Case Study on FoamFlex: Custom Foam Ordering Solution
Foam Toronto Inc., a company specializing in custom-cut foam and mattresses, aimed to establish an online presence and streamline the ordering process for both customers and in-house production. The project’s primary objective was to enable customers to easily input custom dimensions, calculate final prices based on their specifications, and securely store all data in a database. This initiative sought to simplify cost calculations, reduce manual errors, and fully digitize the ordering system.
Design Team
Me and Design team
My Deliverables:
Problem Finding, Redesign Planning, Wireframes, UI Design, Testing report
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IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM
The journey of FoamFlex began with the recognition of key requirements:
Key Requirements:
The decision to undertake a redesign strategy was driven by extensive user feedback. Users had consistently reported pain points related to the application’s complexity, inconsistent interface, and difficulty navigating tax-related categories and forms.
Easily order custom foam products
The system must provide an intuitive and user-friendly interface for customers to order custom foam products directly from the website. Customers should be able to select product types, input custom dimensions, and choose additional options like firmness or shape. The process should be seamless, guiding users step-by-step to ensure a smooth ordering experience.
Digitize ordering and billing system
The project requires a fully digitized ordering and billing system that integrates with the company’s backend operations. This includes automating order processing, invoicing, and payment collection. The system should simplify order management for staff, enabling them to track orders, update statuses, and record sales efficiently in a centralized database.
Accurately calculate prices based on custom dimensions
The platform must incorporate a robust pricing engine that calculates the cost of foam products based on customer inputs, such as dimensions, foam type, and additional features. The pricing calculations should be precise, reflecting any variations in material costs or customizations. This ensures customers receive accurate pricing information before finalizing their orders.
Store all customer orders in a secure database.
A secure database is essential for storing all customer orders, including detailed specifications, custom dimensions, and pricing information. The database should be designed with strong encryption and access controls to protect sensitive customer data. This allows for easy retrieval and management of orders while ensuring compliance with data security standards.
Evolving User Expectations:
Foam Toronto Inc. anticipated that the project would bring transformative changes to their business by modernizing the ordering and billing processes. They expected the digital solution to drive growth, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Increased Sales through Online Presence:
The client expected the project to boost sales by creating a strong online presence, making it easier for customers to discover and order custom foam products. They anticipated that a user-friendly website would attract more online customers, leading to higher sales volumes.
Time Savings for In-House Staff:
By digitizing the ordering and billing system, the client aimed to reduce the time office staff spent on manual calculations and order processing. This time savings would allow staff to focus on other important tasks, improving overall productivity.
Improved Accuracy in Billing and Order Management:
The client sought to minimize manual errors through an automated system that would ensure precise calculations and accurate billing. They expected this improvement to enhance customer satisfaction by providing reliable and error-free service.
Enhanced Online and Offline Visibility:
Foam Toronto Inc. expected the project to not only increase their online visibility but also attract more walk-in traffic to their physical store. The improved online presence was seen as a way to expand their customer base and drive more business both online and offline.
A DEEP DIVE INTO RESEARCH
Understanding Development and Implementation Process
- They embarked on a comprehensive research journey, engaging users through surveys, interviews, and usability tests. These efforts provided invaluable insights into user pain points and preferences.
- CloudTax continued; they also studied competing tax preparation applications to learn best practices and identify opportunities for differentiation. This research-driven approach informed their redesign.
Information has been altered due to the presence of confidential data and adherence to NDA agreements.”
Design Phase
Pages, posts, and product pages were designed to meet client expectations.
Design Approval
The client reviewed and approved the design before development commenced.
Backend Development
Complex logic was implemented to handle custom shape calculations and integrate with the existing WooCommerce system.
Client Review
Testing
Rigorous testing was performed to identify and fix any bugs.
Production Deployment
The final solution was deployed to the client’s live environment.
Technologies and Tools Used
WordPress
WooCommerce
Elementor
Customize Emails
Customers who are filing taxes for the first time and are looking for a user-friendly and efficient tax-filing experience.
Custom Plugin
Custom Theme
The website’s theme was customized to match Foam Toronto Inc.’s branding and design preferences. This ensured that the site reflected the company’s identity, providing a cohesive and professional look that resonated with their target audience.
THE DESIGN BLUEPRINT
The design strategy encompassed structural changes, visual enhancements, and improved accessibility:
Architecting Information:
The decision to undertake a redesign strategy was driven by extensive user feedback. Users had consistently reported pain points related to the application’s complexity, inconsistent interface, and difficulty navigating tax-related categories and forms.
THE ITERATIVE JOURNEY
The Power of Feedback and Accessibility
In addition to aesthetics, Cloud Tax prioritized accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities. They bolstered security measures to safeguard sensitive data, ensuring users’ trust and peace of mind.
Note: We may not fully comply with accessibility guidelines, but we make an effort. We have conducted tests such as colorblindness, contrast ratio and readable typeface.
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Dark Gunmetal
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THE IMPACT AND RESULTS
The Cloud Tax redesign brought about tangible results
Increased Sales:
The new online ordering system led to a noticeable boost in sales by attracting more customers and simplifying the purchase process.
Time Savings:
Significant reductions in time spent on manual calculations and order processing improved overall staff productivity.
Improved Accuracy:
The digital system minimized manual errors, resulting in more accurate billing and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Enhanced Online Presence:
The project improved Foam Toronto Inc.’s online visibility, leading to increased customer engagement and more walk-in traffic to their physical store.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Cloud Tax's transformation journey is a testament to the power of user-centered design, clear objectives, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
FoamFlex exemplifies the successful application of modern technology to address business challenges. By focusing on user-centered design and integrating effective tools, the project achieved its goals of enhancing customer experience, increasing operational efficiency, and driving business growth.