The Micro-Kitchen Big Things In Small Places
Professor Chris Quinn Visualizing the Human Experience LC4D @ Lindsey Wilson College
Dorinda Livesay M.A. Interactive Design
Index
Index...2-3 Project Introduction...4-5 Solution Introduction...6-7 Initial User Research...8-9 Product Solution Presentation...10-18 Prototype...19-25 Conclusion...26-27
Project Introduction
New York City—it offers everything at your fingertips. But like many metropolitan areas across the
globe, those opportunities are also making our world smaller. Increasing urbanization and population growth are bringing us closer together—literally. The home size is decreasing while rent and mortgages are increasing. Even so, that modest space shouldn’t equate to a reduction in functionality, living standards or a reflection of personal style. This is your opportunity to impact the way people live, by being part of the design and engineering of this breakthrough appliance. How do you incorporate function and design into a fully functioning 7 linear foot kitchen that fits a metropolitan lifestyle? Your design will be solving the space and functionality battle that challenge urban dwellers across the globe.
Solution Introduction
The Micro-Kitchen Requirements Must be no wider than 7 ft Must be no deeper than 25 in A consumer must be able to refrigerate, cook, and clean with this design. Must include the following items: Microwave or an Oven (can include both individually or combined) Cooking surface or cook top (include at least two burners) Sink or Dishwasher (can include both) Fridge (may also include Freezer)
Your Kitchen Mission:
Guidelines
Design a functional micro-kitchen. Assume you are given a 7ft x 25in space. What would your design look like? What features? What clever and creative solutions can you come up with?
Standard countertop height is 36 inches Standard appliances in many kitchens: Refrigerator with Freezer, Cooktop, Oven, Microwave, Dishwasher, Sink, Garbage Disposal Think compact--ideally, a micro-kitchen that could fit in a NYC elevator, stairwell, or through a window Should include electrical and water hookups, located at your discretion All appliances should connect to a main “counter screen” that will be located on the counter top (embedded and recessed) The design should be able to fit with any kitchen appearance (interior design)
The Impact: Making the best of a small space isn’t a problem unique to NYC. A micro-kitchen gives urban dwellers an opportunity to optimize space in a savvy way. In partnership, we want to take your designs from mind to market—meaning your design could end up in homes across the globe!
Intial User Research
Victoria Lowe
Product Solution Presentation
Kitchen Sketches
Counter Sketches
Medium Fidelity Wireframes
Prototype
Prototype
How to set Settings on Refrigerator and Freezer
Prototype
How to turn on the oven/microwave
Prototype
How to turn on the stovetop
Conclusion
CONCLUSION With the assistance of using the steps set forward in Interactive Design, I believe I was able to produce a product that is user friendly and effective. Through user testing, I was able to make even more effective application adjustments. In conclusion, I created a product that is simply, elegant and simple to use.