Shabu Hachi

The Problem

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The issue arises when walk-in customers, particularly large groups, frequently encounter lengthy wait times.

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Project Goal

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Design an app for Shabu Hachi that allows user to reserve a table in advance and place a special request easily.

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User Interviews

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I conducted interviews and created empathy maps to understand the users I’m designing for and their needs. A primary user group identified through research was people who love to eat out with their big family, friends or partner. 

This user group confirmed initial assumptions about Shabu Hachi customers. Research reveals that customers has a challenge with a long wait, especially if they have a big party. Beside of that, they also need to make a special request and make sure the staff can prepare it for them in advance.

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User Persona

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Lily is a full-time mom who needs assurance of the restaurant’s capacity because the staff sometimes make a mistake and has to wait longer to be seated

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User Journey Maps

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User Journeys help us to come up with ideas for designs that truly support the users’ needs and solve their problems.

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Paper Wireframes

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I created the initial sketch with user pain points in mind. I make sure the app will have confirmation page to review and submit, this will prevent user error.

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Wireframes and Prototype

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Using the completed set of digital wireframes, I created a low-fidelity prototype. The primary user flow I connected was reservation a table, so the prototype could be used in a usability study.

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Usability Testing

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I conducted two rounds of usability studies with 5 participants for each cycle. 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.

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Refining Design

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1. Highlighted the reservation section

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2. Focus on easy navigation and more clear page information

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Final Design and Prototype

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What I Learned

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While designing the Shabu Hachi app, I learned that the first ideas for the app are only the beginning of the process. Usability studies and peer feedback influenced each iteration of the app’s designs.