Summer, formerly known as ToastApp, revolutionizes the dining experience for restaurants, bars, cafes, and more with its comprehensive POS solutions. From efficient order management to streamlined staff coordination, Summer empowers businesses to thrive in the hospitality industry.

Moreover, on the customer front, Summer offers a seamless digital platform accessible via QR codes, allowing patrons to effortlessly browse menus, place orders, and complete payments.

Summer, formerly known as ToastApp, revolutionizes the dining experience for restaurants, bars, cafes, and more with its comprehensive POS solutions. From efficient order management to streamlined staff coordination, Summer empowers businesses to thrive in the hospitality industry.

Moreover, on the customer front, Summer offers a seamless digital platform accessible via QR codes, allowing patrons to effortlessly browse menus, place orders, and complete payments.

The need for a refresh?

Complex User Interface

The current product's UI appears outdated and cluttered, lacking clear spacing and hierarchy, which hampers user efficiency, particularly for occasional users.

Poor User Experience

The product's usability was hindered by navigation challenges and complex workflows, stemming partly from the design issues.

Brand Refresh

A brand refresh meant, Summer's product needed necessary changes to align with the updated branding, to ensure consistency and coherence with the refreshed brand image.

01

Competitor Analysis

We conducted a thorough market analysis focusing on key competitors such as POSist, PetPooja, Tally, and LimeTray. This examination provided valuable insights into market trends and different approaches to POS solutions.

By identifying strengths and weaknesses, we gained actionable intelligence to inform our product development. This strategic analysis positioned us to capitalize on successful strategies and address the evolving needs of our target market effectively.

At the heart of this module are campaign access requests. Employees initiate requests for resources, but managers act as gatekeepers, approving only those necessary for the employee's job duties. Some key metrics of the redesigned module;

  • 76% reduction in avg. time spent my managers on the module.

  • 125% increase in the user satisfaction rate after the redesign.

  • 93% reduction in frequency of user errors caused previously.

At the heart of this module are campaign access requests. Employees initiate requests for resources, but managers act as gatekeepers, approving only those necessary for the employee's job duties. Some key metrics of the redesigned module;

  • 76% reduction in avg. time spent my managers on the module.

  • 125% increase in the user satisfaction rate after the redesign.

  • 93% reduction in frequency of user errors caused previously.

POSist

  • Relatively higher price especially for smaller restaurants

  • Highly complex system, higher learning curve required

  • No customization features

  • Complaints about responsiveness

  • Feature rich platform with comprehensive functionalities.

  • Robust reporting and analytical features

  • Gets easier to use once you learn the platform

  • Supports a wide range of hardware devices.

TALLY

  • Primary focus on accounting, not fully dedicated POS

  • Interface and terminology complex for users without experience

  • Mobile access for the platform is bad

  • Software integration features are limited

  • Trusted accounting software with strong reputation in the market.

  • Versatile platform

  • Extensive customization options available

PETPOOJA

  • No customization features

  • Complex UI, with moderate learning curve

  • Some common flows take a long time, not efficient especially for larger restaurants

  • Integration features are limited

  • Least complex user interface compared to the competitors

  • Reliable customization features

  • Trusted by a large number of restaurants

  • Comprehensive features from billing to inventory

LIME TRAY

  • Not suitable for larger businesses

  • Advanced functionalities are missing, like analytics and inventory management

  • Support features are limited

  • Very limited offline functionality

  • Extensive customization features available

  • Versatility, available on both Mac and Windows

  • Loyalty program to enhance customer engagement

02 / PROCESS

02 / (SWOT Analysis)

Improving assigning efficiency by more than 62%

Opportunities for improvement

Managers perform actions on the review items from the users. After numerous ideation phases on how to present the wealth of information, leading to a refined design we subjected it to user testing.

While the received feedback was positive, we identified an opportunity for enhancement. The inclusion of thumbnails significantly sped up and simplified the managers ability to swiftly identify users requesting resources.

The post-user testing results showcased a 62% increase in efficiency. The additional time and effort invested in refining helped in achieve better results.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

After analyzing competitors, we focused on leveraging the gathered data to enhance Summer. Our aim was to capitalize on opportunities for improvement and address any shortcomings identified. This phase aimed to refine Summer's features, optimize its user experience, and strengthen its position in the market.

User Data from Research

92%

have a touch based device

99%

use right hand(even if non-dominant)

81%

wanted the experience to be better

56%

said, colors make their actions easier

70%

use Summer on desktop, tablets

01/
Enhanced user Interface

Improving visual language is crucial as even top competitors lacked intuitiveness and faced major usability issues.

02/
Offline Functionality

To ensure uninterrupted operation even in areas with unreliable internet connectivity, preventing disruptions to restaurant operations during downtime.

03/
Intuitive Order Management

Implement an intuitive order management system with split bill options, and seamless integration with kitchen displays to streamline ordering.

04/
Online Ordering Integration

Integrate seamlessly with online ordering platforms to enable restaurants to accept orders from their website or third-party delivery services.

05/
Integration with Hardware

Ensure compatibility with a wide range of hardware devices, including POS terminals, printers, and card readers, to provide flexibility and ease of setup.

06/
Table Management

Integrate advanced table management features to help restaurants efficiently manage seating, track reservations, and optimize table turnover rates.

03

02 / (SWOT Analysis)

Laying down the info

Opportunities for improvement

We began by conducting a thorough assessment of the current information architecture, identifying areas of inefficiency and opportunities for improvement.

Our analysis revealed existing issues and provided insights into potential solutions. Leveraging this information, we developed an updated information architecture, incorporating solutions tailored to address identified challenges and enhance user experience. This process involved restructuring and refining the IA to optimize navigation, streamline access to key functionalities, and improve overall usability.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

After analyzing competitors, we focused on leveraging the gathered data to enhance Summer. Our aim was to capitalize on opportunities for improvement and address any shortcomings identified. This phase aimed to refine Summer's features, optimize its user experience, and strengthen its position in the market.

04

02 / (SWOT Analysis)

The Design System

Opportunities for improvement

A design system was of the utmost necessity for Summer, to ensure consistency, efficiency, scalability, collaboration, brand identity, and accessibility in its product design and development processes.

By providing a cohesive framework of design elements, guidelines, and principles, the design system will foster a unified user experience across the platform. This not only enhances usability and brand recognition but also streamlines the design and development workflow, enabling rapid iteration and adaptation as the product evolves.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

After analyzing competitors, we focused on leveraging the gathered data to enhance Summer. Our aim was to capitalize on opportunities for improvement and address any shortcomings identified. This phase aimed to refine Summer's features, optimize its user experience, and strengthen its position in the market.

05

02 / (SWOT Analysis)

Managing Tables and Sections

Opportunities for improvement

Managing tables and sections within the restaurant was a critical user requirement, particularly the need for real-time status tracking of each table without relying solely on waitstaff. We engaged in iterative design processes, generating numerous variations that were subsequently subjected to rigorous testing.

Test results provided valuable insights into missing elements and areas for improvement, informing subsequent iterations. This iterative approach persisted until achieving a satisfactory output that effectively met user needs and expectations.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

After analyzing competitors, we focused on leveraging the gathered data to enhance Summer. Our aim was to capitalize on opportunities for improvement and address any shortcomings identified. This phase aimed to refine Summer's features, optimize its user experience, and strengthen its position in the market.

01

Displaying the assigned waiter upfront empowered managers waiter assignments and operations, facilitating efficient monitoring of performance and workload distribution.

02

Showing how long a table has been running helped users with optimizing table turnover and improving waitlist management.

03

Segmenting sections into categories streamlined table identification, facilitating quicker access to the desired tables and enhancing operational efficiency.

06

02 / (SWOT Analysis)

Managing Orders

Opportunities for improvement

The order screens are pivotal to Summer's product, demanding clarity and efficiency for users to grasp essential information at a glance. Through iterative design, we focused on refining the sidebar to display only crucial details while concealing non-essential information.

Each iteration underwent rigorous user testing, extracting invaluable insights that guided us towards the final iteration. This iterative process ensured that the design maximized usability and prioritized user needs, culminating in an intuitive and streamlined interface for managing orders effectively.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

After analyzing competitors, we focused on leveraging the gathered data to enhance Summer. Our aim was to capitalize on opportunities for improvement and address any shortcomings identified. This phase aimed to refine Summer's features, optimize its user experience, and strengthen its position in the market.

01

Implementing chips to display critical information in all cards significantly improved data comprehension for managers. Whether it was payment mode or table status, this approach facilitated swift data assimilation, enhancing managerial efficiency.

02

Opting to disclose information only when necessary was a pivotal decision, ensuring users were not overwhelmed by irrelevant details. This streamlined approach minimized cognitive load and allowed users to focus solely on pertinent information.

03

Essential user actions were prominently displayed upfront, while less critical ones were tucked away in dropdowns or under "More Options," streamlining usability and enhancing the overall user experience.

07

02 / (SWOT Analysis)

Creating the Menu

Opportunities for improvement

The menu module stands as the cornerstone of the product, pivotal for restaurants who frequently access and modify their menus throughout the day. Whether marking items unavailable or adjusting prices, its significance lies in its frequent and essential use in daily operations.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

After analyzing competitors, we focused on leveraging the gathered data to enhance Summer. Our aim was to capitalize on opportunities for improvement and address any shortcomings identified. This phase aimed to refine Summer's features, optimize its user experience, and strengthen its position in the market.

01

Implementing chips to display critical information in all cards significantly improved data comprehension for managers. Whether it was payment mode or table status, this approach facilitated swift data assimilation, enhancing managerial efficiency.

02

Opting to disclose information only when necessary was a pivotal decision, ensuring users were not overwhelmed by irrelevant details. This streamlined approach minimized cognitive load and allowed users to focus solely on pertinent information.

03

Essential user actions were prominently displayed upfront, while less critical ones were tucked away in dropdowns or under "More Options," streamlining usability and enhancing the overall user experience.

08

02 / (SWOT Analysis)

Creating an Item

Opportunities for improvement

Item creation is a pivotal aspect of the menu module. We developed various methods for creating items, including importing from an Excel sheet, syncing from online platforms, or creating from scratch on Summer. Our priority was ensuring each flow was effortlessly simple for users to complete with ease.

We prioritized desktop customization features for item creation based on user preference, while still offering limited options for mobile users.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

After analyzing competitors, we focused on leveraging the gathered data to enhance Summer. Our aim was to capitalize on opportunities for improvement and address any shortcomings identified. This phase aimed to refine Summer's features, optimize its user experience, and strengthen its position in the market.

09

02 / (SWOT Analysis)

Order Placing

Opportunities for improvement

Order placing screens facilitate the order process, especially on mobile devices, which is the primary usage scenario for most restaurants. Our priority was to simplify the experience on mobile, considering the prevalence of this usage scenario among restaurants, even though desktop usage is tailored for smaller establishments with a single order counter.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

After analyzing competitors, we focused on leveraging the gathered data to enhance Summer. Our aim was to capitalize on opportunities for improvement and address any shortcomings identified. This phase aimed to refine Summer's features, optimize its user experience, and strengthen its position in the market.

10

02 / (SWOT Analysis)

Payment Screens

Opportunities for improvement

The payment flows were designed to ensure seamless transactions and user experiences. The process begins with users selecting their preferred payment method. Upon selecting the desired option, users are guided through a secure checkout process, where they can review their order details before confirming the payment.

Once the payment is confirmed, users receive instant notifications and receipts for their transactions, providing transparency and peace of mind.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

After analyzing competitors, we focused on leveraging the gathered data to enhance Summer. Our aim was to capitalize on opportunities for improvement and address any shortcomings identified. This phase aimed to refine Summer's features, optimize its user experience, and strengthen its position in the market.

11

02 / (SWOT Analysis)

Hardware Linking

Opportunities for improvement

In restaurant operations, hardware linking integrates devices like printers and Kitchen Order Ticket (KOT) machines with the point-of-sale (POS) system. This synchronizes order processing, ensuring timely notifications to kitchen staff and accurate printing of receipts. Such integration streamlines operations, reduces errors, and enhances overall efficiency and customer experience.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

After analyzing competitors, we focused on leveraging the gathered data to enhance Summer. Our aim was to capitalize on opportunities for improvement and address any shortcomings identified. This phase aimed to refine Summer's features, optimize its user experience, and strengthen its position in the market.

12

02 / (SWOT Analysis)

Final Handover

Opportunities for improvement

We meticulously crafted and delivered each individual flow to the client, complete with its unique interactions. Our work encompassed over 200 flows and more than 2000 screens, all meticulously designed within a comprehensive and well-managed design system.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

Extensive user research and usability testing identified user pain points and the business problem. Through an iterative design process, I refined solutions, incorporating user feedback to ensure they effectively addressed these issues, maximised user efficiency and most importantly achieved the business goals of Cymmetri.

For a comprehensive analysis, please refer to the detailed case study.

After analyzing competitors, we focused on leveraging the gathered data to enhance Summer. Our aim was to capitalize on opportunities for improvement and address any shortcomings identified. This phase aimed to refine Summer's features, optimize its user experience, and strengthen its position in the market.

The Results

01/
Beatiful User Interface

The comprehensive revamp of both desktop and mobile interfaces received high praise from Summer, particularly from their esteemed clients resulting in greater trust and loyalty towards the product and brand.

02/
Enhanced User Experience

The redesigned interface prioritizing functionality and efficiency, earned accolades for its seamless and intuitive user experience.

03/
Increased Efficiency

The new experience streamlined workflows and navigation, resulting in improved efficiency for users. Tasks that previously required multiple steps or were cumbersome to perform became more intuitive and faster, allowing users to accomplish their goals with ease.

IMPACT CREATED

Summer has emerged as a trailblazer in the restaurant POS software market, particularly in Hyderabad, with plans for nationwide expansion underway. Renowned for its intuitive and visually modern product design, Summer has garnered acclaim for its innovative approach. Currently serving over 1000 restaurants, Summer's journey towards nationwide dominance is only just beginning.

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deep

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Product Design

/

Summer

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2022-2023

Summer

Managing a restaurant,one order at a time

pra

deep

pra

deep

Product designer based in Hyderabad, India

Explore what I've Built

Explore what I've Built

Roles & Contributions

Project Lead
Experience Design
Visual Design

Design Team

Pradeep Palaka
Bharath Mohan
Debaditya Naha