Time WizARd: Exploring the Use of Augmented Reality for Supporting Multitask Timekeeping in Kitchen Cooking

Augmented reality (AR) can aid individuals during complex, time sensitive tasks like cooking. To explore AR’s use within the kitchen we conducted an interview study (N=17) and identified time management, due to the constraints of single-device timers such as smartphones, as a challenge whilst cooking which AR could address. We conducted a user study (N=14) comparing an AR spatial timer, which allows multiple instances of timers to be positioned within a culinary environment, with a single device timer for workload perception and time management efficiency. Our results show spatial-timers can assist users by making it easier to check remaining time for specific kitchen station, and can more effectively draw attention to stations, but overall workload did not improve.