[ Problem Space ]
Calgary has a strong and growing local food scene. New restaurants, pop-ups, and small local spots are constantly opening, and food is something people here genuinely care about.
For most people, discovering places to eat happens casually. Recommendations from friends, saved Instagram posts, quick Google searches, or screenshots sent in group chats. It's part of everyday life, and it's usually meant to be fun..
Because there are so many options and sources, food discovery has become something people piece together rather than experience in one place.
[ The Challenge ]
How might we reduce the uncertainty for people dining in Calgary by providing clear access to essential details like verified reviews, up-to-date menus, transparent pricing, and dietary requirements to help them narrow their options and choose with confidence?
[ Research ]
Evidence that shaped the product
This research focused on identifying what actually influences dining decisions and where effort builds up in the process. Insights from metrics, surveys, interviews, and competitive analysis were used to guide prioritization and shape the product direction.
This table shows how quantitative signals and industry patterns translated into clear user needs and feature decisions.
Competitive Gaps
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Platforms like Yelp and OpenTable prioritize promoted businesses and surface results based on unclear logic, making it harder for users to find the best option for their priorities. Review filters rely on vague keywords rather than meaningful categories like food quality, service, or location.
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Menus, pricing, dietary options, and accessibility information often require excessive scrolling or switching tabs. Dense layouts especially in OpenTable, increase the chance that users overlook information that might directly affects their decision.
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Saving favorites exists, but without categories, search, or filtering, this would make favorites hard to revisit or use when deciding where to eat.
Interfaces assume high comfort with complex navigation which can increase cognitive load and make discovery less approachable for some users.
[ The Solution ]
Exploring
Calgary's
Food Scene With Ease
Slice of Calgary focuses on personalization to help people decide where to eat. Instead of sorting through long lists or following what's popular, the experience adapts to individual preferences and needs.
[ Conclusion ]
Reflection and what is next
Slice of Calgary taught me how much design can influence a feeling. Initially, I believed we were building a tool to help people discover restaurants. However, as the project progressed, it became evident that discovery was not the primary concern. People already had places in mind; what they needed was increased confidence and clarity. This shift profoundly impacted my decision-making process, from designing filters to framing reviews.
Leading the design process also fostered my personal growth in unexpected ways. With a team of multiple designers collaborating on the project, it became imperative not only to prioritize aesthetics but also to ensure a cohesive overall design. This realization highlighted the significance of establishing alignment early on and the enhanced efficiency that arises when all team members are aligned towards a shared objective.
If I had more time, I would continue exploring ways to make everyday decisions feel more manageable. This could involve implementing more intuitive interface signals or reducing the number of steps required. Regardless of the approach, I am still contemplating how to provide support to individuals during quiet moments, such as when they are feeling tired, hungry, or uncertain. I believe that thoughtful design can effectively address these challenges.