Case Study
Lab-Aids
Modernizing the ecommerce experience for an educational publisher and manufacturer
01
The Challenge
Thoughtfully update an education company’s online store to improve the user experience and drive sales without replacing the existing technology stack.
02
The Approach
Trust and collaboration. We worked very closely with our client to uncover their needs and offer insights and expertise.
03
The Outcome
A strategic revamp of the online store with vastly improved organization, design, and functionality.
Client Introduction
Providing Hands-On Learning Since 1963
Lab-Aids is an innovative publisher and manufacturer of hands-on, evidence-based math and science programs for grades K-12. Since 1963, they have created core curriculum and supplementary programs to help students understand learning concepts through direct experience.
Project at a Glance
What Our Team Provided
Solutions
- Websites
- Ecommerce
- Search & Discovery
Technologies
How It Started
Understanding the ask to make informed recommendations
Lab-Aids approached us with a relatively simple ask: to visually align their online store with their marketing site and update software on the backend. However, after close collaboration and discussion, we discovered opportunities to make impactful improvements to the store’s design and functionality. Our recommendations included a more comprehensive redesign of the online store and upgrades to optimize performance.
Research & Discovery
A strategy for a more seamless ecommerce experience
Through intensive workshops, it became clear Lab-Aids needed to rethink their ecommerce experience. Over time, the online store had been patched and features had been added ad hoc. As a result, data systems had become clunky and complicated. On the front end, product information was difficult to find, search was broken, and purchase paths were complex, leading to missed sales opportunities. We needed to make it easy for Lab Aid’s primary users, teachers, to locate science product packages, add them to carts, and then share those carts with administrators for final purchasing.
UX Strategy & Design
Clean organization and design
For this project, we restructured the store’s information architecture to make navigation more intuitive. We cleaned up the product content and organized it by type and grade level, making it easier for users to find the products they need. We also simplified and expedited the checkout process for a streamlined end-to-end experience. In the process of aligning the store’s visual design with the marketing site, we gave it a fresh, modern look and feel that was consistent with Lab Aid’s overall brand.
Search & Discovery
Finding the right products
Improving search was key to improving the overall ecommerce experience. We implemented Algolia, a best-in-class, cloud-based search and discovery platform. With Algolia, users could quickly and easily locate products with instant, as-you-type results, eliminating unnecessary clicks and scroll.
Security & Maintenance
Best practices and a secure tech stack
To ensure optimal performance we upgraded the ExpressionEngine CMS and provisioned new web hosting for improved site admin and security. We layered in an out-of-the-box Intrusion Detection System (IDS) for real-time monitoring, and added Cloudflare Pro and the Qualys Web Application Scanner to improve their Defense in Depth (DiD) strategy and security posture.
The End Result
Improved customer and ecommerce capabilities
Working hand-in-hand with Lab-Aid’s smart, collaborative team, we delivered an impactful redesign of their online store that relieved customer pain points and bolstered their brand. In elevating the ecommerce experience, we alleviated pressure on the Lab Aid’s sales team and removed obstacles to future growth. Post successful project and launch, we’ve continued to work with and support the Lab-Aids marketing team with website maintenance and ongoing improvements.
Client Testimonials
"The team at Foster Made was able to take an honest look at our existing site and guide us towards a solution that’s not only attractive but much easier for customers to use. Now teachers can find exactly what they’re looking for in no time at all."
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