Overview

Led the complete UX/UI redesign of KitchenAid's built-in oven interface system, working in partnership with Whirlpool's EMEA team and external supplier Teka. The project involved translating a high-end design intent (7.8" touchscreen) into a feasible hardware solution (4" non-touch display) while maintaining premium user experience standards and introducing innovative cooking functions.

My Role

UX/UI Designer & Interaction Designer

• Led requirements clarification and Figma planning as the sole designer on the project

• Developed comprehensive UX flows and technical specifications for dual-knob interaction system

• Designed innovative solutions for non-touchable TFT display navigation

• Created prototypes for iterative user testing and validation

• Collaborated directly with UX category manager, UI designer, and engineering teams

• Managed cross-cultural collaboration between Whirlpool (Italy) and Teka (Spain) teams

The Challenge

The project presented multiple complex challenges:

• Dual-knob interaction design: Create intuitive navigation system using 2 physical knobs with a non-touchable 4" TFT display

• Hardware constraints: Cascade high-end design intent onto limited hardware capabilities

• Platform adaptation: Work within Teka's existing platform while defining new hardware and software requirements

• Legacy system overhaul: Completely rework Teka's cooking logic to align with KitchenAid heritage

• Complex functionality mapping: Design user-friendly interactions for advanced functions (Barbecue, Steam, PizzaPro, MultiCook) using only physical controls

• Solo design responsibility: Manage entire UX/UI scope while collaborating with category UX, UI designer, and engineering teams

The Process

1. Discovery & Requirements Analysis

• Conducted UX assessment of Teka's HMI catalog (4 existing models)

• Analyzed technical constraints and defined new hardware capabilities

• Established project scope covering 8 technical models across 5 wall ovens, 1 steam oven, and 2 microwave ovens

• Created detailed technical specifications for 4" IPS display, 2 backlit knobs, 8 touch buttons

2. Physical Interaction Design & Hardware Optimization

• Dual-knob system innovation: Designed unique navigation using 2 physical knobs with non-touchable display - the most fascinating aspect of the project

• Developed three knob functionality prototypes through extensive user testing

• Solved complex interaction patterns: left knob (12 positions) for menu selection, right knob (21 positions) for parameter control

• Created intuitive structure enabling easy user interaction despite hardware limitations

• Established optimal button layout and functionality for 8 backlit touch sensors

• Worked closely with UX category manager and UI designer to refine interaction patterns

3. User Experience Flow Development

Created comprehensive Figma flows covering all cooking modes and functions

• Developed behavior specifications for complex cooking functions:

  • Pizza Restaurant: 340°C temperature capability with professional accessories

  • Indoor Barbecue: 700°C grill surface with meat tempering functions

  • AirFry: Specialized perforated tray system for optimal air circulation

• Defined navigation patterns balancing simplicity with advanced functionality

4. Testing & Iteration

• Conducted multiple usability test sessions during development phase

• Maintained weekly review cycles with Teka engineers for technical feasibility

• Created low-fidelity prototypes for continuous stakeholder validation

• Performed UX evaluation of preliminary working hardware

The Solutions

Intuitive Hardware Interface

• Smart knob system: Non-pushable left knob for menu selection with memory of last-used position

• Multi-purpose right knob: 21-position encoder with push function for precise parameter control

• Strategic button placement: 8 backlit touch buttons organized in logical groupings for primary and secondary functions

Advanced Cooking Experience

• Seamless mode transitions: Fluid navigation between Manual, Auto, Special, and Cleaning functions

• Visual cooking guidance: Clear temperature and time displays with preset optimization

• Professional features: Integration of restaurant-quality functions (340°C pizza, 700°C grilling) with user-friendly controls

Scalable Design System

• Brand-aligned aesthetics: Premium visual language consistent with KitchenAid's design heritage

• Technical specifications: Comprehensive documentation enabling smooth development handoff

Impact & Results

Project Success Metrics

• Cross-team collaboration: Successfully aligned Whirlpool internal teams with external Teka development

• Technical innovation: Delivered advanced cooking capabilities within hardware constraints

• User experience validation: Positive feedback from all usability testing phases

• Timeline adherence: Completed 18-month development cycle on schedule

User Experience Improvements

• Simplified complexity and navigation: Made professional-grade cooking functions accessible to home users. Reduced learning curve through logical information architecture

• Enhanced cooking precision: Enabled precise control of advanced features like steam injection and high-temperature cooking

Strategic Business Value

• Platform scalability: Created foundation supporting 8 different oven models

• Competitive differentiation: Introduced unique features distinguishing KitchenAid in premium market

• Technical partnership: Established successful collaboration framework with Teka for future developmentKey Takeaways