A Tasca de Norwich
Role:
UX/UI designer
Tools:
Adobe XD, Adobe Photoshop and Miro
Year:
November 2021
I created and designed a concept for a website involving Portuguese culture and gastronomy, the reason being that I was born and raised in Portugal and have great admiration not only for gastronomy but for culture as well.
Interact with the prototype
Problem
Despite the popularity of restaurant websites, many establishments in Norwich face challenges in attracting and engaging users effectively. Existing websites often lack the allure and functionality necessary to capture users' attention and facilitate table reservations and food ordering. Additionally, the presence of established booking platforms further diminishes the visibility of individual restaurant websites, reducing their effectiveness in attracting potential customers.
Define
With a deep-rooted passion for Portuguese culture and gastronomy, the objective was to create a concept for a website that celebrates these aspects while addressing the challenges faced by restaurants in Norwich. The process involved conducting research on local restaurant websites to identify their strengths and weaknesses, as well as exploring visual inspirations from Portuguese culture. The goal was to design an attractive website that embodies the essence of Portuguese taverns while offering seamless table reservations and food ordering functionalities.
Solution
The proposed solution entails designing a website for A Tasca de Norwich, a Portuguese-style tavern, that serves as a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic dining experience. The website will feature a captivating Portuguese-inspired design that reflects the richness of the culture and gastronomy. Key functionalities such as table reservations and food ordering will be seamlessly integrated into the website to enhance user convenience and accessibility. By offering a unique and enjoyable experience, A Tasca de Norwich aims to attract a diverse clientele, including young adults and families, seeking an immersive culinary journey.
Outcome
The launch of A Tasca de Norwich website is expected to yield positive outcomes for the establishment and the local community. By providing a visually appealing and user-friendly platform for table reservations and food ordering, the tavern can increase its visibility and attract a broader audience. The immersive Portuguese-style experience offered by the website will not only showcase the rich cultural heritage but also foster a sense of community and belonging among patrons. Ultimately, the outcome is to establish A Tasca de Norwich as a go-to destination for authentic Portuguese cuisine and hospitality in Norwich, enhancing the city's culinary landscape and cultural diversity.
The Process
Research
The research focused on assessing the usability and interface of restaurant websites, taking notes and drawing conclusions about the various offerings available. This process was conducted to assess their usability and interface. I chose to research some of the most well-known restaurants in Norwich, analysing their visual design shortcomings and identifying areas for improvement. Based on my findings, I was presented with various options, including developing a new information service or creating a fresh restaurant concept.
Proto-Personas
1. A hungry carnivore wants to try a different kind of meat.
2. A hungry for pescatarian researching for a future occasion.
3. Thirsty young adults try some different drinks now.
2. A hungry for pescatarian researching for a future occasion.
3. Thirsty young adults try some different drinks now.
User Stories
1. As hungry carnivore want to find meat takeaways and get delicious food that meets his requirements.
2. A hungry for pescatarian want to find fish restaurants/taverns and get good fish that meets my requirements and so you can enjoy on a future occasion.
3. Thirsty young adults wants to find international pubs/taverns, read a drinks menu and get new drinks from other countries and meet their requirements.
2. A hungry for pescatarian want to find fish restaurants/taverns and get good fish that meets my requirements and so you can enjoy on a future occasion.
3. Thirsty young adults wants to find international pubs/taverns, read a drinks menu and get new drinks from other countries and meet their requirements.
User Flows
To begin the design process, I created a user flow to simplify the current checkout process, identifying the number of steps users had to go through before completing their purchase. This helped me identify the number of steps users had to go through before completing their purchase. Splitting the checkout flow into two different pathways for delivery and collection made the experience more intuitive and easier for users, leading to a more seamless checkout process and better user experience for Argos customers.
Low-fidelity prototypes
High-fidelity prototypes
Typography & Colours
The design inspiration for the website was drawn from the vibrant colours of Portuguese culture, with a modern and elegant interface design inspired by the country's heritage. The user interface was created to provide a clean and uncluttered look, providing users with an authentic Portuguese feel. A Tasca de Norwich offers a unique experience where customers can book tables online with ease or order food through the takeaway service, bringing the Portuguese experience straight to their doorstep. The website also caters to users who prefer to avoid browsing restaurant booking sites and want to learn about the restaurant's history and other details.
Usability Tests
To ensure the website's usability, we conducted usability tests with three students from Norwich University of the Arts. The tests were aimed at assessing the website's accessibility, identifying any visual errors, and determining both positive and negative points of the user experience. Through these tests, we were able to make improvements to the website and ensure that it met the needs and expectations of our target audience.
Evaluation
Although I did not have the opportunity to develop a smartphone version of the website, I believe that creating an independent application would have provided users with the same experience. Additionally, I would have liked to integrate a dark mode feature into the website or application, as it is an essential component that enhances the user experience.
Throughout the development process, conducting in-depth research, creating three different prototypes, and carrying out usability tests proved to be crucial in identifying and rectifying interactivity errors. These methods allowed me to evolve the website and ensure that it met the needs and expectations of the target audience. Overall, this experience has taught me valuable lessons that I will carry with me into future projects.
Throughout the development process, conducting in-depth research, creating three different prototypes, and carrying out usability tests proved to be crucial in identifying and rectifying interactivity errors. These methods allowed me to evolve the website and ensure that it met the needs and expectations of the target audience. Overall, this experience has taught me valuable lessons that I will carry with me into future projects.
