RSVP
During the project I managed to evaluate the market, do a quick user survey online, create a set of low fidelity wire frames, connect them into a prototype and build them out to a High fidelity beautiful UI design. In the last checkup round I also did an extensive QA audit focusing on consistency and color contrast with regards to accessibility.
Project Summary
The app has been evaluated for contrast to match the AA standards of WCAG. In some instances I have found that contrast can be improved.
One specific instance I would like to share is my main tool bar. I wanted my main CTA buttons to differentiate from the tool bar. By choosing white with an orange outline it did not give enough contrast on the frosted glass background. To fix the issue I created a vector shape with a dark brown chosen from the background image. Along with bumping my CTA buttons opacity to 90% from 85% helped with contrast
Accessibility Check
Initial Contrast :
CTA Toolbar : FAIL
Revised Contrast :
CTA Toolbar : PASS
High Fidelity Prototype
I connected my high fidelity designs into a clickable prototype. That will allow me to test the app on the first group of users.
Prototype Validation
I validated my prototype with 5 users. Each were given a subset of the prototype dedicated to the search function, choosing best result of search, and locating desired budget restraint for group gathering. Users were given certain parameters that needed to be adhered too.
This was tested in person, where I introduced the app to the user and asked them questions. The questions were dedicated to finding out the difficulties in finding viable locations and food selections.
Study Results
5 out of 5 users were able to navigate the app, use the search function, locate the correct establishment and choose the correct budget parameters. After my 5 users were done I came to the conclusion that I should not have used all restaurant industry professionals. With there know how of POS (point of sale) and Hosting programs they navigated this app with ease. Alternate users from different fields need to be implemented.
Prototype Update Concept
Because of time constraints, I wasn’t able to run a second usability study on the updated prototype.
search executed
product detail view
Alignment and Grid
A mistake that I performed in this project, was not using a proper grid system. It evolved into increments of 3. Choosing an odd number presented itself with many disadvantages that I had to overcome. I was already in too deep, so starting over and rearranging every panel was too daunting.
Icon bounding box for easier tap 42 x 42p
27p
27p
18p
27p
21p
High-Fidelity UI Designs
Once the initial flow was complete, I started by creating the main screens of the app. I started by defining the colors and fonts.
Color Palette
Font
Accent, Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, Background
Lato
Regular, Medium, Bold, Italic
Main CTA button Color
AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHh
Look and Feel
The desired effect of approaching a glass door of a restaurant was accomplished by using a JPEG placed in Adobe PS with a clipping mask and noise filter. It gives the user a more intrinsic reaction to desiring food.
39 High-Fidelity UI designs were created
Color opacity is set
at 85% to give painted
on glass effect
I tested out a simple, flat background color but decided on creating a frosted glass image. The idea behind the artistic direction is to make the customer yearn for the restaurant by constantly seeing a dining room while making all necessary choices.
Low-Fidelity Wireframes
Once the flow diagram was established, I started creating the low-fidelity wire frames of the main flows.
Menu icon
Package chosen, shows
full menu breakdown
Removed messages
replaced w/ search icon
Confirm choice, changed
to only one row
Flow Diagram
To outline the necessary functionality I created a simple flow diagram of the main tasks the user can do. One of the flows is shown below.
Select Restaurant
Registration
Log In
Data Entry
Restaurant Home
Select
Pass
Options Undesirable
Options Undesirable
Browse Restaurants
Log In
Successful
Fill in Guest info
Food Options
Food/Liquor/Seating
Confirmed
Pass
Liquor Option
Select
Conditions Met
Finalize Account
Conditions Met
Seating Option
Select
Pass
Send Itinerary
Confirmation
Final Review
Restaurant
Confirms
Options Undesirable
Time to start designing!
Once I went through all of my research data, it was time to sketch out the first flows and the initial low fidelity wire frames.
Personas
I created two personas based on the main two types of users for the app, the event planner and the restaurant party coordinator.
Amy Nguyen
Sales Trainer Manager
“When looking for a restaurant out of town for a large party, it would be nice to be able book our reservation and see food options without having to wait on a response”
Goals
Frustrations
Locate an out of town restaurant that can accommodate a large party
Having to call or email every restaurant to see if space is available
Regular dining options are shown most of the time, not private party menu’s
Once party is booked I have to create an itinerary and relay food questions to the restaurant
Finding the full menu options for parties online
Book large gathering and have an itinerary I can send to all attending
About Amy
As a Sales Training Manager, Amy is responsible for directing training workshops that are located across the United States. Along with creating entire workshops she needs to make sure all attendees are fed lunch and dinner. Finding a restaurant that can accommodate her needs is a timely operation that needs to be streamlined. Her time is best spent creating materials for her company and sales team.
Age: 37
College: UCLA
Location: San Deigo, Ca
Sarah Watson
Party Coordinator
“With all the different reservation Apps to choose from, there isn’t one that connects customers with detailed menu, seating, and availability on there computer.”
Goals
Give pertinent information in a timely manner
Secure potential customers quickly and effectively
Be able to communicate information quickly on one app
Frustrations
Sending out an email or call, waiting on response from potential client if not reached by initial call
Usually 2 to 3 interactions is needed to close a potential client based on all data presented
Texting multiple clients on my work phone can get cumbersome, if I could just pull up one source that has the clients iteneray
About Sarah
As a Party Coordinator, Sarah is in charge of facilitating large gatherings for companies or groups. Once contacted she reaches out and begins the process of giving menu options along with pricing options. She hosts a private meeting with the prospective client at the restaurant to show the different room selections. The process of finalizing menu options, seating, and pricing begins with what can be a strenuous journey.
Age: 44
College: NC State
Location: Durham, NC
There is a growing need for seamless searches pertaining to locating restaurants that can accommodate large parties without having to go through a gatekeeper. With the advancement in connectivity, all large parties should have access to event information beforehand.
Initial Research Shows
User Survey
I conducted a quick survey of 26 restaurant employees who deal with private parties on a regular basis on Twitter.
What’s the most important factor you take into account when dealing with a private party/event?
Menu Options
Customer Allergies
8 %
17 %
25 %
20 %
30 %
Scheduled Time Adherence
Alcohol Selection
AV Projector
Notable comments from Survey
Katie
Mark
Amy
There is nothing worse then a party walking in and because of an AV issue you have to reseat a 40 top
A party being 30 minutes late cascades problems, especially on a busy night
If your in time is 6pm you need to be in at 6pm, we have other customers
Competitive Analysis
I analyzed 3 of the most popular apps in the restaurant space - looking at there capabilities within party planning/ large group reservations. Looking at the positive and negative aspects of all three I have identified the need for RSVP in the restaurant space.
The Good
All three apps let customers see the availablity for large parties.
App 1
App 2
The Bad
Reservations for large parties are not set until confirmed by party coordinator (App 1 , App 2, App 3) and there is no large search capabilities to find available hosting restaurants. (App 1, App 2, App3) Customers must reach out to all restaurants individually to find information on large party capabilities. (App 1, App2, App3)
App 3
Problems From comments
Susan
I wasn’t able to book a party larger than 8 guests without calling the restaurant.
Danielle
It took 2 days to hear back from party coordinator on availability.
Phil
The amount of back and forth with the party coordinator was strenuous.
Market Research
The Claim
The Problem
Corporate businesses are constantly having dinners and functions, locally, and in other locations based on meetings. Along with regular parties or large gatherings, customers want to have the ability to find a location without having to contact a business and then wait for a reply.
The restaurant industry is a billion dollar industry that lacks a portal that gives customers a searchable database of locations that provide event space without having to contact private coordinators. This creates an unnecessary barrier for customers to traverse, wasting time and productivity.
$1 T
$900B
$800B
$700B
$600B
2015
2019
2023
$1.1 T
RSVP
An efficient way for customers to locate restaurants that process the ability to host large parties without having to wait for a response from an event planner. Users will be able to access locations, party menu options, drink options and floor plans instantly.
Where
Durham, NC
Role
Designer, Researcher
Why I made this project
As a customer service professional who has been in the fine dining business for 8+ years I have witnessed consistent problems with private parties. A lack of informed customers, last minute changes due to failures in communication and payment issues inspired me to create RSVP for seamless interactions with client and party coordinators. All aspects can be shared with the whole party creating low probability of last minute issues.
What
Native mobile app
Category
Hospitality, Food & Beverage
Why
Portfolio Project
When
April 2023 - May 2023
RSVP
