Interactive screen table for a molecular gastronomy restaurant
After interviewing, we realized our idea is unrealistic:
(1) Unfamiliarity with subject
(2) Customers value human service in fine dining
Interactive Screen Table for Dim Sum Restaurant
Main Feature Brainstorm:
(1) Intuitive Visual-Dense Menu Display
(2) Insight On DimSum Making
(3) Interactive / Past-time Table Game
(2) Formality of Dim Sum Dishes are Covered and Complex
(3) Social Dining Experience
(4) Rich Cultural Heritage/History
Explore the difference in dim sum restaurant experience across different groups of people.
Key Findings:
(1) Both groups of people express strong interest in the dim-sum cuisine
(2) Non-chinese diners encounter much more challenges in the dining at dim-sum restaurants compared to Chinese diners.
Understanding the dining experience and pain points specifically for non-Chinese diners.
Key Findings:
(1) Most don’t find a huge difficulty in ordering from Dim sum shop when there’s complimentary photos for the dishes.
(2) Very interested but usually only go when there’s a Chinese (or someone familiar with the dimsum cuisine) in company.
(3) Especially in the western culture, many people have dietary restrictions and preferences.
(4) The formality of dim sum restricts non-chinese diners from easily trying out new variants.
After the midterm, we received valuable feedback from mentors, including Oscar De La Hera Gomez, James Daher, and Moira Higgins.
Based on their insights, we decided to shift our design approach to emphasize the subtlety and tranquility of traditional Chinese culture. This change stemmed from a strong interest expressed by many international audiences who are eager to learn more about Chinese culinary traditions.
At the same time, we plan to develop an interactive table and real concept video as part of the final implementation. Therefore, we need to customize the size of our interactive interface according to the appropriate dimensions of the television screens that will be embedded in the table.
We hope that through this refined style, we can not only enhance the dining experience but also share the richness of Chinese food culture with users as they enjoy the dishes.
90% Satisfaction Rate
The dim sum table project demonstrates measurable potential in enhancing user engagement and simplifying the dining experience. After real user testing and the final critique session:
85% of users found the interactive table more intuitive than traditional menus.
89% said the visual interface encouraged them to try new dishes they hadn’t considered before.
78% agreed the system streamlined the ordering process, saving them time and reducing confusion.
Users' Feedback
"I find the interactive table much more engaging than traditional menus. It enhances my dining experience while allowing me to explore more culture behind the dishes."
"The visualizations for food categories and recommendations make it easy for me to try new items. I love how intuitive and fun it is to use."
"The interactive ordering system removes the pressure of asking staff too many questions. It's especially helpful for non-Chinese diners like me who want to explore authentic dim sum."
1. Adapting to user feedback in a timely manner
Quickly adapting to feedback has allowed us to refine our experience and design style. These user-driven changes have greatly reinforced the importance of aligning our vision with user expectations and the importance of iterative design.
2. Balancing collaboration and leadership
We didn't have a set leader for the project. So it required a delicate balance between teamwork and decisive leadership. Collaborative brainstorming leads to creativity, but at critical moments we need clear decision makers to ensure the project progresses and avoid delays caused by conflicting opinions.
3. The power of user-centered design
By focusing on user needs, we not only improved functionality but also enriched the cultural story. This approach deepened user engagement and enabled diners to explore and appreciate the traditions behind dim sum.
Next Steps
Moving forward, we aim to continuously upgrade our interactive table through extensive user testing and feedback. Additionally, we plan to explore innovative ways to integrate cultural storytelling into the dining experience, creating a deeper connection between users and Chinese culinary traditions. By optimizing workflows and further enhancing the user experience, we strive to make the table more immersive and impactful for a broader audience.