Ichiban Sushi
This project is a redesign of a sushi restaurant website with the goal of improving its layout, usability, and online ordering experience. The original idea was to create a site that looks clean and is easy to use, while also helping users quickly find menu items and place orders.
I built the website using WordPress, Elementor Pro, and WooCommerce. Instead of focusing on complex design, I focused more on keeping the layout simple and organized. I wanted users to move easily from the homepage to the menu and then to checkout without confusion.
The result is a functional website with a clearer structure and a working ordering system. While there are still areas that could be improved, the project helped me understand how design decisions affect usability.
Check out the live website at tpham1.imgd.ca/capstone/
Process
The goal of this project was to redesign a sushi restaurant website so that it is easier to use and more organized. I wanted users to be able to quickly understand the website, browse the menu, and place an order without getting confused.
1. Problem Identification
As an employee at Ichiban Sushi, I have a good understanding of the challenges customers face when using the website. One of the main issues is the lack of accessibility and flexibility. The website does not offer an online ordering system, which makes it less convenient for customers. In addition, the menu displayed on the site is outdated, which can lead to confusion and a poor user experience.
2. Design Phase
The moodboard was created to define the overall visual direction for the website. I focused on a Japanese-inspired aesthetic using warm lighting, natural materials, and calm environments. The images reflect the atmosphere of a traditional sushi restaurant, with elements like lanterns, wood textures, and soft lighting.
I selected a colour palette that includes dark tones, beige, and warm orange to create a balance between modern and traditional design. These choices were meant to give the website a clean and minimal look while still feeling inviting.
To ensure the website meets users’ needs, I focused on creating a simple layout with clear sections. Instead of adding too many design elements, I kept things minimal and tried to make the navigation straightforward. The idea was to guide customers step by step, from landing on the homepage to ordering food.
3. Development
I built the website using WordPress and Elementor Pro. I designed each section one by one, including the homepage, menu, and ordering system. I tried to keep spacing consistent and made sure everything was aligned properly.
For the menu, I used WooCommerce to add products and organize them into categories. This allowed users to browse items and add them to their cart. I also set up the cart and checkout pages so users could complete their orders.
Testing
To evaluate the website, I used Pingdom, a testing tool to review how it loads and functions. The results showed that the site performs well overall, with a smooth loading experience and no major issues affecting usability.
Through this testing, I was able to identify areas that could be improved, especially related to image optimization and overall page efficiency. Since the design relies on high-quality visuals, there is a balance between maintaining visual quality and improving performance.
