Masala Dot Kiosk Ordering App With Square Terminal

Kiosk Device Code
Order Modification
Cart
Checkout Window
Payment approved on Square Terminal
Receipt Prompt
In-store customer facing TV screen
Email Receipt

Inspiration

When I was 13, my father bought me an HP desktop, and the very first thing I did was take it apart. As you could have guessed, I was strictly told never to do it again. With disassembling computers out of the question, I redirected my focus towards creating applications like keyloggers, VOIP apps, and various web pages that a teenager could imagine.

As a first-generation Indian American, I moved to the United States when I was 10, and my yearning for Indian culture, particularly its cuisine, grew stronger. Now, in the final year of my MBA at UChicago's Booth School of Business, I have formulated plans to launch an Indian fast-food restaurant. Alongside customer research, food trials, and other operations-related activities, I developed a Kiosk application that allows customers to conveniently place orders in-store. For this hackathon, my presentation revolves around a seamless solution for ordering, payment, and order tracking within the physical store.

What it does

The application offers customers a seamless ordering experience through a user-friendly kiosk screen. It enables them to place their orders and make payments effortlessly using the Square Terminal. Additionally, customers can track their orders conveniently on a TV screen.

Key customer-facing features include:

The ability to place orders for items such as masala rolls, bowls, sides, and drinks.
Flexibility to edit orders by adjusting size, toppings, and extras.
Logging in to access and redeem reward items.
Providing an option for new customers to register for an account, with the added benefit of receiving 1000 free rewards points.
Calculating orders using the Square Orders API.
Creating orders using the Square Orders API.
Adding rewards points to customers' accounts post purchase.
Enabling customers to pay using a credit card through the Square Terminal API.
Offering options for receipt preferences, including No receipt, Email receipt, and Print receipt, utilizing the Square Terminal API.
Allowing customers to track their order status on a TV screen within the store, powered by Square Webhooks.

Store employee features encompass:

Establishing a connection between the Square Terminal and the Kiosk app using a device code, facilitated by the Square Devices API.

How I built it

This application was meticulously constructed utilizing various technologies over a span of four months.

Front-end:

AngularJS

Back-end:

Square C# SDK (OrdersAPI, TerminalAPI, DevicesAPI, Webhooks Subscription)
Twilio API (SMS)
Postmark API (Email)
SQL Stored Procedures (Dapper SDK)

Cloud Technologies:

Azure Web App (Hosting Angular application and C# API)
Azure SQL Database

Challenges we ran into

I dedicated countless days to reading and researching the Square API Guide. My initial task was to understand how the various Square technologies work together harmoniously. Subsequently, I developed an application aimed at streamlining the Kiosk ordering process, making it effortless for both customers and store employees. Whenever I encountered obstacles along the way, Square's Developer community, particularly Bryan, proved invaluable in providing answers to my questions on the forum.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

The one thing I am incredibly excited to share is that I have single-handedly built this application, incorporating complex front-end features and integrating several SDKs to deliver a seamless user experience. With its production-ready status, this application could rival Taco Bell's Kiosk ordering system. I confidently assert that Masala Dot's Kiosk outshines leading fast food brands in numerous aspects. This achievement has been made possible by Square, which offers excellent SDKs tailored to diverse business requirements.

What I learned

Developing this solution has pushed me to think critically, identify problems, and develop a solution that addresses real-world challenges. Throughout the process, I have come to understand the importance of not only learning from others but also sharing my experiences on the Square Developer forum. I find fulfillment in guiding individuals who encounter similar issues that I have faced.

What's next for Masala Dot Kiosk App With Square Terminal

Masala Dot is set to launch its first location in Chicago, IL, in February 2024. Currently, I am conducting food trials and procuring machinery for the operation. We will have two kiosk platforms that will enable customers to conveniently place and track their orders on TV screens. Building this solution from the ground up has been both exciting and challenging. Moving forward, I will focus on continuous improvement and the addition of more features, including: