Solution Neutral Problem Statement (SNPS) Generation (Example - Cooking Indian Food)
1. “COOKING INDIAN FOOD FOR
URBAN MIDDLE CLASS PEOPLE”
SOLUTION NEUTRAL PROBLEM
STATEMENT (SNPS) GENERATION
Creative Engineering Design Course
Nitesh Bhatia – CPDM, IISC, 2011
NiteshBhatia
2. INDIAN COOKING NEEDS
Indian Cooking process is bit complex & lengthy
Needs constant interacting and processing
Traditional cooking style is still very popular & preferred
Convection and conduction based cooking style
Menus are oil and spices based
Open cooking vessel very helpful
Variable heating requirements also needed
Some cooking menus needs surface heating / boiling /
frying / steaming / burning / grilling
Some special needs for aroma based cooking
Cost of cooking should be less to be adopted by the
masses
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7. QUESTIONNAIRE : PRODUCT ANALYSIS
Ease of Use
( out of 4; 1 implies good- 4 implies bad )
Ease of Cleaning
( out of 4; 1 implies good- 4 implies bad )
Maintenance
( Self or Service & Support )
Safe while usage
Sr. No Questions
1) Family size :
2) Pressure cooker Brand / Model ?
3) Product warranty
4) What kind of food cooking in cooker? (Veg/ Non Veg)
5) Problems facing / faced while usage?
6) New features desired ?
7) Rate the product
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8. USER SURVEY
Users Family
size
Model Ease of
use
Ease of
cleaning
Maintenance Safe while
Usage (Y/ N )
Upgradation
Suggested
User 1 5 Prestige 4 4 Self Y N
User 2 3 Prestige 4 3 Self Y N
User 3 5 Hawkins 3 3 Self Y N
User 4 6 Hawkins 4 3 Self Y Y (Gasket Sealing)
User 5 3 Pigeon 3 4 Service &
support
Y N
User 6 4 Nirlep 2 4 Self Y Y (Handle problem )
User 7 5 United 4 4 Self Y N
User 8 4 Prestige 3 4 Self y Y
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9. DATA GENERATED AFTER SURVEY
Problems:
1) Unusual loud sputter, hissing or large amounts of escaping steam
2) Steam escaping from any place other than the pressure regulator
3) Problem with the seal / blow-out plug / rubber parts / vent / valve systems.
4) Water droplets spluttering around the vent not allow to built pressure inside.
5) Resetting of seal or gasket (cracking & every time checking)
6) Problem of damaging metal rims of the lid or bottom (Discarding the cooker)
7) Getting standard company spares after warranty period over
8) Inside cleaning of cooker body
New Features Desired:
1) Ease of use and cleaning
2) Food status indicator
3) Prompt Service by the firm
4) Less interaction & processing
5) Easy maintenance – able to fix problems easily
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10. FAST MOVING PRODUCT ANALYSIS
Company : Prestige
Model: Popular Pressure Cooker 5.5 Lt
Price: Rs.1,134.00
Features:
• Made of hi-quality polished Aluminum for
longer life
• Easy opening and closing.
• Ergonomically designed stay cool handles
• Multiple safety features
The widely used and appreciated Prestige
Popular Pressure Cooker comes with top of the
line features. Manufactured from virgin
Aluminum to ensure zero contamination, this
cooker boasts of highest quality of raw
materials used. Add to that the elegant design
and splendid finish, this cooker is a sheer
pleasure to cook with.
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11. Requirement List– Pressure Cooker
D / W Wt
L/M/H
Requirements Keywords
D Geometry
Generally Cylindrical
For Indian family size (3 – 10 members) Capacity ( 4 – 7.5 Lit )
Capacity
D Energy
By heating ( Using LPG or eclectic energy )
Energy Source
W L Material
Lower weight
Resistance to wear
Weight,
Wear resistance
w
M Aesthetics
Look appeal
Appeal
D
H Safety
Pressure built within safety limits (No explosion)
Pressure
D
H Ergonomics
Easy to handle
Ease
W
H Economics
Priced according to competitive products in market
Price
W H Maintenance
Low or free from maintenance
Ease
W
W
M
H
Signals
If safety valve facing problem
Indication of excess pressure building
Pressure
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12. INPUT OUTPUT DISTRIBUTION
Cooking / Reheat
Food
Material
Uncooked food
Material
Cooked food
Energy
LPG (gas), Electric
Energy
Heat, Noise
Signal
Control info
Signal
Audio, Visual signals
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13. SNPS
To design a device which will cook Indian food with
efficient energy consumption in low time & preserving
food taste.
NiteshBhatia
15. Brand Model Features Cost(INR) Demand
Butterfly 3P101 1-10 power levels
60c-240c
Overheating protection
Timer: 8-180 minute.
2,795.00 Low
Preethi Dial Auto Detection
Soft Touch
Auto Cooling
Auto Switch Off
2 year warranty
2200.00 Low
Elegance ’’ 2400.00 Medium
Trendy ’’ 3460.00 Low
Pigeon Rapido Timer, digital display,7 preset controls
1800 watts
2790.00 High
TCL TCL 1821 Overheat protection system
Over Voltage protection
Cookware detection
Automatic shutoff
2250.00 Low
TCL 2029A ’’ 2780.00 Low
Prestige PIC 3.0 Feather touch buttons
Anti-magnetic wall
Automatic start option
One year warranty
3,995.00 Medium
Market Survey : Induction Heater
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16. 1. Which Brand you have?
2. How long you are using this Product?
3. How Frequently you are using this particular product?
4. What are all the existing features?
5. Can you cook all your daily dishes with this?
6. How about maintenance activities you are doing with it?
7. Are you facing any problems? If yes what are all that?
8. What else more features you want in it?
Questionnaire
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17. User Brand Duration of
usage
Family
Size
Average
Working
time
User
Interface
Running
Cost
Maintenanc
e Cost
User 1 Preethi 4 months 3 45 mts easy Low Nil
User2 Preethi 12 months 3 30-60 mts easy Low Nil
User3 Pigeon 6 months 4 40-60mts easy Very
Low
Nil
User4 Pigeon 18 months 5 60mts easy low Nil
User Response survey
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18. Pigeon Rapido
Fast moving Product Analysis
Specifications
Input Voltage :220v
Power 1800 watts
Features
Timer
Black Crystal palate
dial
LCD Display
Voice Interface
Preset controls
2 year warranty
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19. •Only Ferrous material should be used as Cookware.
• Heating surface is flat so cannot keep deep Cookware.
•Heating range is limited.
•Takes much time to heat the Cookware.
•Led display is bit confusing and most users don't know about all functions.
•Useless when power goes off
• Cracking of dial after long time use
Problems with Induction heater
•Should be compatible with all types of cookware
•Customizable auto cook options
•Backup power supply if power goes off in the middle of cooking
•Intelligent power consumption
New desired features
Data generated after survey
NiteshBhatia
20. Requirement List- Induction Heater
D/W Wt
H/M/L
Requirements Keyword
D M
Geometry
Multiple heating zones (Multiple Burners),
Maximum
width of
kitchen
counter
D H Energy
Electrical 220V
Power Source
D
D
H
M
Material
Crack resistant ceramics for dial,
Light Stainless material for body
Durability
D
D
M
M
Ergonomics
Simple user interface,
High readability for display
Easy and safe
operation
W
W
W
M
H
L
Features
Intelligent energy consumption
All types of cookware capability
Customizable auto cook options
Easy cooking.
NiteshBhatia
24. MARKET SURVEY - MICROWAVE OVENS
Model Capacity Distinguishing Features Price
Whirlpool
Magicook
30CFeast
30L
Feather touch programmed panel with 7 preset menus,
auto defrosts by weight and time, multi stage cooking, 10
variable cooking power levels, child safety lock, 314mm
turntable, combo cook functions with 6 levels for dishes
requiring cooking & browning
Rs. 10, 700
Samsung C106FL 28L
Indian recipes-5 options, max cooking time: 99min, clock,
auto cook, 6 variable power levels, membrane panel with
feather touch buttons, auto deodorization, auto reheat,
child lock, power defrost
Rs. 13 490
Samsung-CE117
ALF-B
32L
Indian recipes-5 options, Trio Convection, auto
deodorization, auto reheat, auti defrost
Rs. 13, 990
Kenstar OM-
26DCF
26L
11 Power Levels, 5 preset menus, multi stage cooking,
maximum cooking time: 95min,
Rs. 10, 990
Whirlpool 22C 22L
8 Power Levels, multi stage cooking, maximum cooking
time:90min
Rs. 11, 000
LG-MC-8083MLR 30L
5 Power Levels, Intellowave Technology, 4 preset menus,
child lock, auto defrost
Rs. 13, 000
IFB 30SC1 30L 10 Power Levels, 6 preset levels, Rs. 13, 500
Videocon
EC33205
32L 5 Power Levels, Child Lock Rs. 10, 990
Bajaj-2502 ETC 28L 5 Power Levels, Auto defrosts, Child Lock Rs. 10, 990
NiteshBhatia
25. USER SURVEY: MICROWAVE
4. Please fill in the details that apply to you (leave blank otherwise).
a) Which Model of Microwave are you using?
b) What are its existing features?
c) Kind of cooking you do with microwave?
d) Any problems facing / faced?
e) New Features Desired?
f) Rate the User Friendliness
(out of 4; 1 implies good- 4 implies bad)
g) Rate the Maintenance Cost
(out of 4; 1 implies low- 4 implies high)
h) Rate the Running Cost (Electricity/Gas Usage)
(out of 4; 1 implies low- 4 implies high)
i) Will you upgrade if Microwave with new features come in market?
1. Occupation: a) Working b) Housewife
2. Family Income:
a) <3 Lakh / annum b) 3-6 Lakh / annum c) >6
Lakh / annum
3. Number of Family Members:
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26. SURVEY DATA
Users Occ.
Fmly.
Incm.
Fmly.
mem. Model Features Uses UF M/c R/c Upgrade?
User 1 W 3-6L 2 Samsung 23L
Indian Recipies,
M/C/G, defrost,
auto cook
Cakes, instant
food, re-heating
the cooked food 2 2 2 N
User 2 W 3-6L 3 Whirlpool 28L
M/C/G, defrost,
auto cook
cakes, biscuits,
pizza, reheating
food 1 1 1 N
User 3 W 6L 6 IFB 30L
M/C/G, defrost,
auto cook, child
lock
pizza, cakes,
baking fish,
roasting chicken 3 1 1
N, recently
upgraded
User 4 W 3-6L 2 Whirlpool 22L Microwave heating food 3 2 2 Y, 30L
User 5 H 3L 2 Kenstar 26L
Indian Recipies,
M/C/G, defrost,
auto cook
defrosting
dough, bake
cake,
vegetables
boiling 3 4 3 y
User 6 H 3L 3 Samsung 28L
Indian Recipies,
M/C/G, defrost,
auto cook
cakes, pizza,
kebabs, paneer
tikkas, pulao 3 1 1 Y
User 7 H 3-6L 4 LG 30L
make omlette,
re heat pizza,
boil vegetables,
heat water, rice
dishes 2 1 1 N
User 8 H 6L 4 Samsung 28L
Indian Recipies,
M/C/G, defrost,
auto cook
heating food, I
have cook for
making food :) 2 2 1 N
NiteshBhatia
27. SURVEY DATA
Problems:
• Uneven Heating of Food items
• Oil Tadka cant be applied
• Some recipes require lot of water that cannot be added in single run with microwave
• Some Indian recipes require addition of oil and spices at specific duration that cannot
be done with microwave alone.
• It cooks the edges of the frozen food, while the inside of the food remains frozen.
• Sometimes it causes sudden boiling of food items when I take it out. I’ve started
wearing gloves after I burnt my hand with that.
New Features Desired:
• Use of metal utensils as they are already available in kitchen and cheap as compared
to borosil-glass/tupperware utensils
• Some provision of adding oil tadka without opening the microwave door
• More presets for Indian recipes accompanied by video tutorials of Sanjeev Kapoor or
Tarla Dalal or some famous cook !
• It should be Cheap!
• Voice Interface, can you add that?
• Automatic sensors, to detect if my food is sufficiently cooked. The microwave should
automatically shut down, guaranteeing that food will not be overcooked or
undercooked
NiteshBhatia
28. PRODUCT ANALYSIS: SAMSUNG C106FL
Good value for money
Indian recipes one-touch presets
Bio-Ceramic body ensuring longer life
Defrosts work according to weight
Child lock, prevents children from fiddling with
controls.
Diameter of the turn table is 318 mm this
gives an option of putting a couple of things
together in one go
Cooks food very fast and keep all the
nutrients intact (claims company, as compared to
rivals).
Lots of accessories
1 year onsite warranty
NiteshBhatia
29. REQUIREMENT LIST - MICROWAVE
D/W Wt REQUIREMENTS Keyword
Geometry: Size
D M Max Size should be equal to average size of kitchen counter
D M Turntable diameter: large enough to hold multiple utensils
Energy: Low Power, Electricity Powered
W H Low power requirement; less than 900W
D Power source: Electricity
Material: Lomg Life, corrosion free
W M Long Life; should last 5-7 years
W M No damage by corrosion
W H Alternative materials like metals can be used for cooking
Signals Easy to understand
W Easy to undertand controls
W Display should be easy to read even in dark
Safety ISI Marked, Child Lock
D Electrical Safety, ISI marked
D Fuse, to prevent electrical damage
W Child Lock
Ergonomics Easy and Safe
W Easy to operate and control
D Mobile, daily wear and tear
W No human injuries like burns
Economics Low Price
W H Target selling price should not be more than Rs. 10 000
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30. INPUT / OUTPUT DISTRIBUTION
Cook / Reheat
Food Items
*under standard
conditions and
use
Materials
(Uncooked Food, Water)
Energy
(Human, Electric)
Signals
(Electronic, Manual)
Materials
(Cooked food*)
Energy
(Heat)
Signals
(Status display, Audible signals)
NiteshBhatia
31. SNPS
A safe, affordable, low power device for cooking
Indian food properly in shortest time.
NiteshBhatia
33. MARKET SURVEY –GAS STOVE
Model
No of
Burners
Distinguishing Features Price Demand
Butterfly 2000
Auto Ignition 2
High quality heavy duty gas cock ,Brass burners with
uniform openings for even blue flame ,Efficient auto
ignition mechanism ,Rust free pan supports and
detachable spill trays ,Unbreakable gas control knob
made of ASB material
Rs. 3500 Medium
Butterfly Friendly
Triple burner
3
High quality heavy duty gas cock ,Brass burners with
uniform openings for even blue flame ,Efficient auto
ignition mechanism ,Rust free pan supports and
detachable spill trays ,Unbreakable gas control knob
made of ASB material
Rs. 3150 Medium
Prestige Glass
Top Gas Tables
GT 02
2
Spill proof design, Elegant black toughened glass top,
High-efficiency brass burners, Individual pan supports,
Ergonomic knob design, Multi spark ignition
Rs. 5095 High
Prestige Glass
Top Gas Tables
GT 04 SS AI
4
Spill proof design, Elegant black toughened glass top,
High-efficiency brass burners, Individual pan supports,
Ergonomic knob design, Multi spark ignition
Rs. 9595 High
Sun blaze Classy
cook 2
Stainless steel body, Fuel efficient brass burners with
centre flame for even cooking, Stainless steel drip trays,
Also available without drip tray
Rs. 1450 Low
Sun blaze Coral 4
Stainless steel body, Fuel efficient brass burners with
centre flame for even cooking, Stainless steel drip trays,
Also available without drip tray
Rs. 5750 Low
NiteshBhatia
34. USER SURVEY: GAS STOVE
4. Please fill in the details that apply to you (leave blank otherwise).
a) Which brand of Gas stove are you using?
b) No. of burners?
c) Any problems facing / faced?
d) Are you able to fix general problems by yourself?
e) New Features Desired?
f) Rate the User Friendliness
(out of 4; 1 implies good- 4 implies bad)
g) Rate the Maintenance Cost
(out of 4; 1 implies low- 4 implies high)
h) Rate the Running Cost (Electricity/Gas Usage)
(out of 4; 1 implies low- 4 implies high)
i) Will you upgrade if Microwave with new features come in market?
1. Occupation: a) Working b) Housewife
2. Family Income:
a) <3 Lakh / annum b) 3-6 Lakh / annum c) >6
Lakh / annum
3. Number of Family Members:
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35. DATA FROM SURVEY
Users Occ.
Family
Income
No Family
members Type
No of
Burners
Are you able to fix
general problems? Maintenance UF M/c R/c Upgrade?
User 1 W >6L 5 Butterfly 2 Y Mostly Self 1 2 2 N
User 2 W 3-6L 4 Prestige 2 Y Mostly Self 2 2 2 N
User 3 W >6L 6 Prestige 4 Y Self + Service 1 2 1 N
User 4 H <3L 3 Butterfly 2 Y Mostly self 1 2 3 Y
User 5 w 3-6L 4 Prestige 2 Y Mostly self 2 2 2 N
User 6 H 3-6L 5 Sun blaze 4 Y Mostly self 2 2 2 Y
User 7 H 6L 4 Prestige 2 Y Self + Service N
NiteshBhatia
36. DATA FROM SURVEY
Problems:
1. Sputtering gas burner
2. Gas leakage by improper regulator fitting
3. Don’t know when it ends??
4. More heat damage vessels
5. Burners get clogged by spills – greasy surface
6. Often need to change vessels
7. Burners not shut properly some times - gas leakage
New Features Desired:
Ease of use and cleaning
Service by the firm
Uniform heating of the vessel
Able to change the cylinders easily
In case of 4 and 5 burners often get confused which is the knob
Safe supply
Easy maintenance – able to fix problems easily
NiteshBhatia
37. PRODUCT ANALYSIS
Prestige Glass Top Gas
Tables GT 04 SS AI – 4
Burners (High demand)
Cost – Rs. 9595
High-efficiency brass
burners
Spill proof design
Costly among the available
4 burners gas stove
Problem with position of 4
knobs –corresponding
burner
NiteshBhatia
38. REQUIREMENT LIST – GAS STOVE
D/W Wt Requirements Keyword
D
Geometry
size dependent on no of burners you need max size you can afford
D H
Energy
LPG Gas Supply
D M
Material
Stainless steel body, brass burners Ease of maintenance
D H
Safety
Safe supply of gas Safe supply
W H
Signals
Timer, reading Control
NiteshBhatia
39. INPUT / OUTPUT STATEMENT
Cooked
Food Items
Materials
(un cooked food)
Energy
(LPG)
Signals
(manual)
Materials
(cooked food)
Energy
(light, heat)
Signals
(none)
NiteshBhatia
40. SNPS
To design or formulate a device that will cook Indian
food with low cost, high efficiency and high safely.
NiteshBhatia
41. REFLECTIONS
Explored market & products keeping empathy in mind
User reviews are important
Most customers are not aware about technical
specifications & full features of product
Most of the people don’t follow the safety instructions
given in manual
Fast moving products (FMP) are supported by market
as they have good QoS & reasonable price
Users prefer products that supports appropriate after
sales service & maintenance
NiteshBhatia