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The server can type in the title and description of each individual item; ingredients are specified using a checkbox, as well as a 'custom ingredient' field that adds an ingredient to the database. A picture can also be provided, and is displayed on screen even before the item has been submitted to the database. The system recognizes words from the description and automatically checks them off in the ingredient list while highlighting them in blue.
Pros:
- We gain some safety by presenting all ingredients at once, as long as the list is not too long. That way, users are invited to look over the ingredient list, as opposed to trying various names for an ingredient ('milk' vs 'dairy' vs 'lactose') to see which one is in the database.
- The auto-highlight system increases efficiency, since the server is likely to include many ingredients such as 'chicken' in the description.
- It also fails safe, since it is not dangerous to add an ingredient not actually present in the dish.
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This design is intended for illiterate users. Since indicating an item without knowing its name might be problematic, and expecting patrons to memorize names at home and recite them at the restaurant might be difficult, this design is intended to be used at the restaurant along with a server who will be able to identify the items.
(note that text is for illustrative purposes only)
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Here we have a list of ingredients on the left, with accompanying text in ambiguous cases. Clicked items are toggled between allowed and forbidden, and a tab up top lets the user switch between what kind of item they are looking at. Each individual item has a name, a description, and an ingredients list. The safe ingredients list is automatically saved in a cookie and restored on reload.
Pros:
- The green checkmark and red X are fairly universal symbols for 'OK' and 'bad', making it clear whether each ingredient is allowed or not, enhancing learnability and safety. Text descriptions allow users to ensure that pictures mean what they think they mean.
- Cookie-saved preferences enhance efficiency, since dietary restrictions are unlikely to change over time.
Cons: - Somewhat unsafe; by default all ingredients are allowed, meaning the user might forget to exclude one of their allergies/restrictions.
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