TableSense

2023 · WEB APP & SITE

A smart table booking system, developed with hospitality flows in mind.

What is TableSense?

Intro

The TableSense team reached out to me in late 2022 with a clear vision of what they wanted their product to be. They had a solid feature set and had already made some rough mockups based on preliminary research. What was missing, however, was a unifying UX design and a fresh, cohesive look to bring the product to life.

We worked 100% remotely, so Figma was our workspace, making remote collaboration and ideation not only feasible but incredibly efficient. Moreover, it allowed us to brainstorm ideas together, as if we were just across the table (pun intended!) or asynchronously.

TOOLKIT
Figma logoHotjar Logo
PLATFORMS
Safari Browser Icon

Goal

We designed the product from the ground up to be multi platform. Balancing large amounts of information in the diary view without the interface becoming clunky or overwhelming. It was essential that even the tiniest screens delivered an experience that was intuitive and touch-friendly.

Research and Iterrative Design

What fueled our design journey was the constant interaction with merchants. Their daily challenges, workflows, and feedback formed the cornerstone of the design process. Their insights provided the direction, ensuring we were focused and solving their biggest problems.

Key Findings

  • Clarity over Complexity: While merchants appreciate robust tools, they don't want to grapple with an intricate system.
  • Platform Agnosticism: A system should be a convenience, not an obligation. Hence, multi-platform compatibility was non-negotiable.
  • Seamless Integrations: Today, booking systems must seamlessly blend into digital spaces, be it through social media links or website widgets.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Merchants love a peek into booking trends. Real-time data lets them strategize - from managing inventory to planning staff rosters.

UI Component Libraries

In laying the groundwork for a comprehensive future design system, one of the pivotal steps undertaken was the establishment of diverse Figma component libraries. Recognizing the efficiency they bring to the table, these libraries served as a unified repository of design elements, streamlining the handoff between design and development. By offering the engineering team readily accessible, standardized components, the product development phase was not only expedited but also ensured adherence to design consistency across the platform. This systemic approach reduced ambiguity, minimized potential inconsistencies, and set the stage for a cohesive user experience.

The Solution

Diary

The biggest challenge with the app was about figuring out how to display lots of different information to the user, especially in the diary view, in a way that still felt lightweight and didn’t overwhelm them, even on the smallest screen, all while keeping the UI touch friendly. So, we decided on a few guiding principles anchored in simplicity:

  • A restrained color palette.
  • Intuitive icons that speak for themselves.
  • Customizable diary views.
  • Utilise modality when possible, so the user never looses view of the big picture.

It felt like striking the right balance between giving a lot of info without making it look like a mess. The result? A harmonious UI where merchants could easily zoom in on the data that mattered most to them.

Landing Page

Our insights weren't limited to just the app. Using the findings, we gave the landing page a facelift. Crafted in Framer for its agility, the revamped landing page is not just visually appealing but communicates the product's value proposition with renewed vigor.

Comms

Another essential aspect we tackled was the email communication from TableSense to the customers on behalf of the merchants. Recognizing the significance of the first touchpoint a customer often has with the merchant, it was vital to ensure these emails were not only informative but also left a positive impression. Prioritizing a clear information hierarchy, we designed the emails to be easily digestible, ensuring recipients could quickly grasp essential details like booking confirmation, time, date, and any special instructions. The design aesthetics of these emails was intentionally kept neutral. This neutrality serves a dual purpose: it maintains a professional and clean look while also providing flexibility for individual merchants to subtly incorporate their branding elements, ensuring a cohesive brand experience for their customers.

Post-launch Feedback and Iteration:

While feedback was overwhelmingly positive, the real test of any product lies in how it performs in real-world scenarios. We continue to monitor user feedback and observe merchants as they integrate TableSense into their daily operations. These insights will guide the next phase of TableSense’s development as we continue to improve and evolve th product, ensuring that it remains ahead of the curve and always aligned with merchant needs.

Key Observations:

  • Quick Adoption: The focus on an intuitive design meant that even those not technologically savvy found the system easy to use.
  • Increased Efficiency: Merchants reported significant time savings, better table turnover rates, and reduced no-shows.
  • Enhanced Customer Experience: Restaurants and cafes witnessed a smoother customer experience, with patrons appreciating the transparency and efficiency of the booking system.

Get in touch if you'd like to learn more about my work or discuss how I could help your business.