Background
A major home-appliance manufacturer developed a new LED touch control panel with a novel interaction concept for their induction cooktops. The goal was to understand how the new interface is used, understood and evaluated in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and satisfaction, and to derive concrete improvements and answer open conceptual questions – including a new automatic pot-detection technology.
Approach
We ran 12 face-to-face sessions of 90 minutes with the target group (owners of wide induction cooktops who cook regularly and are willing to invest in a premium device). Each qualitative session combined task-based observation with explorative interviewing on two hardware prototypes (two brand designs differing designs, rotated between participants). Part 1 covered the core use cases, switching on, placing cookware, power levels, boost, frying sensor and timer; Part 2 probed understanding of the automatic pot-detection concept across several special situations.
Outcome
The study showed only minor, quickly self-corrected usability issues and strong subjective acceptance of both designs. It delivered a prioritized list of concrete improvements and a clear recommendation on which design variants to pursue, giving the client an evidence-based basis for further development.
Method
Usability test, qualitative interview, task-based observation
Duration
1.5 months
Home appliances
Usability Test of a New Cooktop Touch Interface
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