Movement through the site needed to simulate navigating through an actual gallery. The client wanted the user's visit to be shaped by choices made by the user as much as possible. Additionally, the client wanted to use the site as a marketing tool. The client needed the ability to collect information about users, so that this information could be used to market additional products to customers based upon previous purchases. A clean, white background minimizes distraction from the products themselves.
Navigation is logical, consistent and persistent.
To allow the user to control their progress through the site, we developed a sophisticated search engine which enables users to scan through the gallery in a very specific way, locating only those items which are of particular interest to them. In this regard, visiting this virtual gallery is more efficient and user-directed than visiting a gallery in the physical world. We created a number of content management tools which permit the client to upload new product information and photography, track sales and access specific information about those sales, and send e-mail based upon customer purchase patterns. A wish list, which persists between visits, makes it possible for customers to select preferred items and have the freedom to deliberate about the purchase of those items. Because Artful Dog clients reside in both the United States and Canada, our e-commerce solution encompasses a complex shipping scheme.