E-TableTents
Digital display for restaurants using Electronic Paper
Product Design & Business Feasibility Analysis
My Role:
Tools Used:
Project Description
E-TableTents are devices consisting of a multi-sided color E-Paper display, an embedded device that can store,
display, and retrieve images wirelessly, and contained within a TableTent format.
The core purpose of E-TableTents is to bring an inexpensive & versatile digital display to the table level of various venues.
The intention is to vastly increase the visual bandwidth available to display advertisements and other signage
to the patrons at the table level, both from the venue itself & other advertisers.
Additionally, E-TableTents can provide a live connection to patrons that can display
menu specials, drink specials, restaurant information... etc.
Research
Since the E-TableTents are an accessory to a restaurant, demand will be directly related to the structure and
state of the restaurant industry itself, therefore a restaurant industry analysis was done.
Attitudes towards dining out
Market Demographics
These categories are based on market share and thus are
heavily dominated by chain and franchise restaurants.
The restaurants industry is not experiencing favorable growth,
nor is it expected to in the foreseeable future.
Customer Needs
Primary: User-oriented design, simple to use
Secondary:
Easy to install device / software
Simple to use
Troubleshooting page for help
Wireless
Long battery life / Easy to charge
Primary: Increase revenue through advertising
Secondary:
Potential for more spontaneous purchases
Increased ad frequency
Ability of multiple ads to be shown
Collect payments from outsider advertisers
Eliminate costs of paper advertisements
Primary: Durability and longevity of product
Secondary:
Waterproof
Shockproof
Easy surface to clean
Hard case to prevent breaking
Ability to secure to table and prevent theft
Marketing Strategy
E-TableTents is a high value, unique product with an affordable price.
These Gap Charts show that they beat TV screens with ease of use and less expenses.
The visibility is also extremely high, coming second to computers which encompass great costs. Lastly,
E-TableTents are capable of movement to other parts of the venue, unlike computers which are stationary.
Reflections & Future Extensions
This project helped me understand the level of work and energy that goes into inventing a product,
starting with the different types of research all the way to marketing a final prototype to customers.
E-TableTent brings an array of exciting future opportunities, one of the most basic is the fact that restaurant workers
can change ads and menu specials instantaneously. Some of the big future opportunities of the product include more
technological advancements, according to the more interactivity that evolved with E-paper technology.