Cookie Monster Cooking

Role //

Product Designer, Developer


Duration //

March-April 2024


Tools //

Figma, Next.js, OpenAI API, Spotify API, ESP32

Imagining how AI can be used to create transparent modes of data collection methods through the lens of cookie recipes.


Problem Space

Currently, websites employ digital cookies to collect user data for individualized user experiences when browsing. However, by clicking Accept All Cookies, users give the website full control over data such as their search history, location, and more. In this project, I look at how I can use AI to redesign invasive data collection methods such as web cookies—to recommend a tasty cookie recipe at the end of the week.

Web Cookies

Journey Map + Tech Diagram

Since digital cookies take from you, I wanted to create a system that gives to you. In this case, cookie recipes.

By strategically choosing the types of data users want to feed the cookie monster, at the end of every week, there will be a cookie recipe waiting for them to be baked.

Journey Mapping

Tech Diagram

Prototyping

Onboarding Interface

To start the cookie monster cooking process, users choose the types of data they want to feed to the cookie monster. Each app that the user connects controls a different aspect of the cookie recipe. In this case, I chose to connect Spotify and Github.

Mockup with other types of data that can be sent

Spotify

Spotify, which represents my mood for the week, and determines the toppings that go on the cookie.

Uploading Spotify Data

Spotify Generated Toppings

Spotify Data

Github

Github, which represents how hard I worked in a week and determines the amount of cookies that the recipe can make.

Uploading Github Data

Github Generated Portion Size

Github Data

Website Walkthrough

Website Walkthrough

Cookie Monster Printer

The Cookie Monster Printer prints the receipt that users receive at the end of the week with the cookie recipe on it. It is designed to be placed near your kitchen.

Recipes

The recipes at the end of the week serve as a log of:

1. The user’s activities during the week, such as their mood and amount of work done.
2. Delicious cookie recipes!

Users are encouraged to log their reciepts, so that they have a journal of the different types of activities they have done thoughout the weeks, months, and years.

Final Thoughts

From this project, I learned how to leverage AI in my designs. By thinking about the affordances of AI and how its generative capabilities allow for individualized experiences, I was able to see AI as a design tool. It was inspiring to think about the capabilities of how AI and humans can work collaboratively to create powerful experiences, such as transparent data collection methods.