KITCHEN DISPLAY SYSTEM
A Kitchen Display System (KDS) is a digital screen used in restaurant kitchens to streamline order management. Instead of using traditional paper tickets, orders from the POS system are sent directly to the KDS, where kitchen staff can view, manage, and track them in real-time.
It helps improve efficiency, reduce errors, prioritise orders, and enhance communication between the front and back of the house, leading to faster service and improved accuracy. The brief was to design a Kitchen Display System (KDS) that seamlessly integrates with the previously showcased Point of Sale system. The goal was to create a solution that is simple, intuitive, and easy to use, specifically tailored for fast-paced and high-pressure kitchen environments. The KDS needed to streamline order management, minimize errors, and enhance communication between the front and back of house, all while maintaining a clear and user-friendly interface.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Zwift’s product other offering doesn’t include a Kitchen Display System (KDS) for Retailers to go paperless. Whereby order preparation would be managed via screens mounted near kitchen workstations ran paper dockets pinned/clipped to a shelf or magnet board/strip.​
RESEARCH PLAN
My research plan went as follows:
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COMPETITOR ANALYSIS
The purpose of competitor analysis for a
Kitchen Display System (KDS) is to gain insights into existing solutions, identify market gaps,
and understand industry standards.
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ONE ON ONE INTERVIEWS
I met with a few clients to find out what they would need from a KDS, how they would be using them and how they would benefit their company.
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PERSONAS
It was great to humanise my research by creating Kevin Display, Rory Docket and Micheal Cook. We will get a feel for how the KDS will effect the business owner, waitress and Chef.
USER JOURNEY
These user journeys help map out the complete experience the users have with the KDS, helping me to understand their needs, emotions, and pain points at each stage. It identifies obstacles, optimises user flows, and refines touchpoints to create a smoother, more intuitive experience.
MINIMUM VIABLE PRODUCT (MVP)
This is a basic version of the KDS released to gather user feedback. It helps validate ideas,
refine the experience, and test demand while saving time and costs. By focusing on essential features,
it ensures the final product meets user needs efficiently.
USER FLOW
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CRAZY 8'S
Instead of folding my paper and drawing my crazy 8's I created them in Figma using the same concept.
FINAL PROTOTYPES
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Our Kitchen Display System (KDS) uses color-coded statuses for quick and easy order tracking: Blue for preparing, Red for overdue, Green for not started, and Yellow for on hold. Icons indicate whether an order is dine-in or takeaway, ensuring clarity for the kitchen team. Additionally, orders can be printed if needed, and meals can be checked off once prepared, streamlining workflow and improving efficiency.
You can select a product to see the total quantity needed, allowing you to prepare multiple orders at once or delegate them to the relevant station. For a quick overview, the item summary can be accessed by clicking on the side tab, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.
The settings allow you to customise
your KDS to fit your kitchen's needs.
Here, you can add workstations and define workflows, ensuring a smooth operation. Below, you can also
customise colours and sounds for
a more tailored experience.
This feature was more of a "nice to have" and potentially something for a future rollout—allowing kitchen staff to view the recipe of a product directly within the KDS