All work

2025 · Conceptual redesign of a hotel PMS

HotelKey Dashboard

Rethinking a property-management dashboard around what front-desk staff do most, based on feedback gathered on the job.

Role
UI/UX Designer
Team
Conceptual redesign
Timeline
2 months
Platform
Web dashboard
Figma prototype
HotelKey Dashboard — Conceptual redesign of a hotel PMS

Overview

The short version

While working as a System Administrator at a Staybridge Suites, I watched front-desk staff struggle with HotelKey, a newly implemented property management system replacing the familiar Opera. This conceptual redesign brings the most frequent tasks to the front and cuts the clutter.

Challenge

A complex system upgrade

After the switch, staff faced:

  • A steep learning curve and more training time.
  • Buried tasks that took too many clicks through nested menus.
  • Information overload on a dashboard full of things that weren’t relevant right now.
  • Longer guest waits as those frustrations surfaced at the desk.

My role

User-driven from the inside

My position gave me direct access to the people using the system every shift:

  • Gathered informal feedback from front-desk staff about frustrations and common tasks.
  • Observed workflows to find bottlenecks.
  • Redesigned the dashboard around those insights — “only a user knows what they need”.

Solution

A task-oriented dashboard

Critical functions at the surface, common workflows simplified:

Quick pantry sales

A prominent, fast path for the most frequent transaction.

Fast check-in for pre-paid guests

Minimal data entry for reservations that are already settled.

Decluttered, prioritized

Only essential information and frequently used options on the main screen.

Intuitive navigation

Functions grouped the way staff think about their day.

Impact

Anticipated impact

A concept, not implemented by IHG or HotelKey, but a clear demonstration of what user-centered design does for operational software:

Faster tasksLess navigation, quicker completion.
Shorter trainingA simpler interface lowers the learning curve.
Happier staffAddressing daily pain points directly.
Better serviceEfficiency at the desk becomes a smoother guest experience.

Next project

Skip

A personal finance app that tracks spending, bills, and balances without ever connecting to your bank.

Contact

Let’s build something people love.

I’m looking for a full-time UI/UX or Product Design role, and I’m happy to talk about contract work too. The fastest way to reach me is email.

LinkedIn Dribbble Résumé (PDF)