Why Responsive Design Matters for Chefs
Kitchen, devices vary:
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Tablets in prep areas for quick data input
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Desktops in offices for detailed reports and ordering
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Mobile phones for quick counts while moving between storage areas
Design Decision:
Bread was built as a responsive web app, ensuring usability across devices:
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Mobile: One-handed use for quick counts
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Tablet: Mid-service updates and accessibility in tight spaces
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Desktop: Data-rich reporting and bulk edits
This approach meets chefs and owners where they already work, without forcing a one-size-fits-all workflow.
Outcome
Users who reviewed the prototype said the streamlined approach would save them valuable time, especially for weekly or monthly inventory counts. Requested features like low-stock alerts and real-time updates align with Bread’s planned feature roadmap.
Takeaways
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Bread
Inventory Management App
A streamlined digital experience that saves time and sanity in the kitchen.
From Kitchen
Chaos to UX Clarity
Before I was designing user flows, I was managing kitchens. I knew the pain of taking inventory at 2AM after a long shift. That frustration led to the creation of Bread, a tool built to make inventory simple, fast, and less soul-sucking.
Role: Product Designer
Duration : 6 Weeks
Scope: Research, Wireframes, Prototypes, UX/UI
Tools: Figma, FigJam, Google Forms, Adobe Suite
User Personas
Problem
Discovery
Inventory is still mostly a manual, error-prone process. In my survey of small food businesses:
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60% still use pen and paper to track inventory.
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Satisfaction with current methods averaged only 3/5.
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Common pain points included:
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“Knowing exactly what I need for the week and how much.”
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“We go through a lot of a little because of all the programs.”
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“I would love to track exactly how much I’m using vs. what I’m buying.”
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Despite frustrations, 80% of respondents said they would adopt a new digital inventory solution if it saved time or reduced errors.
Participants were also comfortable with technology (4–5/5 comfort level using apps), meaning the barrier isn’t digital literacy—it’s outdated tools.
Requested features aligned with Bread’s vision:-
Low stock alerts
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Expiration tracking
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Real-time updates
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Vendor integration
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Save Time, Reduce Stress
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Reduce the time required to complete inventory
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Minimize errors from manual entry
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Adapt to different work environments (mobile in storage rooms, tablet in prep areas, desktop for analytics)
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Integrate with existing workflows and POS systems
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Listening
to the Line
Before designing, I conducted a survey and interviews with food business operators, including restaurants, bakeries, and a culinary school.
These findings validated the pain points and goals outlined earlier, providing detailed insight into how chefs currently work and what features they need most.
Key Insights
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Manual processes dominate: 60% still rely on pen and paper.
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Satisfaction is low: Average rating of 3/5, with some as low as 2.
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Top frustrations:
Unclear par levels
Disconnected workflows across multiple programs
No real-time visibility for teams
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Openness to change: 80% willing to try a digital solution.
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Most requested features: Low stock alerts, expiration tracking, vendor integration, and real-time updates.
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Comfort with tech: Most participants rated 4 or 5 out of 5 for using mobile or software tools.
I would love to track exactly how much
I’m using vs. what I’m buying.
Jamal
User Pain Point
Knowing exactly what I need
for the week and how much.
Claire
User Pain Point
List vendors and price and
cut-off time for each order.
Maria
User Pain Point
From Whiteboard to Walk-In
Sketching out the process
helped me reimagine the inventory flow from a chef’s perspective one-handed use, logical zones, and quick saves for those mid-count interruptions.
Journey Mapping:
Focused on reducing interruptions and allowing inventory to be paused/resumed.
Wireframes:
Mobile and tablet flows prioritized for one-handed use and quick navigation.
Low-Fidelity Prototype:
A clean, kitchen-friendly interface with large tap targets and logical grouping (walk-in, dry storage, freezer).
The Solution
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Key Features
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Responsive Layouts
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Area-based inventory
(walk-in, dry, freezer)
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Quick count inputs
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Save & resume progress
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POS integration or manual mode
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Summary reports for staff/owners
