layer
A food-prep organizing system for people who live alone in a compact space. Layer creates a more enjoyable, organized, and seamless cooking experience by making better use of vertical space on the countertop.
Duration
2022 Fall
14 Weeks
Info
Personal Project
My Role
Industrial Design, UX Research, Prototyping
Challenge
Solution
Layer optimizes vertical space on the countertop, transforming limited areas into an organized, efficient food-prep station.
With Layer, you can seamlessly prepare meals even in compact spaces, making the cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Stackable lid
The sealing lids are stackable and in two colors for easier categorization.
Compact organizer for containers & lids
The organizing rack stores containers and lids neatly, whether on the countertop or in a shelf, keeping them organized and easily accessible.
Process
Design a household object that supports a daily health or wellness practice
The initial challenge I received in this class was to design a household object that supports a daily health or wellness practice. Through interviews, I discovered that food plays a significant role in how people feel about their daily lives. Specifically, the cooking space and experience play a crucial role in whether they choose to adopt the habit of cooking for themselves.
After exploring a wide range of ideas using sketching and mockups, I focused on the idea of creating a seamless experience of “preparing – storing – consuming” food at home.
I tested prototypes of various food-prep organizing systems with people living alone in small apartments, observing how they interacted with each component throughout the cooking process. The prototypes included chopping boards, food containers, and an organizing rack. Through these tests, I discovered that the container boxes were the key elements, seamlessly linking each step of the process and influencing both the spatial dynamics and the overall efficiency of the cooking experience.
I focused on refining the container box, aiming to make it a versatile, space-saving solution.
