CooKI
Skills
Description
CooKI is a visionary kitchen system that creates a new cooking experience and reimagines cooking as an event.
explore and develop new solution spaces
At the heart of this experience is no longer the mere control of heat from below, but the conscious staging of cooking – enabled by an intelligent regulation system that uses sensor data to control energy flow precisely. Combined with a flexible user interface and inductive energy transfer, the kitchen becomes a stage for creative processes where users are intuitively guided.
The project was developed as part of the Invention Design course and merges speculative future thinking with technical feasibility.
The project was developed as part of the Invention Design course and merges speculative future thinking with technical feasibility.
Sensor
CooKI uses an intelligent combination of a built-in camera and a temperature sensor to monitor and regulate the cooking process in real time. A camera inside the pot identifies ingredients and suggests appropriate cooking modes based on the contents. At the same time, a temperature sensor measures the actual heat level of the food – not just the heating surface – enabling precise control of energy flow. This sensor-based regulation system forms the core of the CooKI experience, offering greater precision, safety, and convenience – from automatic boil-over protection to the ability to maintain desired temperatures throughout the cooking process.n
UI
The system is controlled via a compact and flexible Smart Dial, which attaches directly to the pot. It processes the sensor data and replaces traditional numeric temperature settings with intuitive, cooking-related terms like simmer, boil, or sear. By locating the interface on the pot rather than the cooking surface, CooKI solves the problem of static controls in a fully inductive cooking area – allowing the user to cook anywhere on the surface. When not in use, the dial can be stored and inductively charged in a designated drawer.
The interface is deliberately minimal and approachable, while still maximizing the intelligence of the system. Users who prefer to cook “normally” can do so without friction – yet still benefit from a significantly enhanced cooking experience through the system’s architecture.
The interface is deliberately minimal and approachable, while still maximizing the intelligence of the system. Users who prefer to cook “normally” can do so without friction – yet still benefit from a significantly enhanced cooking experience through the system’s architecture.
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But I want to cook my steak myself...
Future
CooKI lays the groundwork for a flexible kitchen system that adapts to its users. With its open interface and sensor-based architecture, it opens doors for future integrations — from learning-based personalization to connected cooking experiences.
View the detailed process documentation for a deeper insight into the project
My Role in the Project
Throughout the CooKI project, I played a central role in shaping the interaction concept and translating our technological vision into a clear, user-centered product experience. I contributed significantly to the research and definition of the problem space, explored different application contexts for induction technology, and co-developed the system logic behind the smart cooking interface. Additionally, I was responsible for key aspects of the user interface design and worked on visualizing and communicating our final concept in a clear and engaging way.
Project Context
CooKI is a speculative design concept developed during the Invention Design course at the University of Design Schwäbisch Gmünd. This course follows a technology-driven design approach: instead of starting with a concrete user problem, it begins with a selected technology — in our case, induction — and explores its potential through the lens of design.
This shift in perspective, from technology to application, allows for a much more open and creative design process. It aligns closely with my personal focus as a designer: working at the intersection of emerging technologies and strategic, physically-digital interaction systems.
This shift in perspective, from technology to application, allows for a much more open and creative design process. It aligns closely with my personal focus as a designer: working at the intersection of emerging technologies and strategic, physically-digital interaction systems.
Technology Scope
We did not reinvent induction — but we deliberately chose it as a reliable and mature base technology. Especially full-surface induction cooktops, such as those developed by Gaggenau or Bora, offered exciting starting points for a more flexible user experience. Our central question became:
How can we use this technology not just to heat food, but to create a new kind of cooking experience?
It quickly became clear that induction alone wasn’t enough. So we extended the system with smart sensors, camera-based ingredient recognition, and a mobile interface. Induction thus became the foundation for a system that goes far beyond traditional heat delivery — combining established technologies into a new kind of interactive cooking logic.
How can we use this technology not just to heat food, but to create a new kind of cooking experience?
It quickly became clear that induction alone wasn’t enough. So we extended the system with smart sensors, camera-based ingredient recognition, and a mobile interface. Induction thus became the foundation for a system that goes far beyond traditional heat delivery — combining established technologies into a new kind of interactive cooking logic.
Problem Space
Traditional stovetops rely on indirect control: users regulate heat using abstract levels (e.g. 1–9) and must estimate how hot things are getting. This often leads to uncertainty, wasted energy, and overcooked meals.
Before arriving at this specific problem, we explored a wide range of potential entry points within the kitchen — from storage and planning to preparation — and evaluated where emerging technologies could have the most meaningful impact.
Our goal was to flip that logic. Instead of manually managing temperature, the system should intelligently regulate it — based on the actual state of the contents in the pot. Instead of entering numbers, the user specifies the desired result — for example: “soft-boiled egg” — and the system automatically handles temperature and timing.
“We don’t control – we regulate.”
A smart, assistive system that thinks in outcomes, not numbers.
Before arriving at this specific problem, we explored a wide range of potential entry points within the kitchen — from storage and planning to preparation — and evaluated where emerging technologies could have the most meaningful impact.
Our goal was to flip that logic. Instead of manually managing temperature, the system should intelligently regulate it — based on the actual state of the contents in the pot. Instead of entering numbers, the user specifies the desired result — for example: “soft-boiled egg” — and the system automatically handles temperature and timing.
“We don’t control – we regulate.”
A smart, assistive system that thinks in outcomes, not numbers.
Exploration
We began with a wide, open-ended exploration. Our research included current systems like the Thermomix, Bosch PAI, and concept studies from brands.
A highlight of our process was a hands-on cooking session with the Thermomix — not just to test it functionally, but to understand the user experience. We quickly found strengths in automation, but also weaknesses in flexibility, transparency, and personal engagement.
A highlight of our process was a hands-on cooking session with the Thermomix — not just to test it functionally, but to understand the user experience. We quickly found strengths in automation, but also weaknesses in flexibility, transparency, and personal engagement.
A highlight of our process was a hands-on cooking session with the Thermomix — not just to test it functionally, but to understand the user experience. We quickly found strengths in automation, but also weaknesses in flexibility, transparency, and personal engagement.
We also conducted an interview with Philipp Kleinlein (BSH), who gave us deep insight into past innovations, failed interface experiments like PAI, and the real-world limits of what gets developed. What stuck with us most was his emphasis on the emotional dimension of cooking:
“Peace of mind is everything. Cooking should be inspiring — a bit of a show.”
Throughout the ideation phase, we explored a wide range of concepts:
“Peace of mind is everything. Cooking should be inspiring — a bit of a show.”
Throughout the ideation phase, we explored a wide range of concepts:
- Projection interfaces directly from the pot
- Gesture control using depth cameras
- Voice interfaces and mobile smart displays
- AR cooking aids and touch panels in the worktop
Many of these directions were intentionally ambitious. Some were discarded. Others influenced our final concept in subtle ways. The process was iterative, explorative, and dynamic — ultimately leading us to a more focused but intelligent solution.
We explored numerous variants for the interface. These included approaches such as being able to move the pot itself to interact with the system or feedback being provided in part only by an LED ring
Solution Space
The final system consists of three main components:
1. Intelligent Cooking Pot
A pot equipped with a built-in camera (to identify ingredients) and an infrared sensor (to measure the actual temperature of the food — not just the heat from the stove). This allows the system to understand what is being cooked and how it’s progressing.
2. Full-Surface Induction Plate
A cooking surface where pots can be freely positioned — without defined zones or fixed control areas. At present, it provides heat only; however, in future visions, this induction surface could also be used to wirelessly power other kitchen devices — including the interface itself.
3. Smart Dial
A compact, tangible interface that attaches directly to the pot. It processes sensor data, provides control access, and charges inductively when stored in its drawer.
This modular architecture allows for high flexibility, intuitive usage, and easy maintenance — while focusing entirely on what people actually need while cooking.
1. Intelligent Cooking Pot
A pot equipped with a built-in camera (to identify ingredients) and an infrared sensor (to measure the actual temperature of the food — not just the heat from the stove). This allows the system to understand what is being cooked and how it’s progressing.
2. Full-Surface Induction Plate
A cooking surface where pots can be freely positioned — without defined zones or fixed control areas. At present, it provides heat only; however, in future visions, this induction surface could also be used to wirelessly power other kitchen devices — including the interface itself.
3. Smart Dial
A compact, tangible interface that attaches directly to the pot. It processes sensor data, provides control access, and charges inductively when stored in its drawer.
This modular architecture allows for high flexibility, intuitive usage, and easy maintenance — while focusing entirely on what people actually need while cooking.
User Interface
The Smart Dial replaces traditional number scales with clear, cooking-related terms like “simmer,” “boil,” or “sear.” It gives real-time feedback, allows manual override, and displays key cooking states.
Its biggest advantage: it’s not tied to any one location. Because it mounts directly on the pot, it works seamlessly with flexible cooktop layouts — and eliminates the need for a fixed interface on the stove.
When not in use, it is stored in a drawer where it charges inductively. Despite its minimalist appearance, the Smart Dial is rich in functionality — providing intelligent assistance without unnecessary complexity.
And for those who prefer to cook the “classic” way: the system still works. CooKI supports without intruding — and quietly enhances the experience in the background.
Its biggest advantage: it’s not tied to any one location. Because it mounts directly on the pot, it works seamlessly with flexible cooktop layouts — and eliminates the need for a fixed interface on the stove.
When not in use, it is stored in a drawer where it charges inductively. Despite its minimalist appearance, the Smart Dial is rich in functionality — providing intelligent assistance without unnecessary complexity.
And for those who prefer to cook the “classic” way: the system still works. CooKI supports without intruding — and quietly enhances the experience in the background.
Visualisation
To visualize the system, we developed multiple paper prototypes, interaction flows, and 3D visualizations. The final outcome was a Blender animation video that demonstrates how CooKI works in a believable future setting (watch the video above).
Our goal was always to create something grounded in real technology, yet amplified through thoughtful design — making the future of cooking tangible.
Our goal was always to create something grounded in real technology, yet amplified through thoughtful design — making the future of cooking tangible.
See how our idea took shape
Future
CooKI isn’t just a system, it’s a platform for further development. Some ideas we explored for future expansion:
- App integration for profile management, cooking history, or real-time guidance
- Wireless power transfer to other devices via the induction surface
- Learning-based personalization, adapting to user behavior over time
- Service-oriented extensions, from sustainable cooking tips to social or collaborative modes
CooKI shows how intelligent regulation, and not just control, can redefine cooking: more precise, more enjoyable, and more human.