Utopian Product Design
1. merge leisure and labor
2. provide nutrition
3. provide safety/risk prevention
4. offer streaming information
Description: The ComPanIon is a cooking device that brings a playful element to the often tedious task of cooking dinner. The nonstick surface of the ComPanIon is specially coated with a carcinogen-free temperature sensitive coating which shifts colors to show where the hottest parts of the pan are. In addition, the ComPanIon comes in several variations - each pan has a different pattern etched into this coating to create a “game board” surface, encouraging you to move your food around the pan while you cook so that it is thoroughly heated. While cooking, the ComPanIon plays music to help you know how much time has passed and ensure that your food does not burn. The ComPanIon also includes a USB interface to sync with your PC and upload additional music content. (Cable not included; additional fee for music downloads.)
1. Innovation: The ComPanIon is unlike other products available because it provides an interactive element which helps inexperienced cooks properly cook food, and more experienced cooks an entertaining cooking experience. It is necessary because sometimes it’s difficult to judge if the pan you’re cooking in is at the correct temperature, or if you’ve cooked food long enough, meat especially, which can be hazardous. It helps fulfill the work task of cooking a meal while providing a more “fun” experience of watching color-changing patterns and moving food around to change the pattern while you cook.
2. Usability: The ComPanIon works essentially like a normal pan - it’s made of metal, you put it on a burner, put food in it, and follow your recipe. The method changes slightly in that the cooking surface changes color, which helps draw attention to the cooking process. There is also a USB interface built into the handle, which allows the user to put music files into the pan to help them time their cooking. There is a small speaker embedded in the handle, as well a battery compartment/power control unit which allows the user to enable the music feature. The color-changing element does not require battery power.
3. Audience: The ComPanIon is designed for people of age to be cooking with a hot pan or surface, who may or may not have an understanding of the cooking process, working in a home kitchen. Ideally, designed for both genders, people of most any occupation, education, or geographic region, as all people have a need to cook meals. Minimal education is required for the cooking component, but some computer knowledge is necessary for the music component. Little previous knowledge is required prior to use since part of the product’s purpose is to teach about cooking.
4. Distribution: The ComPanIon will be sold in home stores (Linens & Things, similar) and cooking specialty stores.
Recent Comments