C.P. Patisserie

Objective

Design a visually stunning, user-friendly website for C.P. Patisserie, a custom bakery brand. The aim is to establish an online presence that reflects the brand’s artistry and craftsmanship, while also streamlining the order process, which has previously been conducted through social media. This website will help the brand capture missed opportunities, reach a broader audience, and enhance customer communication.

Overview

C.P. Patisserie, a custom bakery with two years of success, has been operating solely through social media channels. This approach, while effective at creating personal connections, has led to missed orders, overwhelmed communication, and limited brand exposure.
To resolve these challenges, the bakery seeks a visually appealing website that showcases their bespoke creations and provides a seamless ordering process.

The website is envisioned to be more than a simple online store—it will be an immersive experience that mirrors the brand’s philosophy of blending patisserie and architecture. The design will incorporate dynamic elements like parallax scrolling and scroll-triggered animations to create an elevated and memorable browsing experience. Additionally, key functionalities will allow easy updates to seasonal items and quick responses to customer orders.

Initial Research and Insights

UX Research: Client Interview Highlights

As part of the discovery phase of the C.P Patisserie website project, a comprehensive user interview was conducted to understand the client’s challenges, needs, and aspirations for the new digital platform. This interview served as the foundation for identifying key pain points and user goals, shaping the user experience design.

Problems Identified

Attracting New Customers – The client expressed difficulty in standing out in a competitive, visually driven market. Despite a strong social media presence, reaching new audiences and differentiating the brand online was challenging.
Showcasing Uniqueness – A major challenge for the brand has been effectively communicating the customizable and artisanal nature of their products through existing platforms, particularly on social media where content may get lost in a saturated space.

User Needs

Real-Time Order Notifications – The client emphasized the need for instant notifications when new orders are placed, allowing them to respond in real-time, regardless of their location. This aligns with the requirement for seamless communication between the bakery and its customers, to ensure a smooth and efficient order process.
Streamlined Communication – The current system of interacting with customers through social media was inefficient. A more streamlined, integrated communication flow is needed to avoid missed messages and order opportunities.

User Goals

Visually Engaging Website – The client envisions a website that is aesthetically captivating and optimized for both desktop and mobile devices. The goal is to create a platform that reflects the high-quality craftsmanship of their bakery products.
Immersive User Experience – Inspired by Apple’s website, the client desires an immersive experience featuring parallax scrolling and scroll-triggered animations. These visual elements will enhance user engagement and make the site memorable, setting it apart from competitors.

Mental Models (User Thought Process)

The client views their work as a fusion of patisserie and architecture—each pastry is carefully designed with precision, much like an architectural piece. This perspective is central to how they want the brand to be perceived. The website should reflect this elevated aesthetic, allowing customers to feel an instant connection to the artistry of the products through its visual display.
The overarching goal is for customers to experience a sense of exclusivity and sophistication when interacting with the website, aligning with the premium nature of the brand.

Pain Points

Overwhelmed by Manual Processes:
Managing orders and product updates via social media is a time-consuming and often overwhelming process for the client. There is a significant need for automation, particularly for receiving orders and updating inventory.
Complexity in Updating Content:
The client requires a content management system (CMS) that allows for quick and easy updates to seasonal pastries and new products, without needing to rely on technical help. The system should support effortless modifications of prices, photos, and categories, reducing the overall cognitive load.

Conclusion

The insights gathered from the UX interview highlight the need for a user-centered website that enhances the bakery’s online presence, streamlines operations, and offers an immersive, visually engaging experience. These insights will inform the subsequent wire-framing, prototyping, and user testing phases, ensuring the final product meets both the business and user expectations.

Next Steps (WIP)

1. Wireframing and Design:
   • Create initial wireframes that reflect the desired visual experience, incorporating parallax scrolling and scroll-triggered animations.
   • Design a CMS (Content Management System) that allows the client to update products, photos, prices, and categories with ease.
     
2. Order Management System:
   • Implement a real-time order notification system that enables instant communication with customers.
   • Ensure the system allows for seamless order tracking and management from any device.
     
3. Testing and Prototyping:
   • Develop high-fidelity prototypes for user testing, focusing on the usability of the ordering system and the overall visual experience.
     
4. Launch Strategy:
   • Plan a launch strategy that promotes the new website across social media, leveraging existing customer relationships while attracting new audiences.