Nikkou is a stylish yet cozy Japanese chain restaurant with many different locations across Australia that caters to small and large group functions and offers both à la carte and multi-course set meals for group booking. They aim to provide premium food with fresh ingredients and warm services.
Nikkou targets local customers who look for having an enjoyable dining experience with their family, friends, or co-workers.
UX/UI, Brand concept
This case study is part of my Google UX Design Professional Certificate.
A primary user group identified through research was the existing customers who look for a fast and easy table reservation process and be able to order online without having to call the restaurant.
This user group confirmed initial assumptions about Nikkou customers, but research also revealed that lacking an online reservation system and long waiting times for the meal and bills were not the only factors that put them to inconvenience. Another user problem was the inflexibility of modifying the booking.
I drafted iterations of each screen of the app on paper first to create a basic structure of a page and to highlight the intended function of each element.
Stars were used to mark the elements of each sketch that would be used in the initial digital wireframes
User task is to use the restaurant booking app to make a table booking and pre-order meal quickly and easily.
I conducted two rounds of usability studies. Findings from the first study helped guide the designs from wireframes to mockups. The second study used a high-fidelity prototype and revealed what aspects of the mockups needed refining.
Additionally, A/B testing was solely used to test the pre-ordering screens.
Study type:
Moderated usability study
Participants:
5 participants
Location:
Australia, remote
Length:
10-15 minutes
After the usability studies, onboarding screens were added to briefly explains how the booking and pre-ordering work.
I simplified the user interface and added Search widget to the home screen to reduce the entire booking steps. If users have booked before, the search field will be autofill with their latest location booked.
Alternatively, users can choose to view complete list of our locations.
The table booking process is straightforward. After selecting a restaurant location, users enter booking details (number of guests, date, and time). Availability of dates and times are indicated.
Users can either pre-order food at the time of booking or skip and go straight to confirm their booking.
On the menu page, users can select and add menu items to the cart. Each menu item provides detailed ingredients and a space to note special dietary requirements.
To ensure a smooth checkout for loyal customers,
During the second usability study, users expressed desire for flexibility of booking that allows for changes in booking dates or cancellations.
Creating my very first mobile app and using Figma for the first time has been an enjoyable experience despite encountering several trial and error moments throughout the design process and implementing UI best practices. I intend to leverage these experiences to enhance my skills and knowledge for the next project.
