Assignment #2 - Justine Lee - Rapid Ramen

Product Summary

The Rapid Ramen Cooker is a microwaveable ramen cooker. Simply place the ramen into the container, add water to the line, put in the seasoning packet, microwave for 4 minutes, and it’s ready to eat straight from the container. Perfect for college students, it’s a fast and simple way to ensure your ramen comes out perfect every time. In addition, it is BPA and dishwasher safe.

Relative Advantage

In comparison to the traditional method of cooking packaged ramen, the rapid ramen cooker has many advantages. First, it is extremely easy to use. The ramen noodles fit perfectly into the cooker, you don’t need to measure how much water to use, and everything is conveniently done in your microwave. Second, it is considerably healthier to cook ramen using this method than traditional ways. Because it only requires one cup of water, half the traditional amount, only half of the seasoning packet is necessary to produce the same great taste. This is an incredible advantage, as one of the central drawbacks of ramen is that it is unhealthy and packed with sodium.  The ramen cooker is also efficient, cutting down the cooking time on an already quick-cooking product.

Compatibility

This product is in-line with social norms as it capitalizes on society’s desire for instant gratification. A main reason why people choose to cook ramen is because it is quick. The rapid ramen cooker answers the users’ need by expediting the cooking process.  And it does this because the pan is made to fit the shape of the ramen noodles, allowing an even heat distribution. In particular, this product appeals to the main consumers of ramen, college students, who can appreciate the simple, yet effective, design.

Adaptability/Reinventability

The success of this product is due to the fact that the pan is almost the same shape of the ramen noodles. Because of that, the product has medium adaptability. While it isn’t adaptable to different types of noodles, it still functions as a microwaveable bowl. If the inventor was to create different shapes and sold them in a variety back, the product could have much more use and reach a wider audience.

Observability

If the rapid ramen cooker were adapted, the results of use would be very observable, as it would start appearing in kitchens and college dorms all around the world. There could also be an increase in ramen sales as the two products are complimentary goods.  For people who consume a large amount of ramen, effects of using the cooker could be a healthier self, as a 50% reduction in sodium is quite large.

Conclusion

Overall, I think the rapid ramen cooker is a great product that has a strong chance of being adopted by society. It appeals to almost everything a ramen connoisseur could possibly look for: efficiency and simplicity without sacrificing flavor and satisfaction. For those additional benefits, not to mention health improvements, the price of $7 is well worth it. If they inventors could expand on their line to create more shapes and sizes, the rapid ramen cooker could be the next big hit.