The Problem: Cooking While Multitasking is Frustrating

Many home cooks struggle with juggling recipes and other phone activities like texting or watching videos while preparing meals. Constantly switching between apps leads to missed steps, cooking errors, and unnecessary frustration. This idea proposes a way to keep recipes visible and accessible without disrupting other tasks.

Overlay Recipe Window: A Seamless Solution

One approach could be creating a recipe app with a small, movable overlay window that stays on top of other apps—similar to how chat bubbles work in messaging apps. Key features might include:

• Resizable and draggable windows that won’t block important content
• Voice controls for hands-free navigation ("next step" or "repeat")
• Built-in timers and quick-adjust options for ingredients

This would let users follow recipes without leaving their current app or activity. Initial development could focus on Android, where overlay permissions are more flexible, with potential iOS adaptations later.

Why This Approach Stands Out

Existing recipe apps like Paprika or Yummly require full-screen use, forcing constant app switching. An overlay removes this friction, particularly benefiting:

1. Multitaskers who check messages or videos while cooking
2. Beginners needing constant recipe access
3. Meal preppers managing multiple steps

Early testing could gauge interest with a lightweight Android MVP featuring basic overlay functionality before adding voice controls or smart device integration. Monetization might include sponsored recipes or premium features like ad-free usage.

The core advantage lies in addressing a common pain point that major apps haven’t solved—turning passive recipe viewing into an active, flexible cooking assistant.