KITCHEN
FLOW
From chaos to compostable precision. An inventory system built for the high-speed reality of modern vegan kitchens
The Client
Val's Vegan Kitchen
San Diego
Professor Micheal
"Kitchen flow turned messy, manual inventory into a smooth reliable workflow for busy kitchens"
The "Kitchen Reality"
Inventory isn’t a background task — it’s part of the production line.
High Waste Risk
Perishables expire fast. Small inventory errors create real waste.
Cognitive Load
Missing context slows decisions and increases errors.
High Velocity
Orders come in from 4 apps simultaneously.
TARGET USER
The Line Cook (Inputting user)
Works during rush periods. Prioritizes speed and low effort over precision.
Needs to update inventory quickly without breaking workflow.
The Manager (Quantity-reading user)
Reviews inventory outside of rush hours.
Needs clear totals and location breakdowns to make ordering decisions.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Can we reduce the time it takes to count a single item from 12s to under 5s?
How can we structure the data to match the physical layout of the kitchen?
What input method minimizes errors for users with "fat fingers" or gloves?
RESEARCH PHASE
I modeled the restaurant’s inventory in Google Sheets, logging 150+ ingredients to understand real inventory behavior.
Two structures were tested
category-based
location-based
A location-first user flow designed to reduce inventory updates to just a few quick taps.
We mapped the mobile user flow first to reflect real kitchen inventory behavior, using a location-first structure to validate navigation and task order before visual design.
Stress-Testing the Prototype
We didn't just ask "do you like it?" We simulated the worst-case scenarios of a real kitchen: end-of-shift fatigue, greasy hands, and extreme time pressure.
We A/B/C tested three input patterns with kitchen staff to identify the fastest and least fatiguing option for inventory updates.
Insights from Testing
"Is that a 1 or a 7"
The Fix
Switched to monospaced numerals and increased quantity font size for better readability at a distance.
The Fix
Replaced constant keyboard use with a hybrid input using inline +/- controls and optional direct entry.
The Fix
Elevated “Total On-Hand” into a prominent header to eliminate mental math.
Which location am I Editing
The Fix
Labeled quantity controls by location and showed per-location counts alongside the total.
Remove a Storage Location
Easily keep the map updated by removing unused storage areas. A quick menu and full-screen confirmation make the process simple, safe, and fast even during busy shifts.
Update Item Quantities by Location
Quickly adjust stock with totals and per-location breakdowns. Use +/– for small edits or type numbers for big changes. Fast, clear, and built to reduce errors.
View Activty Log
Access a reverse-chronological feed of all changes with clear timestamps, user names, and color-coded dots. Filter by items, quantities, or locations to quickly find what matters.
FAQ's
