Time WizARd: Exploring the Use of Augmented Reality for Supporting Multitask Timekeeping in Kitchen Cooking
Joseph O’Hagan, Xinuo Zhou, Katharina Margareta Theresa Pöhlmann, Mark McGill · 2026
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.