The PantryPilot
A Smart Kitchen Assistant // A Conceptual Project
Duration
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1 Week
Platform
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Kitchen Appliance
Tools
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Figma // Photoshop // Final Cut Pro
My Role
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UX Designer // Project Lead
Project overview
PantryPilot is a smart kitchen assistant designed to simplify cooking by integrating voice commands, real-time inventory tracking, and appliance control. The system helps users find recipes, follow step-by-step instructions, and manage their kitchen with ease. This conceptual project combines physical, digital, and video prototypes to explore its usability and functionality.
The Problem
MEAL PREP CHALLENGES //
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Many recipes require constant screen interaction, making it difficult for cooks to follow instructions without disrupting their workflow.
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Home cooks struggle to keep track of what groceries they have and what they need, leading to wasted time and ingredients.
USER NEEDS NOT MET //
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Many cooking tools lack simple, voice-activated features to make meal preparation easier.
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Home cooks lack a smart system that communicates with and controls appliances, making it harder to streamline meal prep, improve efficiency, and build confidence in their cooking skills.
The Goal
Create an intelligent, voice-activated kitchen assistant that helps home cooks efficiently manage their groceries, follow recipes hands-free, and seamlessly control their appliances, making meal preparation more straightforward and more enjoyable.
Understanding the User
While I didn’t conduct formal user testing for this project, I tested PantryPilot’s functionality and user experience during the process of filming the video prototype. My husband and son acted as users while we recorded, allowing me to observe their interactions with the system in real-time. This informal testing helped me identify areas for improvement, such as refining the clarity of voice commands and simplifying UI elements.
We made adjustments during the editing process to better align the system’s functionality with real-world scenarios, ensuring it was intuitive and user-friendly even for an 8-year-old. This hands-on approach provided valuable insights into how PantryPilot could be used effectively in a home kitchen.
Pain Points
CONVENIENCE //
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Customers want hands-free recipe guidance so they can follow instructions without constantly touching a device while cooking.
ORGANIZATION //
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Customers want a simple way to track available ingredients and identify what’s missing to reduce waste and make meal prep easier.
EFFICIENCY //
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Customers want a smart system that manages appliances for them, saving time and ensuring precision in meal preparation.
User Persona 1
EMMA WALKER
I want to make food all by myself, but sometimes I get stuck and need a little help to figure it out.
AGE 8 // Flagstaff, AZ // 3rd Grade
Emma is a bright and enthusiastic 8-year-old with Down syndrome. She loves helping her family in the kitchen, especially when preparing snacks and simple meals. While she enjoys being independent, tasks like finding ingredients and following multi-step instructions can sometimes be overwhelming. Emma and her family value tools that simplify activities and make it easier for her to succeed on her own, boosting her confidence and independence.
GOALS //
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To discover unique scents.
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To feel confident completing kitchen tasks.
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To learn new recipes easily.
FRUSTRATIONS //
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Recipes with long or complex instructions.
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Difficulty finding needed ingredients.
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Confusion using kitchen appliances.
Defining the problem
Home cooks, including children and individuals with varying abilities, struggle with managing ingredients, following recipes hands-free, and using kitchen appliances confidently. They need a simple, intuitive solution that streamlines meal preparation, tracks inventory, and provides step-by-step guidance in a way that empowers independence.
Ideate
For this project, I chose to use multiple types of prototyping to effectively communicate the product’s potential. I centered the user scenario around making a pizza, as it provided a well-rounded way to demonstrate the full capabilities of PantryPilot.
Prototype
After creating a storyboard, I sketched user-flow ideas on paper to brainstorm what would and wouldn’t work. While the final screens differed from my initial sketches, the act of drawing them helped me clarify what I wanted to include and what to avoid.
Caption...
After refining my concept, I constructed a paper model and placed it on my fridge to simulate a real-life setup. I then filmed a video where my son demonstrated how the system works through voice interaction with the prototype. To provide additional functionality, I designed digital wireframes in Figma, incorporating interactive buttons and audio for users who may prefer or require an alternative to voice commands.
High-Fidelity Prototype
Explore the high-fidelity prototype showcasing PantryPilot’s intuitive interface, complete with functional buttons and audio interactions for seamless user experiences.
Considerations & Takeaways
ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS //
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Voice commands helps users with limited mobility or those who have difficulty interacting with touch screens.
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Large visual elements supports users with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities who benefit from simplified, high-contrast visuals.
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Audio feedback assists users with visual impairments by confirming actions and guiding interactions.
WHAT I LEARNED //
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Physical, digital, and video prototypes each revealed unique insights into the product, and proved to be valuable when combined.
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No single prototype solves everything; layering approaches uncovered key improvements like refining voice commands.
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Prototypes turn abstract ideas into user-centered, practical designs.
Next Steps
Do formal usability tests with diverse users to gather feedback on voice commands, interface design, and overall functionality.
Based on user feedback, further simplify and clarify voice interactions to ensure they are intuitive for all users.
Develop a more interactive digital prototype to simulate additional features, like inventory tracking or appliance integration, for testing.
Thank you!
