Recently wrapped up a design refresh for the EatlyPOS dashboard, and I’d love to share the process and some lessons learned along the way. The goal was to make the interface feel more professional, visually polished, and above all, more user-friendly.

What Was Improved?

This redesign wasn’t just a color swap, it was a full visual and usability cleanup. Here’s a breakdown of the key updates:

• Major navigation overhaul
  Reworked iconography, visual hierarchy, and spacing to improve clarity and flow.

• Typography upgrade
  Switched to Plus Jakarta Sans for a more modern and highly readable look.

• Updated logo
  The new logotype better reflects a professional and contemporary feel.

• Refreshed brand orange
  Slightly tweaked to a lighter tone, making it easier on the eyes.

• Softer shadows
  Card shadows were toned down to be smoother and less intrusive.

• Pastel chart colors
  Calmer tones were used for data visualization to reduce visual noise.

• Flat-style illustrations
  Metric cards now feature friendly flat illustrations that add personality without clutter.

• Better sizing for UI elements
  Slight increases in font size, button dimensions, and input fields improve accessibility and comfort.

Before

After

What I Learned

This wasn’t just a visual update, it was a reminder that design is about constant iteration and honest evaluation. Here are a few takeaways:

• Be honest with yourself
  If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to admit that your design needs work.

• Typography matters, a lot
  The font you choose can completely change how a design feels. Keep exploring until it clicks.

• Small color tweaks make a big difference
  A subtle shift in tone can improve readability and reduce eye fatigue.

• Never underestimate spacing and hierarchy
  They quietly guide the user’s experience and can make or break usability.

• Busy dashboards need calm UI
  When your layout is packed with data, balance it with readable fonts, soft shadows, and clear visual flow.

• Too calm can be boring
  Don’t be afraid to add personality through illustration or accent colors outside your brand palette.

When Is It "Done"?

Truth is, design is never really done. But you’ll know you’re on the right path when you can look at your work, smile, and feel a sense of pride. Then, show it to others and invite feedback. That’s where the next improvement begins.