DISCOVER PROJECT
DISCOVER PROJECT
003/cooking APP
SAVR
How I redesigned recipe guidance for the reality of kitchen multitasking
April 2025 (5 day design sprint)
Your kitchen counter looks like a food tornado hit it.
The chicken is burning. You’re frantically dicing onions that should’ve been prepped twenty minutes ago. Meanwhile, your phone screen is covered in flour fingerprints and you can’t find your place in the recipe.
This was the daily reality for SAVR users. Despite having access to incredible recipes and an active community, they kept hitting the same wall: mobile recipes designed for perfect conditions, not chaotic kitchens.
Your kitchen counter looks like a food tornado hit it.
The chicken is burning. You’re frantically dicing onions that should’ve been prepped twenty minutes ago. Meanwhile, your phone screen is covered in flour fingerprints and you can’t find your place in the recipe.
This was the daily reality for SAVR users. Despite having access to incredible recipes and an active community, they kept hitting the same wall: mobile recipes designed for perfect conditions, not chaotic kitchens.
SERVICES
springboard design sprint, UX DESIGN, INTERACTION DESIGN, UI/VISUAL DESIGN, DESIGN RESEARCH, DISCOVERY, IDENTITY BRANDING, MOBILE APP DESIGN
springboard design sprint, UX DESIGN, INTERACTION DESIGN, UI/VISUAL DESIGN, DESIGN RESEARCH, DISCOVERY, IDENTITY BRANDING, MOBILE APP DESIGN
Project Overview
SAVR is a recipe app with a growing library of quality meals and an active community of home chefs.
While users love the recipe diversity and quality, they consistently provide negative feedback about following instructions for complex recipes—specifically around timing, preparation order, and learning new cooking techniques.
SAVR is a recipe app with a growing library of quality meals and an active community of home chefs.
While users love the recipe diversity and quality, they consistently provide negative feedback about following instructions for complex recipes—specifically around timing, preparation order, and learning new cooking techniques.
Design Constraints
Current system: Basic ordered lists of steps
Platform: Native mobile app feature (primary kitchen device)
Focus: Solve problems during active cooking, not recipe discovery
Timeline: 5-day design sprint methodology
Design Constraints
Current system: Basic ordered lists of steps
Platform: Native mobile app feature (primary kitchen device)
Focus: Solve problems during active cooking, not recipe discovery
Timeline: 5-day design sprint methodology
approach: research analysis
I analyzed comprehensive user research including a detailed interview with Maria (representing core SAVR users) and research highlights from 8+ additional users across different skill levels and kitchen environments. Using systematic qualitative analysis, I coded responses to identify behavioral patterns, pain points, and unmet needs.
I analyzed comprehensive user research including a detailed interview with Maria (representing core SAVR users) and research highlights from 8+ additional users across different skill levels and kitchen environments. Using systematic qualitative analysis, I coded responses to identify behavioral patterns, pain points, and unmet needs.
Critical Insights Across All Users
1. The Timing Coordination Crisis
Maria's Korean dish disaster illustrated the universal problem: "It's really confusing when they say, now add in the sugar and the garlic and the salt and pepper and the minced vegetables. When I could have had that all prepared in one bowl together at the beginning to just dump in, but then I was cutting garlic and trying to get that done to get into the pan with the meat. And the meat was already cooked too much."
2. Progress Uncertainty Kills Confidence
Dan captured what every user felt: "I can see what the finished product looks like, but I don't know if I'm on the right track halfway through...is it supposed to look like this?"
3. Preparation Anxiety Creates Stress
Anna described the universal frustration: "Sometimes I feel like steps are sprung on me...and that turns an enjoyable experience into a stressful one. I like to be as prepared as I possibly can be before I start cooking things that I can't undo."
4. The Context-Switching Nightmare
Sara highlighted the flow-breaking problem: "I know the basic definitions - like, what minced Garlic should look like. But a lot of times I see techniques that I am totally unclear on. I google image search or youtube it, which kind of throws everything off."
5. The Physical Interaction Problem
Maria specifically mentioned: "constantly needing to wash my hands so I can refer back to my phone." This appeared consistently across users—messy hands don't work with pristine touchscreens.
Critical Insights Across All Users
1. The Timing Coordination Crisis
Maria's Korean dish disaster illustrated the universal problem: "It's really confusing when they say, now add in the sugar and the garlic and the salt and pepper and the minced vegetables. When I could have had that all prepared in one bowl together at the beginning to just dump in, but then I was cutting garlic and trying to get that done to get into the pan with the meat. And the meat was already cooked too much."
2. Progress Uncertainty Kills Confidence
Dan captured what every user felt: "I can see what the finished product looks like, but I don't know if I'm on the right track halfway through...is it supposed to look like this?"
3. Preparation Anxiety Creates Stress
Anna described the universal frustration: "Sometimes I feel like steps are sprung on me...and that turns an enjoyable experience into a stressful one. I like to be as prepared as I possibly can be before I start cooking things that I can't undo."
4. The Context-Switching Nightmare
Sara highlighted the flow-breaking problem: "I know the basic definitions - like, what minced Garlic should look like. But a lot of times I see techniques that I am totally unclear on. I google image search or youtube it, which kind of throws everything off."
5. The Physical Interaction Problem
Maria specifically mentioned: "constantly needing to wash my hands so I can refer back to my phone." This appeared consistently across users—messy hands don't work with pristine touchscreens.
primary persona
Nick - "The Learning-Focused Cook"
Based on comprehensive research analysis:
29 years old, Los Angeles, cooks 3 nights per week
Enjoys learning through new recipes but needs them to be manageable
Gets stressed by unclear progress and constant phone interaction
Wants cooking to be enjoyable and challenging, not chaotic
"I want to follow recipes easily and confidently, so my dish comes out as expected"
Nick - "The Learning-Focused Cook"
Based on comprehensive research analysis:
29 years old, Los Angeles, cooks 3 nights per week
Enjoys learning through new recipes but needs them to be manageable
Gets stressed by unclear progress and constant phone interaction
Wants cooking to be enjoyable and challenging, not chaotic
"I want to follow recipes easily and confidently, so my dish comes out as expected"
Mobile recipe interfaces assume linear, methodical cooking in clean environments with perfect timing. Reality is chaotic, multi-sensory, and requires constant adaptation. SAVR's basic ordered lists fail to support the complex, dynamic nature of actual cooking.
Mobile recipe interfaces assume linear, methodical cooking in clean environments with perfect timing. Reality is chaotic, multi-sensory, and requires constant adaptation. SAVR's basic ordered lists fail to support the complex, dynamic nature of actual cooking.
Process: day 01
Research Deep Dive
Analyzed user interview transcript and research highlights
Identified 5 core pain point patterns across all users
Developed primary persona based on research synthesis
Established design principles: prep-aware timing, confidence building, hands-free interaction
Research Deep Dive
Analyzed user interview transcript and research highlights
Identified 5 core pain point patterns across all users
Developed primary persona based on research synthesis
Established design principles: prep-aware timing, confidence building, hands-free interaction
Process: day 02
Competitive Analysis & Ideation
Morning: Learning from Existing Solutions I analyzed apps like TASTY and Kitchen Stories. Key findings: video guidance helped with techniques but failed at timing coordination. Visual progress indicators improved confidence but weren't enough for complex recipes.
Afternoon: Concept Generation Using "How Might We" questions, I generated 25+ solution concepts:
Voice-first interaction for messy hands
Progressive information architecture to reduce cognitive load
AI-powered contextual help for technique questions
Smart prep timing that reorganizes steps for efficiency
Visual progress tracking with confidence checkpoints
Competitive Analysis & Ideation
Morning: Learning from Existing Solutions I analyzed apps like TASTY and Kitchen Stories. Key findings: video guidance helped with techniques but failed at timing coordination. Visual progress indicators improved confidence but weren't enough for complex recipes.
Afternoon: Concept Generation Using "How Might We" questions, I generated 25+ solution concepts:
Voice-first interaction for messy hands
Progressive information architecture to reduce cognitive load
AI-powered contextual help for technique questions
Smart prep timing that reorganizes steps for efficiency
Visual progress tracking with confidence checkpoints
Process: day 03
The Breakthrough
Storyboarding revealed the key insight: Instead of digitizing existing recipes, what if we reimagined cooking guidance entirely? Mobile interfaces should guide cooking like having a knowledgeable sous chef who understands timing, techniques, and when you need help.
Core Concept: Adaptive Cooking Guidance Transform linear recipe steps into intelligent, phase-based guidance:
PREP Phase: All preparation organized for maximum efficiency
COOK Phase: Time-sensitive steps with voice navigation
DONE Phase: Final assembly and celebration
The Breakthrough
Storyboarding revealed the key insight: Instead of digitizing existing recipes, what if we reimagined cooking guidance entirely? Mobile interfaces should guide cooking like having a knowledgeable sous chef who understands timing, techniques, and when you need help.
Core Concept: Adaptive Cooking Guidance Transform linear recipe steps into intelligent, phase-based guidance:
PREP Phase: All preparation organized for maximum efficiency
COOK Phase: Time-sensitive steps with voice navigation
DONE Phase: Final assembly and celebration
Process: day 04
Prototyping the Solution
Information Architecture Redesign
Reorganized recipe flow from linear steps to adaptive phases
Created progressive disclosure system—right information at right time
Designed voice-first interaction patterns for hands-free navigation
Key Design Features Developed:
Voice-First Interaction Large microphone buttons and audio guidance eliminate constant phone touching. Users can say "next step," "repeat that," or "what does fold mean?" without breaking cooking flow.
Smart Information Architecture
Content reveals exactly when needed. Prep details during prep, cooking guidance during cooking, celebration when done. No overwhelming text blocks or missing context.
Integrated AI Assistant Contextual help lives within cooking flow. Need technique help? Ask. No more emergency googling while food burns.
Clear Progress Tracking Numbered steps within clear phases eliminate "where am I?" confusion that destroys cooking confidence.
Prototyping the Solution
Information Architecture Redesign
Reorganized recipe flow from linear steps to adaptive phases
Created progressive disclosure system—right information at right time
Designed voice-first interaction patterns for hands-free navigation
Key Design Features Developed:
Voice-First Interaction Large microphone buttons and audio guidance eliminate constant phone touching. Users can say "next step," "repeat that," or "what does fold mean?" without breaking cooking flow.
Smart Information Architecture
Content reveals exactly when needed. Prep details during prep, cooking guidance during cooking, celebration when done. No overwhelming text blocks or missing context.
Integrated AI Assistant Contextual help lives within cooking flow. Need technique help? Ask. No more emergency googling while food burns.
Clear Progress Tracking Numbered steps within clear phases eliminate "where am I?" confusion that destroys cooking confidence.
Process: day 05
Design Validation
Validation Methodology Given student project constraints, I focused on design validation through expert review and scenario analysis rather than formal user testing. I walked through key user scenarios using the prototype to validate design decisions against research insights.
Validation Scenarios
Voice navigation flow for hands-free interaction
Information architecture during complex cooking phases
AI assistant integration for technique questions
Error handling and recovery strategies
Design Validation
Validation Methodology Given student project constraints, I focused on design validation through expert review and scenario analysis rather than formal user testing. I walked through key user scenarios using the prototype to validate design decisions against research insights.
Validation Scenarios
Voice navigation flow for hands-free interaction
Information architecture during complex cooking phases
AI assistant integration for technique questions
Error handling and recovery strategies
solution
Designing for Kitchen Reality
The final solution transforms cooking from stressful phone-juggling into guided, confident cooking:
Core Innovation: Adaptive Recipe Guidance
Rather than static step lists, the interface adapts to cooking reality with intelligent phases, voice interaction, and contextual help exactly when needed.
Designing for Kitchen Reality
The final solution transforms cooking from stressful phone-juggling into guided, confident cooking:
Core Innovation: Adaptive Recipe Guidance
Rather than static step lists, the interface adapts to cooking reality with intelligent phases, voice interaction, and contextual help exactly when needed.
Key Features:
1. Voice-First Navigation
Large, clear microphone buttons optimized for kitchen use
Audio feedback confirms every interaction
Natural language commands: "next," "repeat," "what's searing?"
Works with messy hands, multiple timers, kitchen noise
2. Smart Phase Organization
PREP: All cutting, measuring, organizing—done efficiently upfront
COOK: Time-sensitive cooking with voice guidance and progress tracking
DONE: Final assembly, plating, celebration of success
3. Contextual AI Assistant
Integrated naturally into cooking flow—no separate app switching
Answers technique questions: "What does 'fold' mean?"
Provides visual and audio guidance for complex techniques
Available on-demand without interrupting cooking rhythm
4. Intelligent Progress Tracking
Clear visual indicators show exactly where you are
Numbered steps within each phase (01 → 02 → 03)
Audio confirmations for voice interactions
Confidence checkpoints: "Your onions should look golden now"
5. Optimized for Real Kitchens
Large touch targets for flour-covered fingers
High contrast text readable in various lighting
Offline capability for reliable kitchen use
Integration with existing SAVR recipe database
Key Features:
1. Voice-First Navigation
Large, clear microphone buttons optimized for kitchen use
Audio feedback confirms every interaction
Natural language commands: "next," "repeat," "what's searing?"
Works with messy hands, multiple timers, kitchen noise
2. Smart Phase Organization
PREP: All cutting, measuring, organizing—done efficiently upfront
COOK: Time-sensitive cooking with voice guidance and progress tracking
DONE: Final assembly, plating, celebration of success
3. Contextual AI Assistant
Integrated naturally into cooking flow—no separate app switching
Answers technique questions: "What does 'fold' mean?"
Provides visual and audio guidance for complex techniques
Available on-demand without interrupting cooking rhythm
4. Intelligent Progress Tracking
Clear visual indicators show exactly where you are
Numbered steps within each phase (01 → 02 → 03)
Audio confirmations for voice interactions
Confidence checkpoints: "Your onions should look golden now"
5. Optimized for Real Kitchens
Large touch targets for flour-covered fingers
High contrast text readable in various lighting
Offline capability for reliable kitchen use
Integration with existing SAVR recipe database
impact & validation
Problem-Solution Alignment
The design directly addresses each research insight:
Timing coordination → Smart PREP phase organizes all preparation upfront
Progress uncertainty → Clear numbered steps and visual phase indicators
Messy hands problem → Voice-first interaction eliminates constant touching
Context switching → Integrated AI assistant prevents flow disruption
Preparation anxiety → Upfront visibility of all prep requirements
Design Innovation Validated
Voice-first mobile cooking proves interfaces can adapt to human behavior
Progressive information architecture successfully manages cognitive load
Contextual AI integration provides learning without flow disruption
Phase-based organization transforms chaotic cooking into manageable process
Projected Business Impact
Addresses core user feedback about complex recipe difficulty
Maintains SAVR's quality reputation while dramatically improving usability
Differentiates SAVR in competitive recipe app market
Creates foundation for future smart kitchen integrations
Future Validation Plan
To fully validate impact, next steps would include:
In-kitchen usability testing with real cooking scenarios
Voice recognition accuracy testing in kitchen environments
A/B testing against current SAVR interface
Long-term usage pattern analysis with actual users
Problem-Solution Alignment
The design directly addresses each research insight:
Timing coordination → Smart PREP phase organizes all preparation upfront
Progress uncertainty → Clear numbered steps and visual phase indicators
Messy hands problem → Voice-first interaction eliminates constant touching
Context switching → Integrated AI assistant prevents flow disruption
Preparation anxiety → Upfront visibility of all prep requirements
Design Innovation Validated
Voice-first mobile cooking proves interfaces can adapt to human behavior
Progressive information architecture successfully manages cognitive load
Contextual AI integration provides learning without flow disruption
Phase-based organization transforms chaotic cooking into manageable process
Projected Business Impact
Addresses core user feedback about complex recipe difficulty
Maintains SAVR's quality reputation while dramatically improving usability
Differentiates SAVR in competitive recipe app market
Creates foundation for future smart kitchen integrations
Future Validation Plan
To fully validate impact, next steps would include:
In-kitchen usability testing with real cooking scenarios
Voice recognition accuracy testing in kitchen environments
A/B testing against current SAVR interface
Long-term usage pattern analysis with actual users
Cooking should be about creating delicious food, not fighting with your phone.
Cooking should be about creating delicious food, not fighting with your phone.
Final Design
Design Process Insights
This project taught me that the best solutions come from embracing constraints, not fighting them. Kitchens are messy, chaotic, multi-sensory environments. Instead of designing for ideal conditions, I designed for beautiful chaos.
The Power of Deep Research
Every major design decision traced back to specific user insights. Maria's Korean dish story directly inspired the PREP phase organization. Dan's progress uncertainty led to confidence checkpoints. Sara's context-switching frustration drove the integrated AI assistant.
Voice as Mobile Solution
Voice interaction isn't just a trendy feature—it's a fundamental solution to mobile interaction problems in specific contexts. When your hands are messy and your attention is divided, voice becomes essential, not optional.
Progressive Disclosure in Practice
Information architecture becomes crucial when cognitive load is high. The success of the phase-based approach proved that when and how you present information can be more important than the information itself.
What's Next
This prototype proves mobile cooking experiences can be dramatically better. Future opportunities include smart kitchen integration, personalized coaching, and accessibility features. But the foundation is solid: design for real kitchens, real chaos, and real humans.
Design Process Insights
This project taught me that the best solutions come from embracing constraints, not fighting them. Kitchens are messy, chaotic, multi-sensory environments. Instead of designing for ideal conditions, I designed for beautiful chaos.
The Power of Deep Research
Every major design decision traced back to specific user insights. Maria's Korean dish story directly inspired the PREP phase organization. Dan's progress uncertainty led to confidence checkpoints. Sara's context-switching frustration drove the integrated AI assistant.
Voice as Mobile Solution
Voice interaction isn't just a trendy feature—it's a fundamental solution to mobile interaction problems in specific contexts. When your hands are messy and your attention is divided, voice becomes essential, not optional.
Progressive Disclosure in Practice
Information architecture becomes crucial when cognitive load is high. The success of the phase-based approach proved that when and how you present information can be more important than the information itself.
What's Next
This prototype proves mobile cooking experiences can be dramatically better. Future opportunities include smart kitchen integration, personalized coaching, and accessibility features. But the foundation is solid: design for real kitchens, real chaos, and real humans.
"Instead of designing for perfect kitchens, I designed for beautiful chaos—because the best solutions come from embracing real human constraints, not fighting them."
-Adam WInegar
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