Situation
In late 2005, Merillat's three-year-old website needed an update. Merillat wanted to drive traffic to key areas of the site, and make it easier for visitors to research and shop for cabinets.
Hanson conducted usability tests with Merillat's key target audiences to gain insight into their browsing methods, and to identify areas of the site that could benefit from further improvement.
This research confirmed key strategic plans, and helped refine improvements to several features when the new site was launched in early 2006.
The ideaFOLIO™ evolved from the previous Workbook section. It allows registered users to save product information and images, how-to articles, and 3D plans they created.
launch ideaFOLIO™
Improved 3D Design Planner: From pre-configured templates to custom design, users can plan and design their own kitchen. Plans can be saved to a user's ideaFOLIO™.
launch 3D Design Planner
The product catalog was better organized to be more visual, informative and intuitive. Users can view rooms "on the fly" changing color, styles and more with the click of the mouse.
The Photo Gallery was redesigned and made searchable by styles and by room. Within months after the launch, articles that previously had zero readership were now being viewed by hundreds of users every month.
launch Photo Gallery
The Web Marketing Association named Merillat.com as an "Outstanding Consumer Goods Website" for 2006.
Hanson hosts Merillat.com through our sister company, ISCG.