Spring 2026Chick-fil-A drive-thru operations depend on mobile order-taking devices, yet managers lack real-time visibility into their battery life and status. Without a proactive system, teams rely on memory and manual checks, often discovering issues only after a device fails. This leads to reactive decision-making, disrupted workflow, and increased stress. This project focuses on shifting device management from reactive to proactive by improving visibility, communication, and overall system awareness.
Chick-Fil-A Align
Chick-fil-A is the fastest growing quick-service restaurant brand in the United States, known for its high-performing drive-thru operations.
The brand has made many improvements to their systems to enhance the guest experience…but what about the teams working there?
The question they will need to address is: How can we keep providing care, speed and quality to our guests while also making our team’s jobs less stressful and more efficient?
The real issue Emily is facing is a lack of proactive visibility and communication. Without knowing a problem is coming, managers are forced to react in the moment, costing valuable time and energy.
How might we provide managers with the proactive visibility and communication they need to prevent drive thru disruptions?
How is equipment currently being stored and managed?
All of these systems required manual or mental inventorying, which leaves a lot of room for human error and adds to the cognitive overload and stress managers are already experiencing.
Meet Emily
Front of House Manager
During her shift, Emily is responsible for maintaining the flow of the drive thru: managing people, equipment, and the overall guest experience. She also has to respond quickly to any problem that could become a disruption to the drive thru.
Many disruptions are rooted in technological error, such as poor battery life, charging issues, temperature related shutdowns and missing equipment.
Design Challenge
To create a centralized charging and storage system that improves consistency through proactive communication, while reducing operational friction for teams.
Design Guidelines
Minimal Cords
Clear Organization
Easy to Integrate
Customizable Capacity
At a Glance Charging Status
Proactive Communication
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Modular charging base
system for scalability
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Integration with current storage systems
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Vertical orientation for
clear sightlines
A charging hub alone wouldn’t address the need for proactive communication. The Chick-fil-A Align app serves as a place for managers to assess the status of every tablet in their store. Managers are notified when devices experience issues allowing them to proactively address problems before they effect business.
