This was designed for an interior decorator business as a freelance project. I started with wireframing some concepts and built it with WordPress and Elementor. Here's the live website https://gitradecenter.lk/

Introduction

This case study explores the design and development of a static website for GI Trade Center, an interior decorator shop located in Nugegoda, Sri Lanka. The primary objective is to showcase their products and services, allowing users to explore their offerings and potentially convert into customers.

Objectives

• Attract users with high-quality product visuals on the homepage.

• Enhance user experience with a modern minimalist design with a touch of elegance.

• Provide clear information about GI Trade Center's services through an easily navigable website.

• Encourage user engagement with interactive features and informative content.

• Build trust and credibility by showcasing the company's vision and finished projects.

• Facilitate easy communication with a prominent contact button on the homepage.

Key Features

• Homepage:

  • Slideshow featuring beautiful modern interiors with high-quality product pictures.

  • Prominently displayed logo for brand recognition.

  • Easy-to-find contact button.

  • "Who We Are" section for a brief introduction.

  • Interactive interior image with product hotspots for real-life visualization.

  • Minimalist footer with essential information.

• "About Us" Page:

  • Vision statement prominently displayed on the landing banner.

  • Trust-building video showcasing the store.

  • Product images linked back to the product page.

• "Services" Page:

  • Three-card banner depicting the shop, fabrics, and a happy customer.

  • Short, descriptive service cards with brand-colored icons.

  • Process maps with visual icons for user engagement.

  • Quality pictures throughout.

• "Products" Page:

  • Banner featuring modern interiors with a focus on products.

  • Subheader with product categories for easy access.

  • Clear product pictures with short descriptions.

  • Detailed product pages with additional pictures and information.

  • Related product section for continued user engagement.

• "Gallery" Page:

  • Showcase of finished projects to establish trust and credibility.

• "Contact" Page:

  • Simple and clear design with essential contact information.

Implementation

The website was developed as a static website using WordPress with Elementor.

Design Process

• Modern minimalist design with a touch of elegance was chosen to create a visually appealing and user-friendly experience.

• High-quality product images were incorporated throughout the website to showcase GI Trade Center's offerings.

• User experience was prioritized through clear navigation, interactive features (hotspot images), and a subheader with product categories on each page for easy access.

• Trust and credibility were established by prominently displaying the company's vision statement and showcasing finished projects in the gallery.

• Consistent use of GI Trade Center's brand colors throughout the website reinforced brand recognition.

Challenges and Solutions

• Learning Curve: As this was the first client project, mastering WordPress and Elementor functionalities required dedicated learning alongside development.

• Content Creation: The client did not provide product images or descriptions. This challenge was overcome by generating product images using AI tools and conducting research to develop product descriptions.

• Design vs. Information Balance: Striking a balance between providing necessary details and maintaining a user-friendly, visually appealing website was crucial. Process maps and user flows were created to determine the best approach for presenting information without overwhelming users.