Between Indoor and Outdoor: Design for Three User Types of Outdoor Kitchens

There is a growing trend towards enhancing outdoor living spaces as extensions of the home. According to the ICFA Outdoor Trending Report (2021), 49% of Americans barbecue in outdoor living spaces, underscoring the demand for outdoor kitchens. However, there is a notable lack of user research of outdoor kitchens, including insights into users’ workflows and the identification of distinct user types. To address this gap, this study analysed five years of user-generated posts on Reddit, focusing on indoor-outdoor workflows and product combinations. The analysis identified three user types: Minimalists, who prioritize simplicity; Tinkerers, who seek flexibility; and Architects, who create fixed and customizable setups. Based on these insights, a modular outdoor kitchen design system was developed to accommodate diverse user preferences. This research aims to bridge the gap between mass-market solutions and personalized needs by integrating modular design principles with user-driven insights, providing a framework for future outdoor kitchen innovations.