The Challenge
Most POS systems in the Philippine SMB market are either too expensive, too complex, or designed for a Western retail context that doesn't match local business realities — sari-sari stores, carinderia owners, and market stall vendors need something that works with how they actually operate.
The challenge: design a POS system that feels as fast as cash — zero learning curve for first-time users, works on a tablet or low-cost device, and handles the realities of the local market like peso denominations, loose item quantities, and daily cash reconciliation.
The Solution
Kasenso POS strips everything down to the essentials — a clean checkout screen, fast product search, and a cash tender flow designed for speed. The interface is optimized for touch, with large tap targets and a minimal cognitive load so cashiers can process transactions without looking at the screen.
- One-screen checkout with quick-add product grid and barcode scan support
- Smart cash tender with auto-computed change in Philippine Peso
- Inventory management with low-stock alerts and reorder reminders
- Daily sales summary with revenue, top products, and transaction history
- Offline-first architecture so the system works even without internet
- Multi-user roles: cashier, manager, and owner access levels
My Process
I spent time in actual sari-sari stores and small shops doing contextual observation — watching how owners track sales, where friction happens, and what shortcuts they already use. The design came from those observations, not assumptions.
- Contextual inquiry sessions with small business owners and cashiers in Metro Manila
- Journey mapping of the full transaction cycle from product lookup to receipt
- Sketching and rapid paper prototyping to validate checkout flow concepts
- Tablet-first wireframes with accessibility and glare-resistance in mind
- Usability testing with 8 participants across different store types
- Iterated to final high-fidelity Figma prototype with full interactive states
