Server-Less

Inspiration

During COVID, we know that when you go to a restaurant it can be difficult to maintain safety measures and precautions. We wanted to create an app that would allow customers to minimize their risks when going to restaurants and public eating facilities by lowering their interactions with waiters and other necessary personnel. We decided that the best way to do this would be with a virtual ordering option through an app, which would allow users to optimize their experience at a restaurant while also prioritizing their health. When designing it, we attempted to integrate the best parts of the in-person experience into the online environment. With all of this in mind, we created Server-Less.

What it does

The app Server-Less serves as a virtual waiter for dine-in restaurants. Its chat features greets you and directs you to the menu available in the app. You can then select what you want to eat and place your order. If you need help choosing, you can read reviews from past customers about specific menu items. After you order, it updates you about your wait time, and tells you when your food is almost ready. After you’re done, the app gives you the option to leave feedback on your meal. In the event that you have any specific questions during the process, you can send a message in the app and an employee will be connected with you to help. On the merchant side of the app, Server-Less allows the restaurant to collect data about what people order and what they like, which they can use to improve and adapt their menus. It will also help merchants reduce their labor costs, since employees will be able to save time when it comes to taking orders and checking on customers.

How we built it

Challenges we ran into

Our most difficult challenge was probably brainstorming a topic or idea that was both feasible and could be developed in a short period of time.

Accomplishments that we’re proud of

We are proud that we were able to complete the app within the span of the hackathon and that we were able to accomplish our goal of providing users with a safe, efficient way to enjoy dine-in restaurants. We think that this is a successful app because it’s user-friendly and effective.

What we learned

In order to use NCR’s APIs, we had to learn a lot about how to integrate an API into an app. It was also our first time using Android Studio to build an app.

What's next for Server-Less

Moving forward, we would like to expand Server-Less’s chat capabilities. Right now, the app allows users to choose their orders and view as well as leave reviews on any meals. In addition, they have the option to connect with an employee for any specific questions. We would like to expand on this feature to allow customers to converse with a chatbot for frequently asked questions. This would allow for labor costs to be saved on the merchant side and allow for customers to be attended to even more efficiently.

Built With

• java