The Rounded Place
(Webpage)
This project centered on redesigning a webpage that showcases the restaurant’s global menu, allowing visitors to explore dishes from around the world.
About
Role
UI Design
UX Research
Team
Tessa Cervantes Roth
Client
The Rounded Place
Time
5 weeks
Problem
The existing webpage for the Rounded Place required significant updates to modernize its design and improve user experience. Key enhancements included the development of a new graphic logo and improved accessibility for making reservations. User feedback indicated that the previous design felt overly simplistic and conveyed a sense of exclusivity or high cost, which did not align with the expectations of the target audience.
Solution
Designing a restaurant webpage that highlights not only the cuisine but also the atmosphere and brand personality helps generate interest from both local and international audiences.

 Through user research and interactive design, we developed an animated menu and a unique restaurant mascot. Our goal was to move beyond traditional menu interactions and create a more personalized, engaging experience for users.
User research summary
To better understand our target audience of adults aged 18 to 45, we conducted research to explore what users value most when visiting a restaurant website, and to identify key elements that may encourage repeat visits.

 Our insights revealed a strong interest in interactive features, particularly within the menu experience. Based on this feedback, we designed a more dynamic and engaging website that reflects the restaurant’s personality and sense of a fun atmosphere.
After researching similar up and coming restaurants in nearby New York area, I set out to create a clean graphic design logo and a website update that targets new customers to the vibrant Midtown area where Rounded Place is set.
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With the insight gathered from the user surveys and feedback, I developed personas that reflected the desires and values of the targeted audience. The analysis highlighted a common outlook. Users found that the previous webpage seemed unrelated to the physical restaurant and didn’t match the desired audience.
As one participant noted
“I wasn’t sure if I was at the right spot.”
This insight focused my attention on designing for a more cohesive and visual engaging design that represents the restaurant for those who aren’t familiar with it’s philosophy “to bring people together around good food and good energy”.
Ideation
Based on the brainstormed “How Might We” (HMW) questions, I categorized the user feedback and began developing design solutions to address the identified pain points.
One of the primary focus areas was simplifying the table reservation process to ensure a seamless and user-friendly experience. For both mobile and desktop versions of the website, I streamlined the user flow by minimizing the number of steps required. Users are able to easily modify their reservation details, cancel existing bookings, or make additional reservations as needed.
To accommodate users who prefer direct contact, I included key information such as the restaurant's location, phone number, operating hours, and social media links at the bottom of each page, ensuring quick and convenient access.
Analysis
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Booking a table
The reservation process is consistent across devices, allowing users to book easily from the navigation menu through to the confirmation page, with a confirmation email sent afterward.
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Food Display
The compute webpage has a interactive plate spinning and food dish display. I adjusted the interaction to fit a mobile screen so that it is still interactive but not scaled down or slow down by internet connection.
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Adjustment for Finger Mobility
Moving the navigation menu from the tradition left side to the right side for easier finger mobility.
Solutions
Iterations
From the research phase through ideation, the design for The Rounded Place remained largely consistent, with adjustments focused on enhancing the user experience and ensuring a seamless interaction.
Early user feedback highlighted the need for greater interactivity, more imagery, and an easy-to-use reservation system. In response, I refined the webpage to deliver a more engaging experience across both desktop and mobile, catering to users whether they are at home or on the go.
These refinements were made with the restaurant’s philosophy in mind: “to bring people together around good food and good energy, creating a space where everyone can feel seen, satisfied, and part of something whole.”
Final Design
After multiple rounds of feedback and iteration, the final prototypes bring the vision of The Rounded Place to life. The redesigned experience delivers a warm, inclusive atmosphere that reflects the restaurant’s philosophy of bringing people together. Core user flows, browsing the menu, making reservations, and finding contact details are now seamless, intuitive, and accessible across both desktop and mobile.
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A unique interactive element, the spinning plates feature, allows users to browse the dishes offered in a playful and engaging way. By streamlining navigation and simplifying the booking process, users can reserve a table in just a few clicks. Rich imagery, interactive components, and thoughtful content create a space that feels approachable, engaging, and true to the spirit of the Rounded Place.
The Rounded Place figma computer
The Rounded Place figma mobile
Design System
I designed the interface with both a MacBook Air and a compact Android device in mind. For the MacBook format, I implemented a 12-column grid with 80px margins, while the Android layout utilized a 4-column grid with 16px gutters and margins. This structure provided a clear and intuitive navigation experience across all screens.
The color palette builds on the original design’s cool tones, introducing vibrant accents to convey a lively, welcoming restaurant atmosphere. Animated elements such as spinning plates and interactive hover effects were incorporated to add personality and a dynamic user experience.
For typography, I paired Magilio with SF Pro, striking a balance between distinctive character and optimal readability, while reinforcing the brand’s visual identity.
Throughout this project, I developed a deeper appreciation for designing with both emotional resonance and clarity. One of the most impactful insights came from observing how users responded to subtle details such as color choices, animations, and text that fostered a sense of connection and interaction. It became evident that thoughtful design can evoke emotions and create meaningful connections that go beyond basic usability.
Takeaways
I encountered unexpected challenges, particularly in simplifying the original ideas. Initially, the interface included not enough features, which underwhelmed the users and appeared “bland”. Through iteration, I learned the value of of testing and getting feedback even earlier to validate key decisions sooner.
Ultimately, this project strengthened my ability to adapt, actively listen, and prioritize what truly matters to users. Most importantly, it reaffirmed how powerful design can be when it creates space for reflection, emotional engagement, and personal storytelling.
Next Steps
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I plan to conduct usability testing with a diverse range of users to gather feedback and validate the accessibility and emotional impact of the experience.
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My next goal is to implement advanced media management features, such as updating dishes and monitoring information for the webpage.
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My goal is to ensure that visitors can make reservations easily and efficiently through the site.