Intangible Interaction

Intangible Interaction Among Us

The Design of Implicit Interactions Framework: Rice Cooker

created with Maythana Paquete @ Maythana.com

Implicit Interaction Framework: The Ricecooker

The most common problem with the system is user error. When the user sets the conditions for the rice to cook, the user can have a hard time determining the correct water to rice ratio. This is how rice cooks poorly.

A rice cooker works using a heater plate and a temperature-sensitive magnetic switch.

The switch contains a magnet that loses its magnetism at 100 °C.

When the user adds rice and water and turns the cooker on, the magnet is at room temperature and remains magnetic, keeping the cooker in its heating (cook) mode.

As the heater plate warms the pot, the water absorbs most of the heat and the contents stay near 100 °C while liquid water is present. Once all the water has been absorbed by the rice or evaporated, the energy of the being added to the pot is no longer being absorbed as latent heat and the temperature of the pot begins to rise above 100 °C. At this point, the sensor magnet loses its magnetism. This change releases the magnetic switch, triggering the thermostat to turn off the high-power heating element and switch the cooker into warm mode.

How would we redesign the Interaction?

Imperfect rice comes from an incorrectly selected ratio of water and pellet, but the problem of measuring out a hard pellet and combining water has been solved. One can even imagine a world where a waterline is plumbed to the device itself, allowing the rice to be washed before cooking, like a dish washer or washing machine. Different varieties could be loaded and combined to vary nutritional intake. A rice cooker of this sort allows for effortless rice consumption, like a fancy espresso machine allows espresso.

If the device were to be extended, it could make the rice in different molds selected at random to increase user surprise and enjoyment. Creativity is reintroduced back into the rice making construct. The user is prompted to make one final customization to their meal, adding a personable touch.