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Design Thinking Process Project

The document outlines a 7-step proposed design thinking process for modular kitchens. The steps include: 1) researching client needs; 2) defining users' needs and problems; 3) challenging assumptions and creating ideas; 4) starting to create solutions; 5) prototyping solutions; 6) testing solutions with users; and 7) iterating designs based on user feedback. Key aspects addressed include optimizing layout, storage, lighting, ventilation, materials selection, and accessories. The goal is to develop a modular kitchen design that meets users' needs through an empathetic, collaborative process.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
118 views11 pages

Design Thinking Process Project

The document outlines a 7-step proposed design thinking process for modular kitchens. The steps include: 1) researching client needs; 2) defining users' needs and problems; 3) challenging assumptions and creating ideas; 4) starting to create solutions; 5) prototyping solutions; 6) testing solutions with users; and 7) iterating designs based on user feedback. Key aspects addressed include optimizing layout, storage, lighting, ventilation, materials selection, and accessories. The goal is to develop a modular kitchen design that meets users' needs through an empathetic, collaborative process.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PROPOSED DESIGN THINKING

PROCESS FOR MODULAR KITCHEN


STEP 1 EMPATHIES : RESEARCH ON CLIENT NEEDS (understanding requirement
)
1. Plan The Layout 
Depending on the size of the kitchen choose a straight, L-shaped or U-shaped layout which ensures good work flow.
Follow the golden triangle rule so that the hob, the refrigerator and the sink become the focal point of the kitchen and
the distance between each point ranges between 4 to 9 feet. 

2. Choose The Kitchen Appliances


Select the kitchen appliances during the design-phase of the kitchen so that they can be integrated within the layout
according to their exact sizes. Introduce adequate plug points for all the appliances. Finalise the position of the
cooktop-cum-chimney unit and choose a chimney with a high suction power so that it can eliminate the odours and
create a smoke-free space.  

3. Optimise Storage
Analyse the storage requirements of the home and consider differently-sized drawers and cabinets for storing spices,
pots, cutlery, utensils, electronic appliances and so on. Opt for a dedicated pantry unit for storing all the dry kitchen
ingredients. Optimise the vertical storage by increasing the height of the overhead cabinets till the ceiling level. Note
that if there is a gap between the overhead cabinets and the ceiling, then the cabinet top accumulates a lot of dust.
    
4. Select The Materials
It is advisable to go for BWR (boiling water resistant) plywood instead of less durable materials like MDF, HDF or
particle board which may get damaged in moisture-laden conditions. One has to choose between acrylic, laminate,
membrane finish and duco paint finish for the exterior finish of the kitchen cabinetry. Materials like granite and quartz
are the most preferred countertop materials. Avoid using marble because it is a porous material which makes it prone
to staining. 

5. Colour Combination
Choose a single colour or go for a two-tone colour scheme with contrasting colours. Consider a matte finish for the
kitchen cabinets because a glossy finish shows finger prints and smudges easily.   
STEP 1 EMPATHIES : RESEARCH ON CLIENT NEEDS

6. Introduce Under-cabinet Lighting


The ceiling lighting is responsible for the general lighting of the kitchen but the overhead cabinets cast shadows and
create dark zones on the countertop. It is highly recommended to make provision for under-cabinet lighting to
illuminate the countertop so that there is adequate task lighting for food preparation and cooking.  

7. Modular Kitchen Accessories


Choose from a wide range of accessories like bottle pull-outs, pull-out baskets, tall units, cutlery organizer's, corner
units and under-sink accessories and integrate them within the kitchen design.  
STEP 2 DEFINE : STATE YOUR USERS’ NEEDS & PROBLEM
(Client Brief – what is requirement)
1: Shape Issues
A straight line or L-shaped kitchen layout is most suitable for compact kitchens. If the kitchen is spacious, consider an
island within a U-shape. Make sure that there is adequate circulation space around the kitchen island so that the
kitchen does not feel cramped.

2: Poor Planning
Before finalising the layout, it is essential to determine the exact position of the sink, hob, dishwasher and refrigerator
as per the working style and comfort of the end user. Make a list of the electrical appliances that you would like to
accommodate within the kitchen.

3: Wrong Choice of Materials


The strength and durability of the kitchen depends on the choice of materials. Go for sturdy countertops like granite,
engineered quartz or Kalinga stone. Use BWR (boiling water resistant) plywood and avoid materials like MDF or
particle board as these have the tendency to absorb moisture, swell and get damaged over a period of time. Choose
SS (stainless steel) modular kitchen accessories which are rust-proof.

4: Lack of Ventilation
The kitchen should be well-ventilated and should prevent the build up of grime, soot, cooking odours and smoke.
There should be a window for natural ventilation. Install a chimney with high suction power so that pollutants like
smoke, steam, harmful gases, steam and grease are extracted from the kitchen.

5: Poor Lighting
Make provisions for under-cabinet lighting so that the work surfaces are well illuminated. Note that ambient or ceiling
lights are not enough for the kitchen as it may result in shadows on the countertop and create dark patches within the
room. Consider a layered scheme which combines ambient, task and accent lighting that highlight certain design
features within the kitchen.

6: Inadequate Storage
Pay careful attention to your storage requirements by incorporating differently-sized drawers for storing various sizes of
utensils. Organise the kitchen into well-defined zones that are dedicated for keeping utensils, crockery, dry grocery,
cleaning supplies, trash bins and appliances.
STEP 2 DEFINE : STATE YOUR USERS’ NEEDS & PROBLEM

7 : Wrong Kitchen Fixtures


It is highly recommended to choose modular kitchen accessories which offer maximum utility. Some of the most
popular modular kitchen accessories include pull-out drawers, cutlery organisers, bottle pull-outs, midway systems,
corner carousel units, a tall unit, an under-sink basket and bin holder. Make sure that all the channels and hardware
are heavy-duty so that that they can bear the load of all the groceries, utensils or other items that will be stored.

8: Not Planning for Utilities


Utilities like plumbing, electrical sockets and switches for various kitchen appliances, wiring, position of the geyser,
water purifier and gas pipes should be planned in advance as it cannot be an afterthought.
STEP 3 IDEATE : CHALLENGE ASSUMPTIONS & CREATE IDEAS
(Invite Ideas : Creating ideas))
1. FOUL ODOUR AND BLOCKAGE IN THE SINK
One of the most common kitchen issues is foul odour from the sink or blockages caused due to food residue.
Whenever you face this issue, pour a cup of baking soda and lemon juice into the sink and let it stay for 15 minutes.
Now add a cup of white vinegar, let the bubbles appear, then flush the sink with a jug of boiling hot water. As a
precaution, you can also use a sink strainer to stop food residue from blocking the drain.

2. INADEQUATE COUNTER SPACE


Increase the existing countertop space by keeping it clutter-free. Do not store things on the countertop, keep all the
smaller kitchen appliances like the mixer, grinder, toaster and blender within closed cabinets and hang your pots,
ladles, spatulas etc., on the kitchen backsplash.

4. GREASY SURFACES
Regular cooking produces a lot of grease and grime which sticks on the walls and cabinetry. One can get rid of the
grime by spraying a solution of white vinegar on the sticky surfaces and wipe it with a microfibre cloth.

5. CLUTTERED SPACE
Make sure you organise your kitchen skilfully so that you can create a clutter-free space. Include modular kitchen
accessories like spice racks, spoon holders, bottle racks and cutlery trays. Go for sleek built-in appliances instead of
standalone appliance

6. LACK OF STORAGE
Insufficient storage is a major problem in most kitchens as it leads to a lot of chaos. Therefore increase the kitchen
storage by making use of the vertical space with full-height overhead cabinets and store the less frequently used items
in the topmost shelves. If space permits, include a compact kitchen island as it can accommodate a lot of storage and
double up as a multifunctional dining or breakfast table.Make sure that all kitchen appliances, storage containers,
pantry and utensils are stored neatly and are easy to access.
STEP 3 IDEATE : CHALLENGE ASSUMPTIONS & CREATE IDEAS

7. DAMAGED CABINETS
Due to constant usage, the screws of the hinges may get loose or the channels of the drawers may get damaged. It is
advisable to bring in a carpenter to tighten all the screws and replace any damaged or rusty hardware. Do not fill the
drawers with excess weight to prevent them from sagging. Clean the kitchen hardware regularly with a damp cloth
dipped in warm soapy water and lubricate the hinges with oil.

8. INSUFFICIENT LIGHTING
If there isn't sufficient natural light within the kitchen then go for brighter LED lights or CFL lights. Incorporate additional
lighting like recessed spotlights or LED strip lights below the overhead cabinets so that there is provision for good task
lighting during food preparation.
STEP 4 PROTOTYPE : START TO CREATE SOLUTION

1. IDENTIFY YOUR KITCHEN WORK TRIANGLE


For the uninitiated, a kitchen work triangle constitutes your refrigerator, sink and hob. A large part of choosing a 
kitchen layout is deciding how these three essential items interact with each other, i.e. the location and space
between each. Draw up a rough sketch of your kitchen space before thinking of the layout.

2. IDEAL COUNTER TOP HEIGHT


The standard counter height for a kitchen is usually decided by the average height of people in a country. In India, the
counter height is generally between 820 mm to 860 mm. It’s comfortable for most people to work at. Ensure that the
space between your kitchen cabinets and the countertop is not too much. If it’s too high, it may be difficult for shorter
people to reach the upper shelves.
STEP 4 PROTOTYPE : START TO CREATE SOLUTION

3. CHOOSE KITCHEN COLOURS WISELY


Remember that you will need to maintain the kitchen in the longer run. It might be best to avoid an all-white kitchen
 simply because Indian cooking tends to result in a lot of tough stains. All-white kitchens demand consistent cleaning
and are high on maintenance. But that does not mean you blindly opt for bright hues. After all, darker shades attract
more heat, especially in summers. You can always choose a combination of the two to maintain the overall harmony.

4. Stating Ventilation Key


Cooking is one activity that generates a lot of heat. Make sure that your kitchen has sufficient ventilation. Most kitchens
have a chimney or an exhaust fan (or both) to vent out the frying fumes. Ideally, there should be a door in the kitchen
which opens out to a balcony or the washing area. This would allow fresh air to come in and make sure that the smoke
from the cooking doesn’t collect inside your house.
STEP 5 TEST : TRY YOUR SOLUTION OUT

1. U-SHAPED KITCHEN
Such kitchens work perfect for large as well as small rooms, as they can fit into either of space types.

2. L-SHAPED KITCHEN
The best part of such modular kitchens is their ability to serve the owners in multiple ways.

3. IN-LINE KITCHEN
Such a layout or kitchen type turns perfect where rooms are endowed with a single partition wall.

4. PARALLEL KITCHEN
Such a modular kitchen type suits those homes that look to get the most out of the available space.
STEP 5 TEST : TRY YOUR SOLUTION OUT

1. PLANNING
A lot of planning goes into shaping impeccable range of kitchen solutions to ideally meet
varying needs of discerning and modern clients. It all starts with a blank sheet of paper upon which the designers.

2. MADE TO MEASURE
Kitchens deals in precision and exactness to deliver solutions that meet varied dimensions of the spaces. Solutions

are designed to perfectly tune into the height, length and width of the given kitchen spaces to add immaculate
value.

3. CUSTOM MADE
A built to order kitchen is the need of the changing times, and Regalo Kitchens understand it fully. First and
foremost, customer briefing is taken to assess the tastes, preferences, aspirations and above all, exact needs of the

kitchen.

4. DESIGNING
Our kitchen solutions are a genuine reflection of the changing needs and times to effortlessly meet varied
requirements. The difference starts with the design stage itself where client's styling sense, color patterns & spacing

aspirations.

5. INSTALLATION
Installation of kitchen solutions is one of vital stages to follow right after clients have already selected the layout,
finishing, color, shapes etc. For installation, a team of engineer is dispatched to the site to oversee each and every
aspect.

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