Minto Order Taking App
Minto Order Taking App
The goal was to design a hybrid mobile app that helps restaurant stewards handle orders quickly and accurately. The system streamlines table and order management, minimizes errors, and ensures smooth communication with the kitchen. The app is built to enhance restaurant efficiency, deliver a better dining experience for customers, and support growth through a reliable and intuitive solution.
- Deliverables:
- Mobile App Design, Admin Dashboard, Staff Training Interface
- Team:
- Product Designer (me), Backend Developer, Restaurant Operations Consultant
Business Goal
The goal was to build a mobile app that empowers restaurant stewards to manage orders with speed and accuracy. The system simplifies table and order management, reduces operational errors, and ensures smooth coordination with the kitchen. The app aims to improve restaurant efficiency, strengthen customer relationships, and support scalable growth by streamlining the dine-in experience.
User Impact Goal
For restaurant staff, Minto provides an intuitive interface that makes order taking fast and error-free. For customers, the system ensures accurate orders and faster service, improving their dining experience significantly.
Design Process
Through extensive field research and iterative design, I developed a comprehensive order management solution that revolutionizes restaurant operations. Each design phase focused on understanding real-world restaurant workflows and creating intuitive interfaces that enhance efficiency and reduce errors during peak service hours.
01/ Restaurant Operations Research
Conducted immersive field research across various restaurant types to understand existing order-taking processes and operational challenges. Observed staff workflows during different service periods, identified bottlenecks, and documented pain points that impact efficiency. This research provided crucial insights into the fast-paced restaurant environment and informed design decisions that prioritize speed and accuracy.
02/ Workflow Optimization & User Journey
Mapped the complete order lifecycle from initial customer interaction to kitchen fulfillment and payment processing. Designed streamlined user flows that minimize steps, reduce cognitive load, and eliminate potential error points. Created role-based interfaces for different staff members while ensuring seamless handoffs between front-of-house and kitchen operations.
03/ Interface Design & Usability
Developed an intuitive mobile interface optimized for restaurant environments with considerations for lighting, noise, and fast-paced interactions. Designed large touch targets, implemented clear visual hierarchies, and created quick access patterns for popular menu items and customizations. The interface prioritizes speed without sacrificing accuracy or ease of use.
04/ Real-World Testing & Refinement
Conducted extensive usability testing with actual restaurant staff in live service environments. Tested the application during peak dining hours to validate performance under pressure. Iteratively refined the interface based on real-world feedback, ensuring the final solution seamlessly integrates into existing restaurant operations while improving overall efficiency.
Next Steps
Minto is expanding to new markets with enhanced features including inventory management and customer analytics. Integration with popular POS systems is also planned.
Round Up
Minto's order-taking app has successfully transformed restaurant operations, making staff more efficient and improving customer satisfaction across hundreds of restaurants.