seatkit

SeatKit - Feature Specification & Roadmap

Based on: 9 months production experience with Swift iOS app Priority: High-impact features first, configuration flexibility built-in Approach: MVP → Core Features → Advanced Features → Future Vision Last Updated: 2025-10-25

🎯 MVP Definition (Must-Have Features)

Critical Features for Day-One Restaurant Operations

These features are non-negotiable - without them, restaurants cannot operate effectively:

1. Timeline/Gantt Chart View 🕒

Priority: CRITICAL Based on: Most-used feature in Swift app

Description: Visual timeline showing all reservations for a selected day with time blocks

Requirements:

User Stories:

As a host, I want to see all reservations for today in a visual timeline
So I can quickly understand availability and plan seating

As a server, I want to see when my tables will be occupied
So I can prepare for service and coordinate timing

As a manager, I want to spot overbooking or gaps at a glance
So I can make adjustments before service starts

Technical Specifications:

2. Reservation List View 📋

Priority: CRITICAL Based on: Second most-used feature, essential for quick lookup

Description: Searchable, filterable list of all reservations

Requirements:

Filters Required:

List Item Information:

[Time] [Name] ([Party Size]) - [Phone] - [Table] - [Status]
19:30  John Doe (2) - +39 123 456 789 - Table 3 - Confirmed
  ↳ Special: Vegetarian, Anniversary dinner

3. Basic Table Management 🪑

Priority: CRITICAL Based on: Simplified from complex Swift layout system

Description: Visual representation of restaurant tables for assignment

Requirements:

Simplified Approach (vs Swift app):

4. Real-Time Collaboration 🔄

Priority: CRITICAL Based on: 15 staff members need simultaneous access

Description: Multiple users can edit reservations without conflicts

Requirements:

Conflict Resolution Strategy:

  1. Optimistic Updates: Show changes immediately
  2. Conflict Detection: Server validates all changes
  3. Resolution Options: Last-write-wins for simple fields, prompt for complex conflicts
  4. Manager Override: Managers can resolve any conflict

5. Restaurant Configuration ⚙️

Priority: CRITICAL Based on: Must work for restaurants beyond Koenji

Description: Admin interface to configure restaurant-specific settings

Configuration Areas:

Basic Information:

Operating Hours:

{
  monday: {
    lunch: { open: "12:00", close: "15:00" },
    dinner: { open: "19:00", close: "23:00" }
  },
  tuesday: { closed: true },
  // etc.
}

Reservation Policy:

Table Configuration:

🚀 Core Features (Should-Have)

Features that significantly improve operations:

6. Sales Data Management 💰

Priority: HIGH Based on: Important for business intelligence

Description: End-of-service sales data entry and basic reporting

Daily Sales Entry:

Basic Analytics:

Access Control:

7. Advanced Reservation Management 📝

Priority: HIGH Based on: Features that improve guest experience

Enhanced Reservation Features:

Communication Features:

8. Enhanced Table Layout 🗺️

Priority: MEDIUM Based on: Useful but over-complex in Swift app

Improved Layout Features (Simplified):

Keep Simple:

9. Staff Session Management 👥

Priority: MEDIUM Based on: Important for tracking and accountability

Session Features:

💡 Nice-to-Have Features (Could-Have)

Features for enhanced experience but not critical:

10. Advanced Analytics & Reporting 📊

Revenue Analysis:

Operational Insights:

Custom Reports:

11. Customer-Facing Features 🌐

Online Reservations (Future Phase):

Guest Communication:

12. Integrations & Automation 🔌

POS System Integration:

Calendar Integration:

Third-Party Services:

🛣️ Development Roadmap

Phase 1: MVP Foundation (Months 1-2)

Goal: Basic working system for single restaurant

Deliverables:

Success Criteria:

Phase 2: Core Features (Months 2-3)

Goal: Feature-complete for production use

Deliverables:

Success Criteria:

Phase 3: Polish & Extension (Months 3-4)

Goal: Production-ready, configurable system

Deliverables:

Success Criteria:

Phase 4: Advanced Features (Months 4-6)

Goal: Beyond original Swift app capabilities

Deliverables:

Success Criteria:

🎨 User Experience Specifications

Design Principles

  1. Mobile-First: Design for phones, enhance for desktop
  2. Touch-Friendly: Large buttons, swipe gestures, minimal typing
  3. Information Hierarchy: Most important info most prominent
  4. Consistent Patterns: Same interactions work the same everywhere
  5. Accessible: Works for users with disabilities

Interface Requirements

Color Coding System

Reservation Status:
- Pending: Yellow/Orange (#F59E0B)
- Confirmed: Green (#10B981)
- Seated: Blue (#3B82F6)
- Completed: Gray (#6B7280)
- Canceled: Red (#EF4444)
- No Show: Dark Red (#DC2626)

Categories:
- Lunch: Light Blue theme
- Dinner: Dark Blue theme
- Special Events: Purple theme

Table Status:
- Available: Green outline
- Reserved: Blue fill
- Occupied: Orange fill
- Out of Service: Red strikethrough

Typography & Spacing

Responsive Breakpoints

Mobile:    320px - 768px   (Single column, stacked layout)
Tablet:    768px - 1024px  (Hybrid layout, some side-by-side)
Desktop:   1024px+         (Multi-column, dashboard layout)

Interaction Patterns

Timeline View

List View

Table Layout

🧪 Testing Strategy

User Acceptance Criteria

Performance Benchmarks:

Functionality Tests:

Device & Browser Matrix:

Load Testing Scenarios

Peak Service Simulation:

Stress Testing:

📈 Success Metrics

Operational Metrics

Technical Metrics

Business Impact

This feature specification serves as the definitive guide for what SeatKit will become. Each feature is grounded in real restaurant operations experience and prioritized for maximum business impact.

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