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Limitations and Boundaries

1. Technology & Infrastructure

Web-only app: Employees must have access to a device + internet → excludes those without.

No hardware integration: Kitchen doesn’t have smart printers/kiosks → Ram has to manage via a laptop/tablet.

Limited automation: System groups orders but doesn’t physically automate cooking.

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2. Human Factors

Learning curve for Ram: He’s used to manual order-taking; shifting to a digital dashboard requires training.

Employee adoption: Some employees may resist using the app (habitual to direct verbal orders).

Fallback needed: If an employee forgets to pre-order, Ram must still accept walk-ins, causing hybrid workflow.

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3. Operational Constraints

Peak time crunch: Even with batching, cooking time is finite → software can optimize, but not eliminate delays.

Customization overload: Too many customization combinations may complicate UI & overwhelm Ram.

Payment handling: Digital payments assumed, but if internet fails, UPI/card might fail → manual fallback needed.

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4. Business Limitations

Scale mismatch: System works for 300 employees; may not scale efficiently if company doubles to 600+ without upgrades.

Cost sensitivity: Ram may not want to invest in costly hardware/software → must stay lightweight.

No delivery model: Only supports on-site pickup, no delivery to desks.

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5. UX & Design Constraints

Small-screen usability: Ram may use a tablet or small laptop → dashboard must be optimized for medium screens, not just widescreen.

Clutter risk: Too many orders in queue can overwhelm UI if not well-grouped.

Real-time sync: If updates lag (network issues), employees may see inaccurate statuses.

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6. Edge Cases

Overdue handling: If Ram misses marking orders as Ready, employees may not get notified on time.

Payment failures: Order marked as placed but payment not received → creates reconciliation issues.

Walk-in chaos: Employees who don’t use the app still add strain → hybrid system isn’t 100% clean.

📱 Device Context & Usage Scenarios – Ram’s Kitchen

1. Employees (Ordering)

Likely Device: Personal smartphones (Android/iOS).

Reason: Work laptops may have firewall restrictions → external web apps blocked. Phones are always available, faster for casual actions.

Implication for Design:

Ordering flow must be mobile-first (responsive, touch-friendly UI).

Minimal text entry (use taps, dropdowns, radio buttons for customization).

Keep payment flow simple → UPI integration, mobile wallets.

Push mobile notifications (or WhatsApp/SMS fallback) for “Order Ready” alerts.

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2. Ram (Dashboard)

Likely Device: Tablet or Laptop.

Reason: Needs wider view to scan multiple orders, batch cooking stats, and status management. Phones would feel cramped.

Implication for Design:

Dashboard designed for larger screen real estate.

Table-based layout (orders in rows/columns).

Side panel for Batch Cooking, bottom bar for Stats → easier on widescreen.

Clear touch-friendly buttons if Ram prefers a tablet in the kitchen.

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3. Ram’s Helper/Employee (Optional Role)

Likely Device: Mid-range smartphone.

Role: Assist with marking orders as Ready, managing handovers, logging walk-ins.

Implication for Design:

Provide a “Lightweight Companion App” or mobile-friendly dashboard.

Limited functions: view current orders, mark as ready, log manual walk-ins.

Keep UI super simple → large buttons, minimal data shown.

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