Tonight

Project Overview

The product:

Tonight app allows users, who are foreign visitors to Japan, to easily make reservations at high-end restaurants while they are in the country.

The problem:

A language barrier and insufficient information make booking a table at high-end restaurants in Japan hard for visitors.

The goal:

Design an app that allows users to easily find and make reservations at fancy restaurants in Japan.

My role:

UX designer designing an app from conception to delivery.

User Research

Summary:

I conducted interviews and created empathy maps to understand the users I’m designing for and their needs. A primary user group identified through research was working adults who enjoy international travels and do so periodically.

This user group confirmed initial assumptions about the app’s main user group, but research also revealed that language was not the only factor preventing users from dining at high-end restaurants in Japan. Other user problems included a lack of local phone numbers to make phone calls, some restaurants simply not having official websites, or limited reservation spots causing competition with local customers.

Pain points:

Initial Design Concepts

Digital wireframes:

As the initial design phase continued, I made sure to base screen designs on feedback and findings from the user research.

Although the app is offered in English, reducing manual entries and increasing visual intuitiveness were key user needs to address in the design.

Low-fidelity prototype:

Using the completed set of digital wireframes, I created a low-fidelity prototype. The primary user flow I connected was making a reservation, so the prototype could be used in a usability study.

Refining the Design

Mockups:

Early designs allowed for some customization, but after the usability studies, I added additional options to add a search and explore option. I also revised the design so users see the call-to-action reservation button when they first land on the screen.

Mockups:

The second usability study revealed frustration with the reservation flow. Some participants wanted to track where they are in the process and to maintain control over their previous navigation history. I decided to use an overlay card so that user can easily track where they within the app’s IA.

Key mockups:

Going Forward

Impact:

The app allows users to explore the unique culinary experiences only Japan can offer by making the reservation process more accessible and easier to navigate.

“This app simply fills the gap without disrupting the precious local culture and lifestyle.”

Next steps:

  1. Conduct another round of usability studies to validate whether the pain points users experienced have been effectively addressed.

  2. Conduct more user research to determine new needs.

  3. Reach out to local businesses to see if the app can help fill any gaps to help make their side of business easier.