Bringing Speers Interiors Online: A Digital Transformation Story
CHALLENGE
I worked at Speers Interiors, a furniture store that had been around for a while. But sometimes, customers would come surprised, wide-eyed, exclaiming,
"We had no idea you guys were here!"
Then came the question that resonated,
"Do you have a website we can browse to explore your offerings?"
It was a simple query, yet it held the power to transform our customer experience. These moments sparked a revelation for both myself and my insightful manager, also the store's owner. It became glaringly evident that a digital presence was no longer a choice, but a necessity and that,
We needed to be online if we wanted our customers to know about us. This realization marked the beginning of Speers Interiors' digital journey.
SOLUTION
After careful consideration, we decided to create a website for Speers Interiors. Our goal was to provide more detailed information about the store and its products. We didn't want it to be an e-commerce platform, but rather an informational hub showcasing the range of products available, the quality and craftsmanship behind them, and the store's credibility in the industry. This way, potential customers could explore our offerings and get a sense of what Speers Interiors stood for before even stepping foot in the store.
The Website was step towards making our presence known in the digital landscape while maintaining the essence of our physical establishment.
38%
Improved knowledge in store offerings
22%
Increase in store footfall
84%
PROCESS
Research
To kickstart the digital transformation, we dove into comprehensive research. It began with engaging our customers in conversations, understanding their needs, and learning about their expectations from our website.
We wanted to ensure that every aspect of our online presence resonated with what our customers valued most.
We didn't stop there. A thorough examination of other businesses in the area provided valuable insights. We wanted to learn from both successes and pitfalls in the digital realm. Additionally, we conducted a brief survey with customers who had previously made purchases from us. This helped us glean firsthand perspectives on how a website could have enhanced their overall experience.
Design Exploration
With our research insights in hand, we delved into the design phase. This was a critical juncture where we aimed to translate customer expectations and business objectives into a seamless digital experience.
Development and Testing:
For the technical foundation of the website, we chose Shopify, a platform known for its flexibility and user-friendly interface.
Refined Information Architecture: Building upon the initial IA, we refined the structure to ensure that every section of the website flowed logically. This meticulous planning was pivotal in creating an intuitive user experience.
Visual Design Overhaul: The visual design phase saw the incorporation of Speers Interior's branding elements. This included the use of the company's color palette, typography, and imagery, giving the website a distinct and cohesive visual identity.
Accessibility Considerations: To ensure inclusivity, we paid close attention to accessibility features, making certain that the website was usable and navigable for all users, including those with disabilities.
Customization and Integration: We selected a Shopify template that
Minimum Viable Product (MVP) :
Based on the feedback received and testing, we realized that we had achieved our Minimum Viable Product. The website was fully functional, user friendly and aligned with our initial goals.
With the MVP in place, we were ready to introduce the new Speers Interiors website to a wider audience, knowing that we had created a platform that aligned seamlessly with the brand's ethos and the desires of our customers
CONCLUSION
Launching the Speers Interiors website was a game-changer for us, and our customers absolutely love it! We dove into deep research, played around with various designs, and made sure every little detail was just right. Choosing Shopify turned out to be a genius move because it made the website not only user-friendly but also super secure. Now, our website shines with the true essence of Speers Interiors, and we couldn't be happier with the outcome! 🎉