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App redesign for a beloved local Indian restaurant
Sindoore
ROLE
UX/UI Designer
TIMELINE
3 Weeks
TECH
Figma
SINDOORE is a beloved local Indian restaurant known for its incredible food, welcoming atmosphere, and standout service. However, its mobile app didn’t reflect the same quality. I initiated this unsolicited redesign to create a digital experience that matched the warmth and care of the in-person dining experience.
The Problem
The existing app felt dated, cluttered, and visually inconsistent. As a customer, I found that it failed to capture what made Sindoore special — the brand’s personality was lost in a sea of generic UI choices. I identified three core problems:
A visually underwhelming interface that didn’t reflect the quality of the restaurant
Redundant content and confusing navigation
Lack of cohesion across screens
The Goal
Reflect the authenticity and sophistication of the brand
Simplify navigation for ordering, booking, and exploring the menu
Create a modern, polished, and inviting user interface
Improve content hierarchy and reduce noise
Research & Approach
Though this was an unsolicited redesign, I approached it as if I were working with a client.
I first performed a competitive audit of restaurant apps like DishDash, Chai Pani, and Curry Up Now. I then conducted a heuristic analysis of the existing app. Lastly, I leveraged my personal experiences as a frequent customer to surface usability issues and missed opportunities
Many competing apps blended modern design with rich cultural flair — something Sindoore’s app lacked.
Key Changes
Visuals were generic and unbranded
Redundant navigation elements
Low contrast and
accessibility issues
VS
Introduced a modern, culturally-inspired aesthetic
Created a simplified and clear IA
Ensured better contrast and legibility
Visual Design
I introduced a deep, vibrant palette inspired by Indian textiles and spices — saffron, turmeric, and deep slate — to bring warmth and personality to the interface. I paired this with a minimal type system and generous spacing to elevate readability and polish.
High contrast UI elements for accessibility
Subtle textures and elegant borders to give depth without clutter
Iconography and layout inspired by Indian motifs and traditional plating
Add
search menu
Mood board to capture the aesthetic of Sindoore
UI Highlights
Home screen is more direct and more inviting without the map crowding the screen
Order flow is intuitive and focused, removing distractions
Menu sections are categorized with visuals and simplified pricing
Clear visual hierarchy ensures users aren't overwhelmed
Testing & Iteration
It’s easy to get lost in design details — I had to continually check in with the user journey to ensure each decision served a real purpose.
I personally tested the prototype and iterated based on friction points I encountered:
Removed unnecessary bottom nav items
Reduced visual noise on menu pages
Rebuilt CTA buttons to feel more intentional and clear
Final Outcome & Reflection
The redesigned Sindoore app is more intuitive, user-friendly and visually aligned with the quality and cultural authenticity of the restaurant. This fresh design delivers a modern experience that feels elegant, warm, and distinctly Sindoore.
This project taught me the importance of designing with restraint — refining details without overwhelming the user. It also reinforced how much value can be delivered by aligning digital touchpoints with real-world experiences. Even without stakeholder input, empathy and personal insight can drive meaningful, respectful redesigns.
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