Overview
Since the successful launch of Fish Mart SAKURAYA's i-ordering system, Fish Mart SAKURAYA aims to open a brand new restaurant at 313@somerset on Feb 2024, with a fully digital ordering platform that requires no menus, tailored for the tech-savvy and affluent diners at central Singapore.
Problem Statement
How can we improve on our existing i-ordering system while eliminating the need for physical menus?
Insights
In order to understand the issues faced with by Fish Mart SAKURAYA's system, I interviewed 10 of our restaurant managers. Here are the pain points gathered from these discussions:
- Navigation Difficulties: Loading times of menu pages can be slow at times, especially during peak periods, leading to frustration and delays.
- Order Management Challenges: There is still mix-ups and delayed orders caused by lack of order tracking and management.
- Payment Processing Issues: The existing payment process at the cashier is inefficient, which leads to long wait times and customer dissatisfaction.
- Frequent Membership Login Requests: Staff frequently receive requests for password resets and login assistance, which takes up valuable time and resources.
- Lack of Detailed Menu Information: Customers often request more information about menu items, including ingredients and potential allergens.
- Missed Sales Due to Menu Browsing Difficulties: When items sell out, staff and customers check the i-ordering interface for availability. However, because items are grouped by category, newly restocked items can be overlooked, resulting in missed sales opportunities.
Key Features
As a result we would like to implement the following
- Login Details Retrieval System: Swift password recovery to enhance security and reduce staff intervention.
- Unified Interface: Access to all menu items on a single screen, simplifying navigation and reduce the risk of overlooking sold-out items that have been recently restocked.
- Detailed Menu Descriptions: With no physical menus, the i-order descriptions required more details, such as potential allergens, ingredients, and English translations for Japanese menu items.
- In-App Payment Options: Secure and multiple payment methods directly through the app, including credit cards, digital wallets, and reward points.
- Real-Time Order Tracking: Keep customers informed about their order status.
Ideation
After identifying the necessary features, actions, and information from the previous phases, I quickly moved into sketching to map out the user flow. A few iterations on paper helped solidify the general idea, and I then switched to Figma for easier adjustments and refinements.
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Login Details Retrieval System
To address this, I designed a self-service login details recovery feature. The design included a clear and intuitive interface that guided users through a step-by-step process to retrieve their login details. Security measures, such as email verification, were integrated to ensure the process was both user-friendly and secure.

Unified Interface
I redesigned the interface to unify all menu items into a single, comprehensive screen. This involved creating a visually appealing layout with clearly defined categories and an intuitive search function. Icons and minimalistic design elements were used to reduce cognitive load and make navigation straightforward, ensuring users could easily find and order their desired items.
Detailed Menu Descriptions
I enhanced the menu descriptions by incorporating high-resolution images and detailed text information for each item. This included a list of ingredients, allergen warnings, and translations. Expandable sections were used to provide detailed information without cluttering the interface, allowing users to access the information they needed while keeping the menu visually clean.

In-App Payment Options
I integrated multiple secure payment methods into the app, including credit cards, digital wallets, and reward points. The payment interface was designed to be straightforward and secure, featuring a clean layout with clear instructions and confirmation steps. This design ensured a seamless and convenient checkout process, reducing the need for physical transactions.

Real-Time Order Tracking
I designed a real-time order tracking feature that provided users with updates on their order status. The interface included a visual progress indicator and estimated wait times, displayed prominently in the app. This design kept users informed and reduced uncertainty, enhancing their overall experience by providing transparency and timely updates.

Outcomes
Despite our clear vision and positive progress, the Sake⁺ i-ordering project had to scale back most features due to budget and timeline constraints, retaining only the login details retrieval system. This experience provided valuable insights into prioritizing features and managing resources effectively for future projects.
Learning Points
As a UX designer, this project taught me the importance of prioritizing features and managing resources effectively. It reinforced the need for flexibility and adaptability in the design process, ensuring that key functionalities are maintained even when facing constraints. Additionally, I gained valuable insights into balancing user needs with practical limitations, which will guide me in delivering impactful and efficient solutions in future projects.