From Concept to Code: Building a Real-Time Ordering Prototype
In today’s competitive job market, showing is always better than telling. To demonstrate my ability to bridge the gap between business needs and technical solutions, I developed Fresh Bakery QuickOrder—a lightweight, mobile-responsive web application designed to streamline order management for small businesses. This prototype isn't just a UI mockup; it’s a functional tool that handles real-time data and generates customer documentation.
Download the prompts I used to write this content
The Problem: Manual Order Chaos
Small local businesses often struggle with managing phone or walk-in orders during peak hours. Manual note-taking leads to errors, lost receipts, and slow service. I wanted to build a solution that requires zero installation for the customer while providing immediate value to the shop owner.
Key Features of the Prototype
- Real-Time Data Integration: The app connects to a Google Sheets backend via Google Apps Script, acting as a free, live dashboard for the shop owner to track incoming orders.
- Dynamic Cart Logic: A seamless JavaScript-driven interface allows users to adjust quantities and see total costs instantly without page reloads.
- Professional Receipt Generation: Understanding that local shops need physical or digital proof, I integrated both a "Hidden Iframe" printing technique and a PDF download feature to ensure reliability across all browsers and devices.
- Mobile-First Design: Using modern CSS variables and flexbox, the app is fully responsive, ensuring a premium experience on smartphones.
Technical Challenges & Solutions
One of the biggest hurdles was ensuring the "Print" functionality worked correctly when embedded in third-party sites like Google Sites. Standard browser print commands often fail in these environments. I solved this by creating a dynamic, temporary iframe that isolates the receipt content, ensuring a clean print every time. This demonstrates my attention to detail regarding the "Final User Experience."
Live Application Prototype
Quick Order & Delivery Management ORDER CONFIRMATIONFresh Bakery
FRESH BAKERY
Final Thoughts
This project taught me the importance of building with the end-user in mind. For developers looking to catch a recruiter's eye: don't just build a "To-Do" list. Build a tool that solves a specific business problem. By combining front-end interactivity with a functional backend and professional output (PDFs/Printing), I’ve created a portfolio piece that shows I am ready to tackle real-world software challenges.
Check out the code on my [Link to GitHub/Portfolio]!

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