Brief Case Study
Simplifying Restaurant Prep
Steps to Success
Understanding the Problem: Developed problem statement and user persona.
User Research: Identified interview participants and conducted user research, interviewing 5 restaurant owners of sit-down and fast casual concepts.
Analysis: Synthesized research utilizing affinity mapping and developed journey map to determine and improve application functions and features
Design Ideation: Designed preliminary sketches and low fidelity wire-frames and prototype using Figma
Moderated Testing: Conducted 3 moderated usability tests with low fidelity prototype
High Fidelity Design: Reiterated app concept based on feedback and created brand guidelines for high fidelity prototype
Unmoderated Testing: Conducted 5 unmoderated usability tests utilizing Maze and gathered additional feedback to Implement further product improvements.
Prototype: Completed final prototype for Effica
A high level overview of the 4 application dashboards is shown. The Station Dashboard, Staff Dashboard, Recipes and Notes can be accessed using the bottom navigation bar. This structure saves steps and time for all kitchen functions.
Understanding the Problem
The prep team is most challenged with managing their time effectively because of the lack of reliable communication and organization within the kitchen stations, and among shifts as day and night staff rotate. If we can solve this problem, it would impact the bottom line and the guest experience positively by enabling an efficient line of communication and consistent product. It would also benefit our business because it would minimize waste, production steps, and human error that impact the kitchen teams' ability to focus on the guest experience.
User Research & Analysis
“Half our battle in the restaurant industry is lack of communication.”
“Kitchen production starts at the beginning and starts with preparation.”
“Kitchen production starts at the beginning and starts with preparation.”
“So it's really important that a kitchen is organized, and our cooks are not taking more than three steps to be efficient.”
“If one station falls behind, we all fall behind.”
My initial synthesis helped me to come up with high-level functions and features as shown in the 2x2 matrix. As I began to lay out the Journey Map it quickly started growing to become a fully functional concept.
