OVERVIEW: This project targeted first-generation microwave users and eased their learning curve by focusing on learnability, flexibility and exploration. This assisted microwave owners through their journey from a ‘Novice’ to ‘Intermediate’ to ‘Expert’ user. by enhancing user skill modes for features & functions to optimise usability through steady learning.
Through iterative testing we refined the navigation architecture, information structure on display screen and TUI elements of the proposed concept. User-centered design principles helped in designing step-by-step guiding navigation. This approach supported user at each step and reduced early failures.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT:
Our key objective for this phase of the design process was to map users mental model towards microwave usage. Task flow analysis, paper prototyping, one-on-one interactions with users and documentation through video recording helped align proposed concepts with user’s mental model.
PROPOSED SOLUTION:
The proposed solution follows the principle of 'GUIDABILITY' which is the journey form learnability to empowerment was achieved by segregating features and functions based on the 3 user skill levels. This optimised the usability through steady usage of the product over time.
KEY CHALLENGE:
The mental model for Indian cooking is quite different from western cooking methods. As a designer, the responsibility to minimise this steep learning curve for a user was my biggest challenge. In such scenarios, a guiding system that can mitigate early failures, improved motivation. A better audio-visual feedback mechanism enhanced usage and understanding.
1. NOVICE (BEGINNER'S BENEFIT) :
- Fully automated guide with voice help for basic cooking.
- Achieves results with least effort and cognitive load.
- Requires minimum expertise and involvement of user so that they can accomplish hobby cooking.
2. INTERMEDIATE (ASSISTANT CHEF) :
- Prepares ingredients for main cooking on gas stove.
- Acts as a supporting device for conventional cooking.
- Highlights tasks that can be done simultaneously in microwave, so the cook can plan their preparation.
3. EXPERT (GAS REPLACEMENT) :
- Geared towards complex Indian cooking methods.
- Facilitates complete cooking replacing the gas stove.
- Extensive knowledge base through layered menu with custom multi-step recipes.
