Feb 2024 - Present
Desktop Version
Completed UX design course, in which I acquired skills in enhancing user experiences for applications and websites.
Below is a project I am working on, where I'm applying these skills to develop an e-commerce site for a small business via Squarespace.
E-commerce website: Whistle Creek Apiaries
I gathered information from print brochures + their Facebook page, as well as photography they sent me to tell their story and sell their honey.
I added their varieties of honey and sizes and types [jar, bears + party favors] to the shop and set up the back-end of their inventory so they can get started on sales.
I am working solo on this project communicating with the owners directly, creating the banner graphics and choosing the layout/images for overall look and feel. I transformed their printed logo from a flyer into a digital format, ensuring it was optimized for use across web and print platforms.
I am finalizing the inventory/shop/shipping preferences before we go live with online ordering.
Mobile Version
Whistle Creek Apiaries
Case Study
Project Overview
Objective: Design and build a responsive and visually appealing website for Whistle Creek Apiaries to showcase their products and educate users about beekeeping and honey production and offer a way for customers to order online.
Role: UX/UI Designer and Squarespace Developer
Timeline: 9 months
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Whistle Creek Apiaries needed an online presence that reflects the quality of their products and communicates their passion for beekeeping. Previously they relied on Facebook/Meta to showcase their offerings or engage users.
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Improve User Experience: Create a seamless and intuitive browsing experience where customers can now order online.
Highlight Products: Provide clear and engaging product information to boost sales.
Educate Users: Share knowledge about the benefits of honey and sustainable beekeeping practices.
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Target Audience:
Health-conscious consumers looking for natural products.
Enthusiasts curious about beekeeping and sustainable practices.
Existing customers who only have access to buying locally in select stores or at farmer’s markets, now have another option for purchasing, as well as, opening them up to an additional customer base.
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Users prioritize product quality and transparency.
Many users enjoy learning about the source of their food and the production process.
Users like the convenience of ordering online.
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Evaluated competitor sites to identify best practices and areas for differentiation, such as origin story, the honey process, lifestyle imagery and party favors offering a more customizable experience.
The breakdown
Design Process
User Flow & Wireframes:
Mapped out the ideal user journey from landing on the homepage to purchasing a product.
Developed wireframes to visualize layout and functionality.
UI Design
Created a clean, approachable aesthetic with warm, earth tones to evoke a natural, welcoming feel.
Used high-quality visuals of bees and honey to build emotional connection and trust.
Utilized family and lifestyle photography of various honey products.
Responsive Design:
Ensured the site is fully functional across devices (mobile, tablet, desktop).
Content Strategy:
Developed engaging copy emphasizing product benefits and sustainability.
Structured the site to prioritize ease of navigation.
Features + Challenges
Homepage:
Hero image with a compelling tagline to immediately communicate brand ethos.
Featured products and a shop shortcut link to make the shopping experience seamless.
Product Pages:
Detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and clear call-to-action buttons.
Consolidated ‘about us’ section with the homepage to ensure valuable information was not missed or skipped over.
Challenge:
Ensuring smooth navigation for first-time users.
Solution:
Simplified the site architecture and added intuitive menu labels.
Challenge:
Making the brand stand out in a competitive market.
Solution:
Highlighted unique selling points such as sustainability and product purity.
Initial Results
Increased Engagement and Positive Feedback: Customers commented they are excited to utilize the online ordering system. Once the business determines their methods of shipment and payment processes, we will go live and look forward to improved conversion rates and plan to see an uptick in overall sales.
Reflection
This project reinforced the importance of aligning UX/UI design with brand values. The process of combining storytelling, user-friendly design, and responsive functionality was both rewarding and impactful. Moving forward, I aim to incorporate more interactive elements like videos or animations to enhance user engagement.
Completing the Google UX Design Certification through Coursera has strengthened my understanding of creating visually compelling and user-centered designs. With a strong emphasis on aesthetics, accessibility, and functionality, I’m eager to apply what I’ve learned to create engaging digital experiences that resonate with users in my next role.