Photo Credit: Definitive TechnologySound United Websites
OVERVIEWSound United supports and curates a diverse array of unique audio brands. Two of which, are Definitive Technology and Polk Audio. They were looking for an update to their restrictive content management systems and aged e-Commerce sites.
ROLEUX/UI Designer
Wireframes, Visual Design, Design QA, Content Entry
Background
Sound United had a dated and unintuitive content management system in place to power the two power-house ecommerce sites. They were struggling with making even the most basic of adjustments with their current technology. They needed flexibility and control.
We suggested using Craft CMS and Craft Commerce as the tools to best resolve their dilemma. Equipped with these tools, we would be able to create two distinct brands on the front end and have them unified with the same backend and codebase.
Challenge
We gladly took on the challenge of redesigning both Definitive Technology and PolkAudio websites and their accompanying CMS platforms simultaneously, while staying true to their own distinct brand personalities. By creating both sites on a system of content blocks that could easily be rearranged and adjusted directly in the CMS, this would ensure the flexibility and control the client was searching for—all without having to touch a single line of code.
User Experience
During the UX portion of this project my team and I designed each possible content block, and its variations so that they could be used in the system with the intent that they could utilized however the author preferred and could be interchangeable.
Each wireframe was composed to have the desktop and mobile views laid out side-by-side. This provided the client with a better visual understanding of how the responsive design would condense down to mobile devices.
Style guides were created to help visually guide the content managers in creating the content for both websites.
Solution
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Intuitive Content Tools
It was important that the tool we used to create the sites was intuitive and easy-to-use for the designers and content managers on both internal teams.
Two Sites, One Source
Definitive Technology and Polk Audio have completely different visual styles. Using the same backend and javascript, we were able to deliver two unique stylistic executions with ease. Both websites follow current best practices for e-Commerce while creating completely different impressions for the customer.
A/B Testing
A custom plugin was created to allow for automated A/B testing on any page. Visitors are automatically assigned to a test group and the results are available for viewing once the sample size is met.
System Builder
A large frustration in selling component audio is figuring out how to simplify the buying process for the customer. What’s appropriate for their space? Do they need a receiver? Wired or wireless?
We took to building a system builder to help with answering the many questions customers may have. The system builder works by immediately recommending products based on the customer’s selections from a short five-stepped product configurator. The result is showcased in the form of a room decked out with the speakers perfect for them. From there, they can customize to their heart’s desire, take their recommendation to a dealer, or buy it all right off the website.
Results
We created two of the most powerful, maintainable, and flexible websites ever built with Craft Commerce — ones that Sound United controls from the backend to the front end.
One sheets were created to help with internal communications for the client. You can download them here.
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