Optimizing the Brew
Applying ergonomics and human-home interaction to my college dorm coffee routine
Overview
Diving into kitchen ergonomics inspired by Lillian Gilbreth, with myself as the test subject, and my college dorm kitchen, the laboratory.
When: Autumn 2022
What: Independent study project for Stanford University CEE 33C: Housing Visions
Background
In my Housing Visions class independent study project, I delved into the impactful yet often overlooked legacy of Lillian Gilbreth – psychologist, engineer, and trailblazer in human-home interaction. Gilbreth's influence from the 1950s continues to shape modern American homes through her integration of ergonomics and research methods into home and product design. Some of her inventions, including the refrigerator shelf and pedal trash can, have become staples of the modern American household. Perhaps you may have her innovations in your own everyday space!
Lillian Gilbreth, 1878 - 1972 (Source: Wikipedia Commons, Architectural Review)
Fridge shelves and pedal trash can. If you’ve ever wondered what genius invented these! (Source: Joy Lab, Comfee)
A cornerstone of Gilbreth's work is the kitchen triangle theory, a design concept that today still remains a hallmark concept in modern interior design. This theory emphasizes the efficient arrangement of the stove, sink, and refrigerator to create a logical and ergonomic flow, minimizing unnecessary steps.
Examples of kitchen triangles. (Source: Compusoft Group)
Thus, my independent study focused on applying Gilbreth's renowned kitchen triangle theory to optimize my own human-home interactions (er, human-dorm interactions): specifically, my morning coffee routine.
The experiment
I approached this experiment using a time-motion study, a method that Gilbreth used in her research, and this method is still widely used today in scientific management.
Gilbreth's time-motion studies were about watching someone go through a particular task. Each action a person took was recorded down as basic movements called "therbligs," a term formed by spelling "Gilbreth" backward except for the last two letters. For each of these therblig actions (Gilbreth defined 18 of them, such as REACH, MOVE,” and GRASP), Gilbreth measured the time it took. This way, it became simpler to spot repeated or unnecessary steps when trying to make a routine more efficient.
Running several trial recordings of my coffee routine, I applied Gilbreth’s time-motion methodology to analyze how I could streamline my current routine.
Above is my original routine. Yes, I embrace instant coffee and a microwave: college life essentials. No judgment, please.
Below: Initial diagraming and data of my current coffee routine.
The ergonomizing
With my data atomized, this made it easier to identify repetitive movements and areas that could be streamlined.
Routine breakdown by therblig:
Routine breakdown by task type*:
* Groupable tasks such as tasks related to microwaving, fetching ingredients, etc.
Common repetition points:
Walking between sink and microwave
Reaching up or sideways to grab items
Opening and closing fridge
Rinsing and cleaning up items
Changes (feasible ones, at least):
Placing coffee syrups next to microwave, so I can reach them from microwave instead of having to walk over to them.
Rather than alternating between sink and microwave, make my focal work point the microwave.
Positioning instant coffee powder and milk frother on top of microwave, eliminating need to reach up to open cabinets.
Results
The experiment delivered tangible results: a significantly faster coffee prep routine!
Before
# sec: 125
# therbligs: 62
# footsteps: 30
After
# sec: 95
# therbligs: 51
# footsteps: 23
Routine breakdown by therblig, before and after:
Routine breakdown by task type, before and after:
By ergonomizing areas of my workflow that I could change (e.g. placement of ingredients, workspace…) I was able to cut down my prep time by quite a significant amount!
125 to 95 seconds, 30 to 23 footsteps.
That’s 24% less time and 23% less steps!
And finally, perhaps, I will start making it to those 9 AM lectures on time…
Conclusion
In the end, I can personally conclude that Gilbreth’s kitchen triangle theory showcases the profound impact of thoughtful design on daily life. This experiment, a mix of practicality and playfulness, fulfilled its purpose – demonstrating the timeless relevance of Gilbreth's principles in modern college dorm living ☕️.