BOSCH VARIO
MY FIRST KITCHEN APPLIANCE
The task given to us by Bosch was to rethink the industrial design language for their products. Investigate which design elements can be used to increase value quality and attraction and to implement this in a future design concept.
PROJECT OUTLINE
Bosch Vario is the result of a 10 week long strategic design project at Umeå Institute of Design, spring 2016, developed in collaboration with Bosch GMBH.
My personal goal in this project was to further develop planning and arranging workshops, design research, branding, model making, and animation skills.
CHALLENGE
Food is one of the most important things for a healthy lifestyle, eating healthy and fresh reduces the risk of many of the major diseases. Nowadays with kitchens getting smaller and smaller it can be difficult to know where to begin.
What if your kitchen devices could change to your personal needs and grow with you along the way as your cooking skills improve. Boiled down to the essence: what is the first kitchen appliance that you need in any kitchen!
RESULT
VARIO is the first kitchen tool you will need in your kitchen. Through the use of a base plate with integrated induction ring (for heat transfer) and a magnetic ring (for rotating motion) you combine the most important functions in a kitchen device. The possibility to use a variance of interchangeable tops extends the multi-functionality.
Meet Vario
VARIO is the first kitchen tool you will need in your kitchen. Through the use of a base plate with integrated induction ring (for heat transfer) and a magnetic ring (for rotating motion) you combine the most important functions in a kitchen device. The possibility to use a variance of interchangeable tops extends the multi-functionality. By placing the induction plate, the user can use their normal pots and pans like on a regular stove. By using the grill plate, only the ribs heat up and you get a high-quality grill plate. By placing the stock pot, you can make soup. Or place a mixing element, to use it as a sous-vide, or a steam basket on top to reuse the steam. The options are countless!
Adapts to your personal needs.
Vario is an induction cooking device which uses a magnetic ring located in the base unit. By replacing the plate system on top of the device you can choose what type of cooking device one wishes to use! For example choose to make delicious salmon on the grill, or stir fry with the work, or how about steaming your vegetables by using the extension ring with the steam basket? The possibilities are endless!
User interface
Through the integrated weighing unit, Vario recognises which plate is placed on top of the base unit. Because of this the displayed interface will change and adapt towards the specific functions and needs of each cooking plate. For example when using the big pot you can decide to use it to slow cook, boil water, keep produce warm or of course change the temperature.
Envisioning the future of kitchen appliances
A human centred process
The problem statement:
Boiled down to the essence: what is the first kitchen appliance that you need in any kitchen!
iF jury statement:"This project uses a technological solution to present a kitchen unit with a multi-functional set of conveniences, but still emphasizes the action of cooking at home. It is a project that reflects a design combining a high-quality product with high-quality performance."