Artizan International Shopify site
PROJECT DETAILS
Scope: E-commerce website design & maintenance
Role: UX/UI Designer / Front-end Developer
Duration: 6 Weeks (Aug-Sep 2023)
Tools/Platform: Shopify, Photoshop/Illustrator (image editing & asset creation)
Overview
Artizan International is a social enterprise dedicated to selling ethical and handcrafted gifts made by differently-abled artisans. The project is grounded in the principles of social entrepreneurship, aiming to provide sustainable income opportunities for artisans while offering customers a unique and socially responsible shopping experience. The UX/UI design focuses on creating a seamless, visually engaging, and empathetic platform that aligns with the brand's values.
Context
Artizan International faced challenges with their existing e-commerce platform. The user experience was not optimized for showcasing the unique stories behind each product, and the design lacked a cohesive visual identity. The website struggled to effectively communicate the social impact of each purchase, hindering customer engagement and conversion rates.
The Problem
Lack of website and social media integration
No recent product photography or consistent look
Lacking the story-telling element
Add to basket / checkout functionality clunky and slow for users
The Solution
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Developed a design strategy that prominently featured the stories of the differently-abled artisans. Custom illustrations and photography were incorporated to visually narrate their craftsmanship journeys.
Implemented a dedicated section for artisan profiles, allowing users to connect emotionally with the makers behind each product.
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Revamped the product pages to offer a more immersive and informative experience. High-quality images, detailed product descriptions, and a zoom-in feature were introduced to provide users with a closer look at the craftsmanship.
Integrated storytelling elements within each product page to convey the unique qualities and ethical aspects of the gifts.
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Structured the website with a clear information hierarchy, ensuring that users could easily navigate through different sections, from browsing products to learning about the social impact initiatives.
Emphasised accessibility features to make the website inclusive for users of all abilities.
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Ensured the website was responsive across various devices, providing a consistent and seamless user experience on desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
Prioritized mobile optimization to capture a wider audience and facilitate on-the-go shopping.
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Streamlined the checkout process, reducing friction and enhancing user flow. A progress indicator and clear calls-to-action were implemented to guide users through the purchase journey smoothly.
Introduced multiple payment options, including a seamless integration with popular digital wallets.
The Process
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Conducted competitor analysis, user surveys, and studied industry trends to inform design decisions and understand user preferences in the heated tobacco market.
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Created a sitemap that makes users ability to make purchases simple and quick
Collaborated with Sales and Marketing team to discuss the best way to create both B2C and B2B experiences on the same site.
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Artizan’s Shopify e-commerce redesign not only improved the functionality and aesthetics of the website but also strengthened the brand's commitment to ethical commerce. The outcome showcases the potential of thoughtful UX/UI design in creating a meaningful and impactful digital platform for a social enterprise. The website now serves as a powerful tool for promoting ethical gift-giving while fostering a connection between customers and the differently-abled artisans, ultimately contributing to a positive social impact.
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The redesigned Shopify website successfully addressed the initial challenges, resulting in a positive and engaging user experience. The incorporation of storytelling elements and a visually appealing design contributed to increased user engagement and empathy towards the artisans' stories. The improved product showcase and streamlined checkout process led to a notable boost in conversion rates.
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Using existing brand identity in a modern and accessible way.
Updates to the product photography to match the competitors.
