you will re-design an e-commerce site to develop your skills in evaluative research, information architecture, and user interface design. You’ll design a mid-fidelity prototype to evaluate usability, which will inform the necessary changes needed to create a finalized higher-fidelity prototype

Located at the heart of any city, small businesses are proud to be a part of their dynamic communities. Their customers are varied — ranging from local residents to other small businesses.

The business model of local stores is based on customer service and reasonable pricing. Local stores employ local staff and support their local community. The highest priority has always been given to the face-to-face contact these businesses have with their customers. Unlike e-commerce retailers such as Amazon, these stores offer a highly curated inventory focusing on hand-picked quality over quantity. These stores have built their own website, but most aren’t thrilled with the results. At the same time, they haven’t had the time or knowledge to better their user experience.

This is where you come in. These stores want to showcase their products while maintaining their brand image: “small shop” appeal and great customer service. Through an improved e-commerce website, your goal is to help the stores do just that.