Online Ordering POS Platform for Restaurant

Product Design

Role & Responsibilities

During my time at Abacus Business Computer, I worked as a product designer with a diverse range of responsibilities encompassing both UX and UI design, with a particular focus on the platform's application interface. I closely collaborated with the product owner, developers, and scrum master throughout the project lifecycle to ensure that design and development were aligned. My tasks included in-depth research, the development of implementation strategies, the generation of creative concepts, articulating the product's value proposition, and crafting emotionally resonant content for our target audience. Ultimately, my aim was to deliver a consistent and compelling user experience.

timeline
4 Months
Role
User Research, Interaction Design, Visual Design, Prototyping & Testing
Category
POS System
platforms
Desktop, Tablet & Mobile

Role & Responsibilities

During my time at Abacus Business Computer, I worked as a product designer with a diverse range of responsibilities encompassing both UX and UI design, with a particular focus on the platform's application interface. I closely collaborated with the product owner, developers, and scrum master throughout the project lifecycle to ensure that design and development were aligned. My tasks included in-depth research, the development of implementation strategies, the generation of creative concepts, articulating the product's value proposition, and crafting emotionally resonant content for our target audience. Ultimately, my aim was to deliver a consistent and compelling user experience.

timeline
4 Months
Role
User Research, Interaction Design, Visual Design, Prototyping & Testing
Category
POS System
platforms
Desktop, Tablet & Mobile
Design Story

Design Process

Design framework for online ordering POS system

Project Context

Background

The pandemic has posed significant challenges to the service industry, prompting the need for swift adaptation and innovation. In response, this study developed an online ordering platform to enable restaurants to maintain service capabilities while prioritizing safety. By implementing a direct ordering system on the restaurant's website, the project aimed to reduce reliance on third-party delivery apps and increase profitability.The overarching goal was to revolutionize the food ordering experience, allowing customers to enjoy delicious meals from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, the project sought to support restaurants in retaining customers, achieving economic stability, and adapting to the new normal brought about by the pandemic.

Goal

  • Help restaurants make informed decisions between utilizing third-party delivery services or developing their own delivery channels.
  • Provide solutions that minimize operational costs and maximize revenue, despite reduced indoor dining and capacity limitations.
  • Enhance customer engagement and ensure business sustainability in response to shifting consumer behaviors and the challenges brought on by the pandemic.
  • Challenges

    Our challenge was to find solutions that could help restaurants increase their revenue while navigating these unprecedented circumstances.

    PRoblem statement

    At the start of the project, we identified that restaurants faced severe challenges due to the pandemic: declining indoor dining, capacity limits, high online ordering fees, and reduced daytime customer flow. This led to a critical decision for restaurants—whether to use costly third-party delivery services or develop their own channels. How might we help restaurants address these challenges and choose the best solution for their delivery needs?

    HYPothesis

    How do restaurants thrive in today's new normal?

  • Direct online ordering: If restaurants implement a streamlined online ordering platform with a user-friendly interface and efficient checkout process, then they will see increased order volumes and improved customer satisfaction scores, because a more intuitive and efficient system will enhance the overall user experience and encourage more frequent orders.
  • Promoting contactless service options: If restaurants promote contactless service options such as curbside pickup and online digital payment methods, then they will experience higher customer satisfaction and a stronger perception of safety, because these options reduce physical contact and provide convenience and reassurance to customers.
  • overcoming procedural challenges: If restaurants implement integrated solutions to simplify and organize data for managing delivery orders, then they will achieve smoother and more efficient operations, because streamlined data management will reduce errors and improve coordination within the delivery process.
  • RESEARCH

    Competitive Features Analysis

    I conducted a detailed competitive analysis by creating a comprehensive list of essential features and evaluating products in the same category to understand the market landscape better. My main aim was to grasp their key offerings and identify areas with potential for innovation.‍

    Learning: Through hands-on research and meticulous evaluation of multiple competitor products, I uncovered valuable insights, facilitating informed decision-making and revealing strategic opportunities for advancement and differentiation in the market. These insights highlighted the untapped potential for innovation and differentiation amidst competitors offering similar core features. By identifying common trends and areas of deficiency among competitors, we can capitalize on strategic opportunities to address unmet customer needs and introduce novel features, positioning our product for differentiation and leadership in the market.

    Findings:

    User interface and experience: Current POS systems feature complex dashboards with too many options visible at once, making navigation difficult for new users. This highlights an opportunity to design a more intuitive and streamlined interface.

    Order management capabilities: competitors provide basic order tracking for customers. Implementing real-time order tracking and modification options could enhance user satisfaction.

    Payment processing options: Some competitors support a few payment methods, like credit cards or cash. Incorporating a wider range of payment options, including digital wallets and contactless payment, could cater ato a broader customer base.

    RESEARCH

    What are the user's touchpoints from start to finish?

    The service blueprint for a direct online ordering system highlights that integrating seamlessly with the point of sale system enhances convenience and satisfaction. By mapping out the user's and restaurant touchpoint, it becomes clear that key components such as efficient order fulfillment, accurate tracking, and timely delivery are crucial for a positive experience. Identifying and addressing potential bottlenecks in the workflow can streamline operations and improve overall service efficiency, ensuring a smoother and more satisfying customer journey.

    Searching Phase

    • Touchpoint: search engines, restaurant websites/apps, review platforms.
    • Finding: Users rely on effective search engine optimization and engaging website content to discover restaurants. Clear, compelling information and positive reviews are essential for attracting potential customers

    Ordering Phase

    • Touchpoint: menu pages, customization options, payment gateway, order submission interface.
    • Finding: An intuitive, easy-to-navigate menu with customization options and a variety of secure payment methods enhances the ordering experience. Clear order confirmation screens and straightforward payment processes are critical for user satisfaction.

    Service Phase

    • Touchpoint: Order confirmation emails/SMS, real-time tracking, delivery/pickup process.
    • Finding: Timely confirmation and real-time tracking updates are crucial for keeping customers informed and reassured. Contactless delivery or pickup options and clear instructions ensure a safe and efficient experience.

    Research

    What does the customer journey look like in a post-covid world?

    After analyzing the customer journey, I have discovered ways to enhance customer engagement and increase sales. One effective strategy is to implement direct online ordering systems. This approach benefits both businesses and customers by reducing contact risk between customers and staff.

    Findings:

    In the post-COVID customer journey for online ordering, users increasingly rely on online research and targeted promotions to discover restaurants, valuing detailed menu information and safety assurances. The ordering process should offer an intuitive interface with real-time availability, diverse payment options, and contactless delivery or pickup choices to meet evolving expectations. Confirmation and tracking updates are essential for enhancing the post-order experience, while accuracy and quality remain crucial post-delivery. Implementing loyalty programs and personalized offers can drive repeat business, and effective follow-up communication, including thank you messages and targeted promotions, fosters ongoing customer engagement and satisfaction.

    FInal Design

    Addressing proposed solutions

    After completing the mid-fidelity wireframes, the next step is to develop high-fidelity prototypes for the online ordering platform with POS integration. High-fidelity prototypes are detailed and polished representations of the final product, incorporating visual design elements such as colors, typography, and interactive components. They serve as a critical communication tool to convey design decisions and user interactions clearly to stakeholders and the development team.

    We account for "all viewports" in the responsive design that coincide to all user's screens, which streamlines the use of tablet and mobile audiences. Customers can now order anytime and anywhere using the responsive web interface from the restaurant’s website directly.

    When a customer places an order on the restaurant's website, the orders are sent directly to the restaurant's point of sale system. Online ordering with POS integration is much easier to control the process and improve order accuracy while reducing the risk for errors.