Vee Vee is a self-stirring slow cooker and fondue hybrid.

VEE VEE

The school assignment required us to combine two kitchen appliances into one homogeneous appliance. I opted to combine a slow cooker and a fondue machine. Choosing to design it particularly for single residences in small spaces.

Consideration:
Rotate bowl without overheating the motor
Size
Storage
Interface

Research

The research was done in a group, members include: Kelsey Rozon, Paul Daniel,Tatum Dietrich

Embarking on this project we built a foundation in kitchen appliances when performing group research on different cooking processes. By performing this research, we were able to gain a through an understanding of the various kitchen cooking processes as well as the different context that products may be used in dependent on demographics and living situations of users.

Deep Fry Obersvations

Wok Observation

Findings

Deep Fry Obersvations

1/4

Click to view larger image

Ideations

Prototypes used to test:

Scale

Concept

and preform user testing

Individual testing focused on examining aspects of the potential design solution.

User Testing

Testing potential user interfaces involved providing users with multiple options of different features and then allowing the user to provide feedback on these options

Interface Models

Sketches and models were used to help solve problems and develop the final form. This picture shows primary form concepts for the bowl.

Shape Concepts

The solution

VEE VEE is a highly unique kitchen appliance that rotates food during cooking. The small size and compact appearance make it suitable for 1 - 2 people depending on function with a maximum capacity of 1.5 quarts. The compact nature allows for a versatile product that does not take much space on the counter top thus requiring minimal effort to store. Offered in a wide variety of colour the product comes to reflect the user giving it emotional significance.

With its many uses, the Vee vee allows people in small environments to make a variety of different meals without compromising aesthetic or function.

Features

Self rotating

Compact

Analog/Digital hybrid

Provides two functions

No moving parts

Fast cooling

The Interface

Analog/Digital hybrid

User testing showed that a combination between analogue and digital was preferred

Power off in:

3

Interface Pathway

All previous setting remain visible to user at all times.

When design the navigation, it was important to include aspects of analog. When using analog devices users are always able to see what setting they left their products at. Incorporating this into the digital display was important.

More information

The Bowl

The Chamber at the top of the bowl prevents any food from spilling when on its angle.

During the fondue process, it also acts as a lip that users can use to removed extra chocolate or cheese from their mosel

Handles on the bowl were designed to allow the bowl to be held even if users were wearing oven mitts.

The bowl can also be used outside of this appliance providing the user with another tool to create food without needing to purchase and find storage for another kitchen product.

More Information

Compact size

Fits 1.5 quarts of food, like most smaller slow cookers on the market

10''

How it works

The bowl is able to rotate by using the same principle used by a simple DC motor.

Copper wire

Coils

Connection port

Knob that controls current allowing for varying
Rotational speeds and heat levels

Conduction coil

DC Current

Assembly and maintenance

Completely assembled the electrical components are completely hidden in the base of the unit. The two cast aluminum parts are held securely shut by screws preventing access to the components unless necessary.