a VR experiment for the kitchen
CookPilot: A Spatial Computing Assistant for the Kitchen
What is it?
CookPilot is a spatial computing tool designed to assist home cooks by providing real-time, hands-free recipe guidance. By scanning the kitchen environment, it places digital anchors that offer step-by-step instructions, allowing users to follow a recipe seamlessly without needing to check a screen.
How does it work?
Using a headset, CookPilot maps the user’s kitchen, identifying key areas such as the stove, cutting board, and sink. As the cooking process unfolds, virtual cues appear in the physical space—highlighting ingredients, guiding placement, and delivering instructions precisely where they are needed. This eliminates the need to pause, check a device, or flip through a recipe book, enabling a more natural and immersive cooking experience.
Who is it for?
CookPilot is designed for home cooks of all skill levels. Beginners benefit from structured, hands-free guidance, while experienced cooks can streamline complex recipes. It is particularly useful for those who find multitasking in the kitchen challenging or who want a more fluid cooking process.
Why did the research lead to this concept?
The exploration of spatial computing in kitchen interactions revealed a common frustration—frequent shifts between instructions and cooking actions disrupt workflow and focus. Current digital solutions, such as apps and video tutorials, require users to repeatedly check screens, interrupting the natural rhythm of cooking. This insight led to the development of CookPilot, which integrates guidance directly into the physical space.
What were the key learnings?
- Digital tools reshape cooking rituals—does assistance enhance or diminish intuition?
- Over-guidance can be restrictive—finding the right balance is essential.
- The kitchen is a personal space—adaptability to different layouts and habits is crucial.
- Wearing a headset while cooking presents challenges—future hardware improvements are needed.
CookPilot provides a speculative look at how spatial computing could shape domestic spaces, raising critical questions about the evolving relationship between technology and everyday experiences.
