Bond Jewellery sought to revamp their website to gain greater control over content and streamline product and order management. The objectives were to enhance user experience, boost visual appeal, and attract more customers. The project spanned six months, encompassing design, development, and testing phases.
Design and User Experience Enhancements:
- Visual Design: The website features a clean and simple aesthetic, emphasizing products to captivate visitors. This minimalist approach ensures that jewellery pieces stand out, enhancing visual appeal.
- Navigation and Responsiveness: Improved navigation facilitates easy product discovery and purchasing. The responsive design ensures seamless access across all devices, including mobile phones and tablets.
- Performance Optimization: Addressing previous speed issues, the new design significantly enhances page load times, providing a swift and efficient browsing experience.
Technical Implementation:
- Umbraco CMS and Umbraco Commerce Integration: Utilizing Umbraco CMS and Umbraco Commerce, the site offers robust content management and e-commerce capabilities. This integration grants the client full control over website content, products, and orders.
- Custom Product Taxonomy: The diverse range of products, including rings with various sizes, metals, and diamond specifications, necessitated a bespoke product taxonomy. This system effectively manages multiple variations, ensuring accurate representation and easy management.
- Nivoda API Integration: Integrating Nivoda’s diamond exchange API allows real-time updates of diamond inventory. Customers can access detailed information, such as unique certificate numbers, enhancing transparency and trust.
- Dynamic Facet Filtering: A bespoke, data-driven product filtering system was developed using Umbraco’s built-in Lucene index. This dynamic facet filter engine adapts to user selections, improving product searchability and user engagement.
- Integrated Instagram Feed: Thanks to the flexibility of Igloo Theme, we could add a dynamic Instagram feed to the website.
Project Management and Collaboration:
- Timeline: The project included a six-week design phase, followed by a five-month development period, and concluded with one month of testing. A key milestone was the successful launch in time for Black Friday sales.
- Client Collaboration: Regular check-ins via Microsoft Teams and WhatsApp facilitated continuous client involvement. This collaboration ensured the final product aligned with the client’s vision and requirements.
Outcomes and Future Plans:
- Enhanced Client Autonomy: The new website empowers Bond Jewellery to manage products and orders efficiently, meeting their goal of increased control.
- Performance Improvements: Significant reductions in page load times enhance user experience, potentially leading to increased customer satisfaction and engagement.
- Client Satisfaction and Future Enhancements: The client is extremely pleased with the flexibility offered by Umbraco and the Igloo Theme. Discussions are already underway for the next phase of the project, indicating a strong, ongoing partnership.
Key Takeaways:
- A user-centric design with a clean aesthetic enhances product focus and customer engagement.
- Responsive design and improved navigation are crucial for accessibility across all devices.
- Custom integrations, such as the Nivoda API, add significant value by providing real-time inventory updates and detailed product information.
- Regular client collaboration ensures the final product aligns with client expectations and business goals.
- Performance optimization, including faster page load times, is essential for enhancing user experience and satisfaction.
This project exemplifies how thoughtful design, technical innovation, and close client collaboration can transform a website into a powerful tool for business growth and customer engagement.
