TableSense

Research

We engaged in conversations with prospective clients, primarily targeting small to medium-sized restaurant owners. Utilising a blend of individual interviews and limited focus groups, we sought to understand their necessities, anticipations, and interactions with existing online reservation systems, considering both their perspectives and those of their customers. Here are some of the key findings from those sessions:

Brainstorming & Iterative Design

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.

What fuelled our iterative 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.

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. Recognising 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, standardised components, the product development phase was not only expedited but also ensured adherence to design consistency across the platform. This systemic approach reduced ambiguity, minimised 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.
• Customisable 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 is 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 vigour.

Comms

Another essential aspect we tackled was the email communication from TableSense to the customers on behalf of the merchants. Recognising 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. Prioritising 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 & 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 the 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.