Issues With Japanese Websites and Web Applications

The thumbnail above is the screenshot from the official Japan National Tourism Organisation and this website happens to be the what most tourists in Japan visit.

At Reserved, one of our primary objectives is to revolutionise and revitalise the digital scene in Japan. Despite its reputation for technological advancement, many Japanese digital services still operate on legacy systems and outdated designs, leading to a user experience that is often confusing and cumbersome.

For us to better illustrate, take a look at the following examples that highlight the current state of Japanese web applications:

The leading trading platform below features an interface overloaded with information and lacking intuitive design, resulting in a confusing user experience that can deter people from investing.

Booking an award flight ticket on ANA will leave you puzzled.

While Japanese mobile apps generally have a more modern appearance and are somewhat easier to navigate, they still face significant issues. Many apps cram too much information onto one screen, leading to a cluttered and overwhelming user experience. The interfaces are often filled with numerous links to various services, such as third party brads.

In contrast, services outside Japan, like Amazon, Google, and Apple prioritise simplicity and clarity in their designs. These platforms provide a streamlined user experience with simplistic interfaces, intuitive navigation, and minimalistic designs that make it easy for users to find what they need without feeling overwhelmed.

Reserved’s Vision for a Modern and User-Friendly Digital Experience

At Reserved, we aim to address these issues by revolutionising the design and functionality of Japanese digital services. Our goal is to create a more modern, simple, and clear digital experience that priorities user needs. Here’s how we plan to achieve this:

1. Streamlined Design: We focus on clean, minimalist designs that reduce clutter and make it easy for users to find the information they need. This involves removing unnecessary elements and focusing on the core functionality of each application.
2. Intuitive Navigation: Our designs emphasise intuitive navigation, ensuring that users can easily move through different sections of an application without getting lost or confused. This includes clear labeling, logical menu structures, and straightforward workflows.
3. Consistent User Experience: We strive to provide a consistent user experience across all platforms and devices. This means ensuring that desktop and mobile applications have a similar look and feel, making it easy for users to switch between devices without having to learn a new interface.
4. Integration of Services: We aim to simplify the integration of various services, reducing the need for users to navigate between multiple platforms. By consolidating services into a single, cohesive interface, we can provide a more seamless and efficient user experience.
5. User-Centric Approach: Our design process is centred around the needs and preferences of users. We conduct extensive user research and testing to ensure that our designs meet the needs of the people who will be using them.

By implementing these principles, we believe that we can transform the digital landscape in Japan, making it more accessible, user-friendly, and efficient. Our goal at Reserved is to leave a positive impact by modernising interfaces, enhancing user experience, and making digital interactions more intuitive and enjoyable.

We recognise that many of these companies have their own in-house developer teams. However, we encourage them to reach out to us for modernisation, redevelopment, and further refactoring. Our expertise can complement their efforts and help achieve a more refined and user-friendly digital experience.