contributes to various functions of the product.
The telescopic arm controls the lit level. Independent of the telescopic arm, the lid reaches maximum extension after which the arm continues to elongate lower reaching the platform. This is to ensure the attachment reaches the bottom of any vessel placed.
A lock secures the telescoping arm along with the lid at the desired level. To readjust, the user can simply lift the arm head to unlock its position.
The lid is attached with a silicone covering that can be removed for cleaning. The base too can be lifted out for washing.
User Interaction
A still indicating that the product is ready to be used.
The Hybrid Kitchen Aid adapts with a variety of kitchen ware. This feature can boost productivity and reduce cleaning time.
A range of bowl sizes are comparable with the product, after use, the attachment and bowl can be changed making the kitchen aid ready to process a different food item.
The kitchen aid processes the food contents within the storage vessel itself, a quick rinse for the lid silicone cap, the product is ready for a different function with a different set of bowl/ attachment.
Suction cups help secure the product onto the kitchen counter.
Small LED lights situated at the back of the motor housing helps elevate aesthetics.
Cleanability
The dismantleable attachments are designed for thorough cleaning. The yellow ring slides into the casing and interlocks with a twist securing it to the casing. The blade module is attached to the yellow ring using a ceramic bearing enabling it to rotate at great speed with less friction.
User Interface
Above is a User flow diagram depicting a start to finish branch of one of the functions. The interface uses a series of colour and brightness levels to highlight errors or selections respectively. The regulator dial for altering the RPM is also an On/Off button.