Braun Spin
Centrifugal Cooking System
for Microgravity Environments
How might we bring a timeless brand such as Braun to the modern day? Focusing on the principles of design Dieter Rams emphasized, I tackle form, function, and innovation as he would to bring a product to a near future market, space.
*Student project not endorsed or paid for by Braun
Lets cook a "Pizza."
Using shelf-stable ingredients and freshly grown vegetables
How does this thing actually work?
Exterior Side Blade
Attach. Organize. Mount.
The 3 iconic side blades are designed for universal attachment and organization of ingredients, tools, and utinsels.
Tethered Control Unit
Rotational Dial with Touch Screen
Temperature
Precise heating through PTC heating elements in Drum Cooking Vessel means no worry of overheating.
Spin Speed
Adjustable rotations per minute on Drum Cooking Vessel for different cooking methods and food masses
Programs & Timer
Meal specific programs with timers for adding, mixing, and other specific actions. Manual timer included
Ventilation & Filtration
Regulating messes. Regulating Temperature.
Interior perforated vents engage while cooking & mixing to keep contents and crumbs from leaving the main unit into the environment.
Locking Lid
Seal to keep the heat in. Simple Graphics to signify locked position.
The tri handle atop the lid signifies a locked position when aligned with the sides as well as the small icons along the sides
So why Space?
The global space industry market size is forecasted to be over $750 Billion by 2028, and over $1 Trillion by 2034
The space industry is marked by trends such as increased commercial space exploration, the development of safter & more accessible spacecraft, and the adoption of reusable rocket technology.
Additionally, there is a notable shift towards a new space economy, with a growing interest in lunar exploration and notably, space tourism.
Where we've been & where we're heading
Space agencies and private entities are actively pursuing the development of new space stations and enhancing existing ones to support continued human presence and research in space.
With the renewed interest in lunar, Mars, and other long-term missions, NASA’s Human Research Program (HRP) is studying a standardized assessment of behavioral health for space station crew to predict performance for future exploration crews.
Past
The International Space Station is often referred to as the single most expensive single thing ever built. However, being over 25 years old has taken its toll.
The interior can be described as cramped and noisy compared to typical living conditions on Earth. It is severely lacking in modern power and other systems.
It is planned to be decommissioned by 2031.
Present
China launched the first module of the Tiangong space station in 2021 and is primarily dedicated to scientific research, with over 1000 approved experiments by the China Manned Space Agency
Has modern amenities like refrigeration for fresh fruit and 32 varieties of vegetables, and a first-ever Microwave oven. Fitted with home automation functions, modern tablets/computers help organize the environment
Future
The next chapter of human space exploration and development is being facilitated through private entities such as Sierra space, Axiom, & Blue Origin
Future visitors will have unparalleled commerce, research, and tourism opportunities.
Research lab access, featuring space-based robotics will promote research in cutting-edge medicine, space biology, and other emerging fields.
Living in space can be a Challenge.
To put it lightly.
Feelings of Isolation
Affects of Microgravity
Limited Resources
Lack of Physical Space
Aliens
What can we do to combat these difficulties?
The power of a warm fresh meal is immeasurable
Scientists are researching the psychological and behavioral impacts of long-duration space missions on astronauts. But what happens when we start sending up more and more regular users?
We must address the problems of loneliness and isolation before we can safely trust these users to long missions aboard shuttles, stations, and possibly colonies.
“Growing, preparing, and eating good food makes you feel connected to home”
-Astronaut Scott Kelly
Thrive, not just survive
Research areas include engaging in meaningful activities such as space gardening for behavioral health benefits, testing virtual reality for exercise motivation, and of course cooking a fresh meal.
Submariners experience similar isolation at sea for months on end. Food becomes not only a necessary part of the health of the crew, but it becomes a profoundly important psychological factor in their well-being
So what do the experts say?
I'm sure as hell not an astronaut.
Interview Takeaways
Space Station smell can be overwhelming
Working out is limited: everyone has specific loss of density and muscle mass that needs to be factored in
Diet is extremely tailored to individual, and tracking of diet is very important
Sleeping can be difficult as breathing is limited due to the extra blood in head/sinuses
Astronauts are not going to only be engineers/scientists going forward. Technical and Problem solving skills will still be important for all users
Variety of new & old devices are constantly in need of being fixed/repaired
Liz De La Torre
Creative Technologist - JPL
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Masters thesis on Exploratory design methods and techniques in support of space mission concept development.
Anticipated analog astronaut in 2024 NASA HERA program, designed to inform Artemis Moon Program with behavioral and cultural testing on users
What, & how, are we cooking tonight?
From 3 Design Directions to 1
Using existing environmental limitations as a guide to physical design, I think about how to best leverage existing devices and technology in tandem with the new.
This device has to work with limited caloric intake restrictions on the individual while allowing them to create natural connections similar to the way cooking food allows here on Earth.
How can we take this information and apply it to our non-astronaut Users?
Our users, researchers, scientists, and engineers will need better-designed devices
or both ease of use and ease of stress in this environment
Users are often frustrated by lack of variety in food and daily life, as well as lack the freedom to choose
Users are constantly stressed physically in an unnatural way which leads to errors
Users are isolated and mental health is vital in this environment
1
2
3
How might we design a device that can cultivate a sense of home through familiarity, freedom to choose, and creativity.
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AI-powered health tracking accessory
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Connects with existing ingredients and onboard systems to track calories/needs
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Creativity with ingredients in a safe way
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Can be used in tandem with all on board systems including other cooking systems
Design Queues
Textures and Finishes
Use Existing Systems
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3D printer for food
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All in one device, but limited in scope
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Uses shelf-stable ingredients to extrude food and cook in one machine
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Messy cleanup with multiple ingredients
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Technology is not quite there in 5-6 years
Cylindrical Form
Braun Color Pop
Design Details
Sketch, Solidworks, Repeat
Taking my above design parameters, I sketch, 3D model, sketch, and repeat until I have my final Braun Spin fully modeled in Solidworks and ready for rendering
Sleek Ruggedness
2D to 3D
Focus on creating a subtle beauty that is also functional as a rugged outdoor adventure device. Sharp defined lines subtly run through the body, and end with soft rubberized corners for shock absorption.
Space Cooking
Final Design
Braun Spin is a centrifugal cooking system designed to be approachable and familiar to a variety of users. It allows one the creativity to mix, fold, and cook in a way similar to that of on earth.
Interview Takeaways
NASA's VEGGIE Module is still being used in part with Michael's work, and his PONDS project for growing food in Microgravity
Pieces of systems are shipped separately, the smallest and lightest are most effective
Devices have to have limited complex actions, and common interactions between the systems
Astronauts have limited free time, and they gravitate to working on the gardening most often
What enjoyment is derived from cooking and what are those connections to home that cooking inspires?
All of these devices are not the "end goal" and are all small steps towards learning more and pushing forward
Michael Wiggins
Product Designer II - Samsung Electronics
Worked with NASA on PONDS (Passive Orbital Nutrient Delivery System) while at Tupperware, to help grow plants on the ISS
Over 15 years experience as Industrial & Experience designer with companies such as LG, FILA, Electrolux, Contigo, Disney, & Google
