0→1: Intuitive KDS for seamless order management
2023
BOXS Kitchen Display System
2023
⏱ 3 min
Overview
Designed a reliable, affordable Kitchen Display System (KDS) that digitally organizes and displays incoming orders for restaurant kitchen staff, replacing traditional paper tickets and streamlining operations.
Challenge
As the sole UI/UX designer, I tackled the complex challenge of creating an interface for chaotic kitchen environments. The system needed to be instantly comprehensible amid noise and pressure, while handling the complexity of Hong Kong restaurants with hundreds of dishes and thousands of customization options. Critical requirements included minimizing interactions, providing clear visual status indicators, and communicating detailed modifications on space-constrained screens.
Process
- Analyzed comprehensive on-site research and feedback collected by field teams
- Synthesized insights about environmental constraints and user needs from multiple restaurant settings
- Developed a gesture-based interaction system requiring minimal screen contact
- Created a visual language using color, shape, and position to convey critical information without text
- Refined designs based on stakeholder feedback and kitchen staff input
Solution
Created a highly intuitive KDS optimized for high-pressure environments:
- One-click order completion with haptic confirmation
- Color-coded time indicators showing orders approaching critical wait times
- Inventory alerts integrated directly into order cards
- Customization shorthand system using icons and minimal text for modifications
- Station-specific views with consistent global status indicators
- Emergency mode for high-volume periods with simplified interface
