Rasoi Sathi
Cooking in Indian households is often a hands-on, multi-step process that requires constant attention. For beginners, elderly users, or individuals with limited mobility, following recipes on screens becomes difficult due to messy hands, device handling, and fragmented instructions.
Existing recipe platforms are heavily screen-dependent and not designed for real-time, hands-free interaction in kitchen environments.
Duration
12 weeks
Tools
Figma, Sketching
Role
Product/ UX Designer
RESEARCH
To understand cooking behaviors, I spoke with 4–5 users including students, parents, working professionals, and elderly individuals who cook regularly.
Key Insights:
Users frequently switch between cooking and checking recipes on their phones
Touching screens while cooking is inconvenient and unhygienic
Elderly users prefer verbal instructions over reading
Recipes often lack step-by-step clarity in real-time execution
DEFINE
Problem Statement:
How might we enable users to cook independently by providing clear, hands-free guidance tailored to Indian cooking practices?
Pain Points:
Dependency on screens during cooking
Difficulty multitasking between steps
Lack of real-time guidance
Accessibility challenges for elderly users
Ideation
I explored multiple concepts focusing on reducing screen dependency and simplifying interaction.
Key Ideas:
Voice-guided step-by-step cooking
Pause / repeat instructions via voice
Minimal visual interface for quick reference
Context-aware instructions (timing, sequence)
FINAL DESIGN
Key Features:
1. Voice-Guided Cooking
Users receive step-by-step instructions without needing to look at the screen.
2. Simple Control Commands
Commands like next, repeat, and pause enable smooth flow.
3. Minimal Interface
Large text and clear layout for quick glances when needed.
4. Contextual Timing Support
Timers and cues integrated within instructions.
IMPACT & REFLECTION
This project deepened my understanding of designing for accessibility and real-world contexts. It highlighted how reducing interaction friction can significantly improve user experience, especially in environments where attention is divided.
I also learned the importance of designing beyond screens — considering voice, context, and user limitations as core parts of the experience.