Chapter 1: The Rise of Air Fryers

Air fryers have rapidly become a kitchen staple, renowned for their adaptability. They can expertly cook a variety of dishes, from juicy steaks to freshly baked bread. In my personal experience with the Ninja Air Fryer, I identified a significant design flaw that could easily be remedied.

The Ninja Air Fryer: A Kitchen Essential

While my observations pertain specifically to the Ninja model, many air fryers may share similar issues. Let’s analyze the typical user interaction with the appliance:

1. The user removes the fryer tray.
2. The user places the food item inside the tray.
3. The tray is then slid into the air fryer.
4. The user manually selects the temperature or opts for a preset cooking mode.
5. The cooking duration is specified.
6. An alert notifies the user when cooking is complete.
7. The tray is extracted.
8. The food is transferred to a serving dish.

Users may employ different tools for this transfer, such as tongs, serving spoons, or spatulas.

Identifying the Problem

A notable design issue arises from the removable non-stick crisper plate that sits within the fryer basket. When a user tilts the basket to pour out the food (like fries), there’s a risk that the hot crisper plate may slide out, potentially causing burns or spilling food.

#### Use Errors in Task Execution

When tilting the basket, users might inadvertently angle it too steeply, resulting in the plate falling out.

Analyzing User Circumstances

Several factors can lead to user errors:

• A sense of urgency may drive users to pour food quickly.
• Certain foods, like fries, are more conducive to pouring than others.
• Delicate items like pizzas might require careful handling, making users more likely to tilt the basket instead of using tongs, which could disturb toppings.

#### Consequences of Use Errors

These actions could lead to burns from the hot plate or significant spills of food from the basket.

Mitigating User Errors

To reduce the likelihood of these incidents, Ninja could implement a plate guard designed to fit partially inside the basket. This guard would allow users to pour contents safely without the risk of the plate sliding out.

Conclusion and Call for Engagement

Last year, I initiated a series on Medium titled “UX Word of the Day,” which gained positive feedback. This year, I aim to delve deeper by examining everyday items and interfaces to propose design improvements. I welcome your suggestions for topics to explore in future writings!

Consider supporting my work by becoming a member through the provided link. Thank you!

Chapter 2: Learning from Mistakes

The first video discusses common mistakes people make with air fryers, providing valuable insights into how to avoid them.

The second video compares air fryers with toaster ovens, helping viewers make informed decisions about their kitchen appliances.