DATA MODEL PROJECT

Product Data Model Redesign

Introduction

Welcome to our exploration of the redesigned product catalog system for a wedding e-commerce platform. We set out to enhance the platform's ability to manage a wide array of wedding invitations and customizable options, such as foil, colors, and paper types.

Our previous data model was constrained by rigidity, requiring substantial engineering effort for each new product release, which limited scalability and slowed down time to market.

To overcome these challenges, we reimagined the system to increase flexibility and efficiency. We streamlined user flows and updated interfaces to support a more dynamic product setup. With the new design, merchandising teams can independently manage product attributes and variants, reducing the need for developer assistance. This self-service approach simplifies workflows, accelerates product updates, and enhances the overall user experience, making it easier for customers to explore and personalize their wedding invitations.

Old vs New

The example shown in the images on the right illustrates a wedding invitation suite with multiple product variations, such as adding foil. In the old data model, if a suite included an option like foil, it required creating two entirely separate suites—one for the foil version and one without. This duplication extended across all products in the suite, even if some products (like a wedding sticker that never uses foil) did not need the variation. As a result, each product had to be entered twice, which significantly increased the workload and complexity, leading to inefficiencies.

In the new data model, this process is streamlined. It allows the creation of a single suite with flexible options for adding variations like foil, without duplicating the entire suite. This means you can manage all variations within one product entry, significantly reducing redundant work. Additionally, new tools like bulk editing, general editing screens, rule screens, and a dashboard will make it easier to manage and edit products across the suite. This improves efficiency, scalability, and reduces the time required for product data entry and suite management.

New data model New data model
Click the image to enlarge.

Updated Screen Flows

To overcome these challenges, we reimagined the system to increase flexibility and efficiency. We streamlined user flows and updated interfaces to support a more dynamic product setup. With the new design, merchandising teams can independently manage product attributes and variants, reducing the need for developer assistance. This self-service approach simplifies workflows, accelerates product updates, and enhances the overall user experience, making it easier for customers to explore and personalize their wedding invitations.

On the right, you can see the full range of updated screen flows designed to enhance and adapt to the new data model.

flows and design of the tool
Click the image to enlarge.

Creation of a Suite

Given the scale of creating this new data model, we chose to focus on an MVP to tackle the most critical part of the process first. In this case, it was the suite creation, which defines the relationships between the design and the available products for that design. The old platform imposed numerous restrictions, and its limitations hindered users from working efficiently, quickly, and error-free.

To address these issues, we developed a new step-by-step wizard to improve this process. Through a prototype, we closely collaborated with stakeholders, gathering feedback to refine the flows and overall design for better usability.

screen process of creation of a suite
Click the image to enlarge.

Quantifying improvements

The following section will present various measurements that support the enhancements achieved by the new UX tool.

Example of Creation of a Suite with

  • 17 Product types
  • 8 colors
  • 4 foil options
  • Numbers of Clicks

    Current (Old Data model): 165 clicks

    New UI MVP: 55 clicks

    The number of clicks decrease by 70%
  • Saved Time

    Current (Old Data model): 16 min

    New UI MVP: 5.5 min

    The time used decrease by 65%
  • Error Rates

    Based on thorough measurements, user interviews, and stakeholder feedback, we confidently project that error rates:

    will decrease by at least 30%.