process of feel2cook



At Feelware in Lörrach, I had the opportunity to personally try replacing the standard knobs on an oven and stove with Feelware's talking knobs. It was surprisingly easy!
During the second observation, we also looked at the kitchen appliances. The appliances in this client's household are not designed for people with visual impairments, and without residual vision, this cooktop would be completely unusable. The pot is displayed on the screen based on its position on the cooktop and must be selected by the client.
The handle of the pot was initially impractical for gripping and pouring hot liquids. This could be immediately tested through 3D printing.
The new handle provides a larger surface area for safe pouring. Additionally, it protrudes less from the pot, making it easier to store the pot.
During the second observation, the client demonstrated how he manages with the washing machine. Newer models with displays tend to complicate operation rather than simplify it. However, thanks to the tactile markings, he can start the washing machine for both the 60-degree and 40-degree wash cycles. If he makes a mistake while entering settings, he uses the door opener as a workaround to restart the input process from the beginning.
To determine the required height for effective tactile recognition, I initially tested simple cardboard models and then created 3D-printed risers for illustration. Ultimately, I chose the 6 mm riser over the 10 mm riser.
To create an understandable operation that is readable through fillable elements, I tested various slider designs (timeline-style). However, the issue of potential food residue and dirt accumulation, which could interfere with functionality, could not be prevented. Cleaning would have become too challenging.
As inspiration for the control slider, I used this game from the SZBlind assistive technology shop. I had the opportunity to try it out during my visit to Lenzburg.
During the first client visit with Felix Opel, I had the opportunity to observe the client while cooking and noted difficulties in the process.
To create an understandable control system that is readable through fillable elements, I tested various slider designs (timeline-style). However, I could not avoid the issue of potential food residue and dirt accumulation, which could impair functionality. Cleaning would have become too challenging.
During the cooking process, the client stirred only superficially. As a result, the potatoes that were directly in contact with the bottom of the pan burned. Without guidance from a sighted person, the client would have eaten burnt potatoes, which could be harmful to health.
A challenge with the ceramic glass cooktop is positioning the pot. Felix showed me possible markings on the cooking spoon and the cooktop to help position the pot correctly.


feel2cook was created as my practical work during my bachelor year in my Industrial- & Productdesign studies.
In the beginning of my research, I had the opportunity to accompany Felix Opel (Rehabilitation O&R and Practical Life Skills) on two visits with clients who are diagnosed with a visual disability. During our first visit, I was able to observe a female client cooking while recieving assistance from Felix Opel. Additionally, during the second visit, we focused more on labeling and adjusting household appliances for a male client. These two unique experience provided me with valuable insights into the usability of various devices and the challenges involved in the cooking process. For example, I discovered that rice cookers are popular among people with visual impairments due to their simple operation and the minimal steps required to safely make rice. 

Another significant aspect of my research was a visit to the school for the blind in Zollikofen, where I spent a morning monitoring the home economics class. Rebekka Scholl is Rehabilitation Teacher in Practical Life Skills at the school and helps the kids to learn all the skills for their evedays life. For exaple tie their schoes or safly pour hot water into the sink. A breakthrough for me was the chance to watch and speak with a legally blind student as they cooked. Afterward, I conducted an interview with Rebekka Scholl, whom provided valuable insights into how much the measurable vision levels can differ from the actual usefulness of residual vision.

In addition, I had interviews with experts such as Stephan Mörker (Director of the SZBLIND assistive technology shop), Robert Rupprecht (Founder of Feelware), and Ralph Bucherer (Manager of the restaurant Blindekuh in Basel). These conversations brought important perspectives and experiences from different fields. Following this, I had the opportunity to represent Feelware for three days at the SightCity trade fair in Frankfurt (Germany) alongside Robert Rupprecht and his team. There, I introduced Feelware’s talking knobs, which can be attached to standard appliances, to people with visual impairments and blindness.






see the feel2cook documentation (DE)

read the theory work (DE)











contact me!email: marla.giulia@hotmail.com
phone: +41 79 911 48 35