RE: menu design

To answer your question, YES! I've paid attention to menu designs. It's the first thing that's handed to you when you are seated at a table so naturally people will look at it. I think menu design can be tricky and its design is based on how many items the restaurant serves. A good menu is one that is clear and well organized. Hierarchy is key- I need to be led to the most desirable products upon opening a menu. At places like cheesecake factory, menu design borders on book design. I don't think that's the best strategy because people want to evaluate their options and choose because time is a constraint and waiters want to flip tables for tips as soon as possible. I think people, regardless of design knowledge, will not care about the menu tricks. They may be more aware of it and spot it out, but ultimately they want to eat! HOWEVER, if the menu is poorly designed and if "subtle tricks" become noticeable, I think a designer will be the first to call them out.