The original Gr8Tables design had many issues, but while guest-facing problems could be partially addressed by tweaking the interface, the waiter-facing issues required a complete overhaul of user flows and information architecture. First, I conducted numerous surveys, interviews, and usability tests with restaurant staff. I used the research results to validate the audit hypotheses and identify problem areas in the app for waitstaff. Excerpts from this audit are shown below.

Research showed that waitstaff were dissatisfied with the current information architecture. The guest list, as well as a separate screen for the news feed, were inconvenient and time-consuming. I optimized the IA to more clearly reflect the categories important to waitstaff: (1) tables, (2) kitchen, (3) bar.

One of the most important research findings was to reduce the number of clicks required to perform actions. However, overcrowding screens with buttons was also undesirable, as we wanted to minimize potential user errors. To include all necessary functionality without overloading the screens with buttons, we implemented a large number of swipe actions.

At the same time, we decided to significantly redesign and improve the app’s design system. The interface became more elegant and modern thanks to a complete overhaul of the design language.