In small student apartments, kitchen space is often very limited, especially for food preparation. During our research, we found that users frequently have to prepare and cook on the same surface, which creates clutter and interrupts the workflow. StoveNest was developed to address this by combining preparation, storage, and stove placement into one compact unit. The design allows different tasks to take place in the same space without interfering with each other. This approach reflects the need for more efficient and livable solutions in compact urban housing. In use, the induction cooktop can be stored under the unit when not needed. When cooking begins, the user first folds down the door panel to create a preparation surface for tasks such as cutting and chopping. After preparing the ingredients, the panel can be pushed back to free up space for cooking. The user can then place the induction cooktop and begin cooking. Drawers above provide easy access to cooking tools and seasonings, while side hooks allow users to place their phone to follow recipes or hang small kitchen items. Through this project, we learned that in small spaces, effective design depends on organizing workflow rather than adding more features. Small decisions, such as spacing and component placement, had a strong impact on usability.

Next Steps

In the future, the design could be improved by adapting it to different kitchen layouts.