Micros POS Case Study Project
Lead UX Researcher and Designer
The Project
During the actors and writers strike of 2024, I was able to get a job working as a part of the guest service team at Joey’s Restaurants DTLA.
Being a visual person and priding myself being tech savvy I found myself getting frustrated when using the point of sell system Micros.
Micros
Joey uses MICROS POS. A system designed to meet the diverse needs of the hospitality and retail industries.
Working in Guest Services, Micros was used on a tablet for efficient order taking and real-time tracking to ensure accurate and timely service. Using this system offered the ability to handle complex orders with modifiers and special requests, ensuring customer satisfaction.
Understanding the Problem
Using the Micro System, my eyes would strain, sometimes cross when searching for menu items. I was not efficient in taking orders because items were not clear , listed differently from the menu or easy for me to find. All the buttons looked the same and the colors had no aesthetic and looked very dated.
Problem Solving
As a UX /UI designer I wanted to challenge myself and come up with an improvement to the Micros POS system design that aline with the the Joey Restaurants Brand that engaging and efficient to use.
Defining the project
Putting myself in the shoes of the User, being that I use the system to assist service and input take out orders, I explored the Micros system looking through menu Items, cocktails and food modifications options, hitting pain points in the process
What kind of design choices to make to upgrade the Micro System in order to make an engaging and easy experience for the user?
What improvements can I make to the current design of Micros POS?
The Brand
Joey's Restaurants, often referred to simply as "JOEY," is a premium casual dining chain that offers a sophisticated and vibrant dining experience. Known for its contemporary ambiance, innovative menu, and exceptional service, JOEY's Restaurants have become a popular choice for diners looking for a stylish yet approachable dining environment.
How can I incorporate the Joey Restaurants brand into the design and add to the function of the system?
How can streamline the menu with the items and modifications on Micros?
Do I need Glasses?
User Journey
1
2
3
4
7
5
8
6
9
Logging In
Selecting the Order Type
Selecting the Table (ForDine-In)
Entering the Order
Processing Payment
(If Applicable)
Special Instructions
Printing the Receipt
Confirming the Order
Finalizing the Order
Enter Your Employee Code: manually entering your employee code to access the system.
Choose the Order Type: Depending on your establishment, you might need to select whether the order is for dine-in, take-out, or delivery.
Select the Table: If you are taking a dine-in order, select the table number or area where the customers are seated. This helps in tracking the orders and billing accurately.
Navigate the Menu: Use the touch screen to navigate through the menu categories such as appetizers, mains, desserts, and drinks.
Select Items: Tap on the items the customer wants to order. Each item will be added to the order list displayed on the screen.
Modify Items: If the customer wants to make modifications (e.g., no onions, extra cheese), use the modifier buttons to adjust the order accordingly.
Immediate Payment: For take-out orders or if the customer wants to pay immediately, proceed to the payment screen.
Select Payment Method: Choose the payment method (cash, credit card, etc.).
Process the Payment: Follow the prompts to complete the transaction. This may include swiping the card, entering a cash amount, or processing a mobile payment.
Add Special Instructions: If there are any specific instructions that don't fit the standard modifiers, there is usually an option to add a custom note for the kitchen.
Print Receipt: After the payment is processed, print the receipt and hand it to the customer.
Open the Cash Drawer: If the payment was in cash, the cash drawer will open for you to provide change.
Review the Order: Before finalizing, review the order with the customer to ensure everything is correct.
Send the Order: Once confirmed, send the order to the kitchen or bar by pressing the appropriate button (often labeled "Send" or "Fire").
Close the Order: Ensure the order is closed in the system to update the table status and keep records accurate.
The Design
Components
The Design
Protyping
The Glow UP
STEAK & RAVIOLI BIANCO
MAKE IT YOURS WITH AN ADD-ON
SELECT ONE
slice grilled sirloin shrimp, crispy onions, grana padano, truffle beurre blanc sauce
$37.00
7 oz filet mignon +23.50
7 oz prime top sirlion +7
14 oz filet mignon +30 .50
sliced lobster +26.50
peppercorn sauce + 5
jumbo lump crab cake +21
harissa shrimp +13
lobster tail +26.50
WELL
MEDIUM
MEDIUM RARE
MEDIUM WELL
RARE
BLUE RARE
STEAKS
STEAK & RAVIOLI BIANCO
MAKE IT YOURS WITH AN ADD-ON
SELECT ONE
slice grilled sirloin shrimp, crispy onions, grana padano, truffle beurre blanc sauce
$37.00
7 oz filet mignon +23.50
7 oz prime top sirlion +7
14 oz filet mignon +30 .50
sliced lobster +26.50
peppercorn sauce + 5
jumbo lump crab cake +21
harissa shrimp +13
lobster tail +26.50
WELL
MEDIUM
MEDIUM RARE
MEDIUM WELL
RARE
BLUE RARE
STEAK & RAVIOLI BIANCO
slice grilled sirloin shrimp, crispy onions, grana padano, truffle beurre blanc sauce
$37.00
STEAK & SUSHI
tataki-style steak, ponzu sauce, seared salmon sushi or tuna & avocado roll
$36.00
JOEY CLASSIC STEAK
7 oz prime top sirloin featuring our famous fully loaded crispy mashed potatoes, asparagus
$39.00
PRIME NEW YORK STRIP
14 oz our famous fully loaded crispy mash potatoes asparagus
$69.50
STEAKS WITH LOBSTER
7oz prime top sirloin, fully loaded crispy mashed potatoes, asparagus
$65.50
STEAK WITH CRAB CAKE
7 oz prime top sirloin featuring our famous fully loaded crispy mashed potatoes asparagus
$60.00
STEAK FRITES
5 oz cut garlic butter, rocket greens, preserved cherry tomatoes , fries
$31.00
BONE - IN PRIME RIBEYE
22 oz our famous fully loaded crispy mashed potatoes asparagus, peppercorn sauce
$98.00
Taking on this project allowed me to build my branding skills and UI skills in Figma . My main focus with this project was to ensure that the POS interface reflects the company’s branding and usability. I used the company's color scheme, logos, fonts and images of Joey’s signature dishes in the redesign.
I kept in mind my experience as the user and designed an intuitive, user-friendly interface that aligns with the brand’s look and feel. Improving on the navigation and responsive design of the system.
My Design Process
Step 01
Research
Exploring and gaining an understanding of the users pain points, problem. Understanding customers needs and gathering relevant data and content
Step 02
Problem Definition
After getting more context, going a step further to properly frame the problem
Step 05
Usability testing
After settling on some design directions, carry out usability tests with users to test ease of use
Step 03
User journey mapping
Before getting into the design exploration, taking the time to map out the user journeys and stories
Step 06
Handoff and monitoring
Handing off all the design related assets to developers as well as monitoring relevant performance metrics
Step 04
Design explorations
Exploring and gaining an understanding of the users pain points, problem. Understanding customers needs and gathering relevant data and content