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E-commerce Website Development 4 Lecture Topics o E-commerce website development is a critical area of study that focuses on building and deploying an online platform that facilitates the buying and selling of goods and services.1- SaaS platform o SaaS stands for "software as a service" and with this option, company rent software. o The software remains the exclusive property of the company that develops it (the SaaS provider) and company can make use of it for a certain price, usually paid monthly. Shopify o Shopify powers over 2,921,565 websites around the globe. o Shopify has 21% of the ecommerce market share. A popular choice among many SMBs, Shopify allows clients to build effective online stores and scale their business. Created with a user- friendly and intuitive interface, as well as tons of templates, this platform offers flexible shipping rates, automatic taxes, and over 100 payment gateways. Shopify enables social media integrations, is packed with built-in SEO features, and is fully hosted. Best for: Small businesses looking for an all-in-one ecommerce solution E-commerce Website Development What is ecommerce software ? 1- SaaS platform Magento o To date, Magento has powered over 772,000 websites around the world. o There are over 5,900 extensions that integrate with Magento. Magento is a highly flexible ecommerce solution used by medium sized businesses ready to scale. This platform offers robust features which allow retailers to customize all aspects of their online store including custom templates, extensions, and modules. If clients need to further extend the functionality of their Magento store, they can always use add-ons to turn the vision of their online store into a reality. Considered by many a complex ecommerce platform, Magento supports clients by maintaining an operative community of developers and experts on the Magento ecosystem who are ready to help newbies with the maintenance of their online store. Best for: Brands looking for a highly customizable ecommerce solution E-commerce Website Development What is ecommerce software ? 2- Open source software o These platforms let you design unique and beautiful websites with all core eCommerce functionalities already pre-set in them. Uses a source code that is freely available to everyone. o Some well-known open source platforms are WordPress, osCommerce, WooCommerce. WooCommerce o WooCommerce powers over 3,876,748 live websites. o WooCommerce is one of the biggest open-source ecommerce platforms. Specifically designed to integrate with WordPress, WooCommerce has plenty of templates that can help you build a unique online store. You'll get all essential features including unlimited products, unrestricted customization, order management, and free shipping. Best for: Small businesses that have a website powered by WordPress. E-commerce Website Development What is ecommerce software ? 3- Custom Solutions o With a custom solution, an online store is specifically developed by a web design company, freelancers, or your own developers. You fully control the features and the appearance of the online store, at the front-end and the admin panel (where you manage your online store). Consequently, there are few limitations with custom solutions. o The disadvantage to custom solutions is the price tag: they are very expensive. o Development can cost tens of thousands of $ and an hourly rate is charged for future developments and extensions. Usually clients that choose custom-made solutions are large online stores like Zalando and Amazon. E-commerce Website Development o The process of creating an e-commerce presence, by developing an idea, understanding how the idea can potentially make money, defining the target audience and the marketplace and determining what the content looks like. o An important part of this effort involves performing a SWOT analysis, developing a presence map, and creating a timeline. Understanding the Development Process for E-commerce Websites Five major steps: o Systems analysis/planning o Systems design o Building the system o Testing o Implementation E-commerce Website Development The Systems Development Life Cycle 1-System Analysis/Planning Planning and Requirement Analysis: o Identifying the target audience, products/services offered, and business objectives. o Defining key website features (e.g., product catalog, shopping cart, user accounts, payment gateway). o Competitor analysis and understanding market trends. Business objectives: o List of capabilities you want your site to have System functionalities: o List of information system capabilities needed to achieve business objectives Information requirements: o Information elements that system must produce in order to achieve business objectives E-commerce Website Development The Systems Development Life Cycle 1-System Analysis/Planning E-commerce Website Development The Systems Development Life Cycle 2- Systems Design Hardware and Software Platforms System design specification: o Description of main components of a system and their relationship to one another Two components of system design: Logical design o Data flow diagrams, processing functions, databases Physical design o Specifies actual physical, software components, models, and so on o Design: o Creating wireframes and mockups for the website. o Focusing on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design. o Deciding on branding elements such as logos, color schemes, and typography. E-commerce Website Development The Systems Development Life Cycle 2- Systems Design Build/Host Your Own vs. Outsourcing o Outsourcing: Hiring vendors to provide services involved in building site o Build own vs. outsourcing: o Build your own requires team with diverse skill set; choice of software tools; both risks and possible benefits o Host own vs. outsourcing o Hosting: Hosting company responsible for ensuring site is accessible 24/7, for monthly fee o Co-location: Firm purchases or leases Web server (with control over its operation), but server is located at vendor's facility 3- Building the System E-commerce Website Development The Systems Development Life Cycle o Development: o Building the website using front-end and back-end technologies. o Implementing core features like product display, user accounts, and checkout process. Front-End Development for E-commerce Websites The front-end (or client-side) is what users interact with directly. A good front-end is essential for creating a positive user experience, which ultimately drives conversions and sales. a. HTML (HyperText Markup Language): o Role of HTML: o HTML forms the skeleton of the e-commerce website. It structures the content, such as product categories, product pages, shopping carts, and checkouts. o Understanding how to create clean, semantic HTML helps search engines (SEO) and accessibility tools understand the content. b. CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): o Role of CSS: o CSS styles the content and is responsible for the website's appearance, layout, and design. This ensures that the website is visually appealing and consistent with the brand. o Responsive Design: o E-commerce websites must be responsive, meaning they should work on devices of all screen sizes (desktops, tablets, and smartphones). CSS frameworks like Bootstrap can be used to speed up the development of responsive layouts. C. JavaScript: o Role of JavaScript: o JavaScript brings interactivity to the e-commerce website. It allows for dynamic features like product filtering, sorting, and real-time price updates in the cart. 3- Building the System E-commerce Website Development The Systems Development Life Cycle o Front end The portion of an e-seller's business processes through which customers interact, including the seller's portal, electronic catalogs, a shopping cart, a search engine, and a payment gateway o Back end The activities that support online order fulfillment, inventory management, purchasing from suppliers, payment processing, packaging, and delivery 3- Building the System E-commerce Website Development The Systems Development Life Cycle Back-End Development for E-commerce Websites The back-end (or server-side) handles data processing, business logic, database management, and server interactions. A well-designed back-end is crucial for maintaining the core functionality of an e-commerce platform. a. Server-side Programming Languages: The back-end is where the logic for processing orders, managing products, handling user sessions, and processing payments happens. o Popular Back-end Languages: o PHP: Commonly used in e-commerce platforms like Magento and WooCommerce. o Node.js: A JavaScript runtime that enables server-side scripting, often used for building real- time, scalable e-commerce applications. o Python: Popular for back-end frameworks like Django and Flask, often used in custom e- commerce projects. o Ruby on Rails: A robust web application framework often used for building dynamic and scalable web applications. 3- Building the System E-commerce Website Development The Systems Development Life Cycle b. Database Management: The back-end communicates with the database to store and retrieve data related to products, users, orders, and transactions. o Relational Databases: o MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server are commonly used relational databases for storing structured data in e- commerce platforms. o E-commerce websites rely on efficient querying to manage product inventories, customer information, and order processing. o NoSQL Databases: o MongoDB, CouchDB, or Firebase are useful for handling large volumes of unstructured data, especially for dynamic and flexible e-commerce systems. c. Product Management System: o Managing products is the core of any e-commerce platform. The back-end handles the creation, updating, and deletion of products in the database, along with product attributes (e.g., size, color, price). o Features of Product Management: o Adding new products, setting stock levels, and organizing products into categories. Managing product images, descriptions, pricing, and availability 4- Testing E-commerce Website Development The Systems Development Life Cycle Testing for functionality, usability, performance, security, and cross-browser compatibility Testing types o Unit testing: involves testing the site's program modules one at a time. o System testing: involves testing the site as a whole, in the same way a typical user would when using the site o Acceptance testing: requires that the firm's key personal and managers in marketing, production, sales, and general management actually use the system as installed on a test internet. o A/B testing (split testing): this form of testing involves showing two versions (A and B) of a web page to different users to see which one performs better. o Multivariate testing: involves identifying specific elements, or variables, on a web page, such as a headline, image, button, and text. E-commerce Website Development 5- Deployment and Maintenance The Systems Development Life Cycle Launching the website and continuously monitoring and updating the system to ensure smooth operations E-commerce Website Development Core Features of an E-commerce Website A functional e-commerce website must have certain features in place to enable online transactions. a. Product Catalog: o Dynamic and searchable catalog of products with filtering options (by category, price, brand, etc.). o Each product page should have a detailed description, multiple images, pricing, customer reviews, and availability. b. Shopping Cart: o Allows users to add and review products before proceeding to checkout. o Includes features such as quantity adjustment, applying discount codes, and calculating shipping costs. c. User Accounts and Profiles: o User registration and login systems allow customers to save addresses, view order history, and manage personal information. o Features like wishlists and personalized recommendations based on previous purchases can enhance user experience. E-commerce Website Development Core Features of an E-commerce Website A functional e-commerce website must have certain features in place to enable online transactions. d. Payment Gateway Integration: o Integrating payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, or Square is crucial for securely handling transactions. o E-commerce websites must follow security standards like PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) to ensure secure processing of payment information. e. Checkout Process: o The checkout process should be streamlined, with minimal steps and options like guest checkout. o Implement features like auto-fill forms, support for multiple payment methods, and order confirmation emails. E-commerce Website Development 4 Lecture Topics o E-commerce design and user experience (UX) are fundamental components that determine the success of online retail platforms. o A well-designed e-commerce website enhances user satisfaction, builds trust, and ultimately drives conversions and sales. o By focusing on principles of effective design, intuitive navigation, user-friendly product pages, streamlined checkout processes, and continuous improvement through testing and feedback, businesses can create engaging online shopping experiences that meet the needs of diverse users E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX) 2. Principles of Effective E-commerce Design To create an effective e-commerce website, designers should follow several key principles that enhance usability and overall user satisfaction: a. Simplicity and Clarity: o Minimalist Design: Use a clean and simple layout that avoids clutter. A minimalist design helps users focus on the products and important calls to action (CTAs). o Clear Navigation: Implement a logical and straightforward navigation structure that allows users to easily find what they're looking for. Use clear labels for categories and subcategories. b. Visual Hierarchy: o Emphasize Key Elements: Use size, color, contrast, and spacing to draw attention to important elements like product images, prices, and CTAs (e.g., "Add to Cart" buttons).software agent can be used in e-commerce to support tasks such as comparing prices, monitoring activities and working as an assistant .(consist of a product database, directory & search capabilities & a presentation function). the backbone of most e-selling sites. E-Marketspace Merchant Solutions: Electronic Catalogs, Search Engines, and Shopping Carts Classification of electronic catalogs 1- The dynamics of the information presentation: o Static catalogs; information is presented in text & static picture o dynamic catalogs; information is presented in motion pictures. 2- The degree of customization o standard catalog; merchants offer the same catalog to any customer. o customized catalog; content, pricing, & display are tailored to the characteristics of specific customers. 3- Integration with business processes E-Marketspace Merchant Solutions: Electronic Catalogs, Search Engines, and Shopping Carts 2. Search engine A computer program that can access a database of Internet resources, search for specific information or keywords, and report the results (e.g., requests for product information or pricing).Principles of Effective E-commerce Design To create an effective e-commerce website, designers should follow several key principles that enhance usability and overall user satisfaction: c. Responsive Design: o Mobile Optimization: Ensure the website is fully responsive and optimized for various devices and screen sizes, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops.(amazon.com, choicemall.com, shop4.vcomshop.com, spree.com) Public portals (yahoo.com, msn.com)

• Specialized e-stores/e-malls: These sell only one or a few types of products.(1800flowers.com, fashionmall.com)
• Regional versus global e-stores: some stores , such as e- grocers or sellers of heavy furniture, serve customers that live nearby.Lo-fi Wireframe E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX) E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX) E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX) E-commerce Website Development E-Marketspace: DIGITAL MARKETS E-Marketplaces: is a virtual marketplace in which sellers and buyers meet and conduct different types of transactions.A single point of access through a Web browser to critical business information located inside and/or outside an organization E-Marketspace Customer Interaction Mechanisms: Storefronts, Malls, &Portals Major types of portals o Commercial (public) portals: (ex: yahoo.com, AOL.com) o Corporate portals: provide organized access to rich content within relatively narrow corporate & partner's communities) o Publishing portal: these portals are intended for communities with specific interests.It is usually divided into three system types: 1- SaaS platform 2- Open source software 3- Custom solutions Magento: 20% WooCommerce: 17% Shopify: 10% PrestaShop: 7% BigCommerce: 2% E-commerce Website Development What is ecommerce software ?o Online marketplaces are platforms that facilitate e-commerce transactions between buyers and sellers, enabling buyers to showcase their products and reach a larger audience.E-Marketspace Customer Interaction Mechanisms: Storefronts, Malls, &Portals Web (Information)portal: A portal is a mechanism that is used in e- marketplaces, & other types of EC. With the growing use of intranets, & internet, many org.o Typical headers include most essential web pages, which may vary depending on the type of website it is creating E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX) 2.1 Navigation An intuitive navigation is the first step to a pleasant shopping experience.E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX) Hamburger menu o While this is primarily seen on mobile navigation, this simple three line icon is now being seen on many desktop versions of websites, too.Low-Fidelity Wireframe Low-fidelity wireframes are created digitally and display elements in simple content blocks, taking basic concept sketch and turning it into something more refined.E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX) Great websites are composed of multiple amazing parts that seamlessly fit together to create a holistic representation of any brand. o The hamburger menu offers a minimal icon that doesn't interfere with the website's design and is especially useful when real estate is limited (like on mobile devices).o Developing an e-commerce website requires a solid understanding of both front-end and back-end technologies, user experience (UX) design, security, payment integration, and more.o E-commerce software is a system that makes it possible for selling products /services online via website/mobile app.E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX) Wireframe Examples Below are some of the best examples of wireframe types to light up creative zones and help solidify the wireframing process that works.Basic parts of a website There are some components of websites that are so essential to web design that all sites must contain them in order to function properly (all included in website templates).Blog o Blogs are essentially groupings of articles or posts on a variety of topics that are all related to business.E-Marketspace E-Marketplaces: Mechanisms, Tools, and Impacts of E-commerce o Electronic storefronts A single company's Web site where products and services are sold.The software program of an electronic shopping cart o allows customers to select items, o review what has been selected, o make changes and then finalize the liso Usually e-commerce software includes all the important features such as product listing, order management, setting up payment methods, design, etc.o Consistent Layout: Maintain a consistent layout across product pages, categories, and other sections to create familiarity and reduce cognitive load.o Layouts and features such as menus and buttons are mapped out to assess the overall experience of the end user.High-Fidelity Wireframe Using digital tools, can create a high-fidelity wireframe that illustrates in more detail without the creation of too many graphical elements.Together these parts form the backbone of the website: 01- Header & Menu 02- Image 03- Website 04- Footer E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX) 01.Sidebar o Often websites will use a sidebar, or a horizontal bar typically on the right side of screens that contain more links or information.o Typically, sidebars contain links to other content on site, a way to sign up to newsletter, and advertisements.While blogs can stand on their own, they also can be added as an additional part of an existing website, functioning as a marketing asset for company.E-Marketspace Merchant Solutions: Electronic Catalogs, Search Engines, and Shopping Carts 3.Website content o All sites contain content.Logo 2.1.2.3.3.

E-commerce Website
Development
4 Lecture Topics
• E-commerce website development is a critical area of
study that focuses on building and deploying an online
platform that facilitates the buying and selling of goods
and services.
• Developing an e-commerce website requires a solid
understanding of both front-end and back-end
technologies, user experience (UX) design, security,
payment integration, and more.
E-commerce Website Development
E-commerce Presence Map: Development timeline
There are lots of clear ways technologies can help business. Such as, building relationships
on social networks, selling online, finding new customers, or even keeping existing ones.
Digital presence: including
things like local listings,
Websites(one-stop-shop), mobile
apps and social media.
Web: - contact info., map and
driving directions, sell products
online— by placing an order or
submitting a payment Whatever
business choose, this is the place
where people find business.
E-commerce Website Development
E-commerce platforms: a look at where and how e-commerce takes place
What is e-commerce software ?
• E-commerce software is a system that makes it possible for selling products /services
online via website/mobile app.
• Usually e-commerce software includes all the important features such as product listing, order
management, setting up payment methods, design, etc.
There are great number of e-commerce solutions and choosing the right fit for any
business depends on budget, preferences, and company needs.
E-commerce software is available in various forms
and price classes.
It is usually divided into three system types:
1- SaaS platform
2- Open source software
3- Custom solutions
Magento: 20%
WooCommerce: 17%
Shopify: 10%
PrestaShop: 7%
BigCommerce: 2%
E-commerce Website Development
What is ecommerce software ? 1- SaaS platform
• SaaS stands for “software as a service” and with this option, company rent software.
• The software remains the exclusive property of the company that develops it (the
SaaS provider) and company can make use of it for a certain price, usually paid
monthly.
Shopify
• Shopify powers over 2,921,565 websites around the globe.
• Shopify has 21% of the ecommerce market share.
A popular choice among many SMBs, Shopify allows clients to build
effective online stores and scale their business. Created with a user-
friendly and intuitive interface, as well as tons of templates, this
platform offers flexible shipping rates, automatic taxes, and over 100
payment gateways. Shopify enables social media integrations, is
packed with built-in SEO features, and is fully hosted.
Best for: Small businesses looking for an all-in-one
ecommerce solution
E-commerce Website Development
What is ecommerce software ? 1- SaaS platform
Magento
• To date, Magento has powered over 772,000 websites around the world.
• There are over 5,900 extensions that integrate with Magento.
Magento is a highly flexible ecommerce solution used by medium sized businesses ready to scale. This platform offers robust features
which allow retailers to customize all aspects of their online store including custom templates, extensions, and modules. If clients
need to further extend the functionality of their Magento store, they can always use add-ons to turn the vision of their online store into
a reality.
Considered by many a complex ecommerce platform, Magento supports clients by maintaining an operative community of developers
and experts on the Magento ecosystem who are ready to help newbies with the maintenance of their online store.
Best for: Brands looking for a highly customizable ecommerce solution
E-commerce Website Development
What is ecommerce software ? 2- Open source software
• These platforms let you design unique and beautiful websites with all core eCommerce functionalities
already pre-set in them. Uses a source code that is freely available to everyone.
• Some well-known open source platforms are WordPress, osCommerce, WooCommerce.
WooCommerce
• WooCommerce powers over 3,876,748 live websites.
• WooCommerce is one of the biggest open-source ecommerce platforms. Specifically designed to integrate with
WordPress, WooCommerce has plenty of templates that can help you build a unique online store. You’ll get all
essential features including unlimited products, unrestricted customization, order management, and free shipping.
Best for: Small businesses that have a website powered by WordPress.
E-commerce Website Development
What is ecommerce software ? 3- Custom Solutions
• With a custom solution, an online store is specifically developed by a web design
company, freelancers, or your own developers. You fully control the features and
the appearance of the online store, at the front-end and the admin panel (where
you manage your online store). Consequently, there are few limitations with custom
solutions.
• The disadvantage to custom solutions is the price tag: they are very expensive.
• Development can cost tens of thousands of $ and an hourly rate is charged for
future developments and extensions. Usually clients that choose custom-made
solutions are large online stores like Zalando and Amazon.
E-commerce Website Development
• The process of creating an e-commerce presence, by developing an idea, understanding
how the idea can potentially make money, defining the target audience and the
marketplace and determining what the content looks like.
• An important part of this effort involves performing a SWOT analysis, developing a
presence map, and creating a timeline.
Understanding the Development Process for E-commerce Websites
Five major steps:
• Systems analysis/planning
• Systems design
• Building the system
• Testing
• Implementation
E-commerce Website Development
The Systems Development Life Cycle
1-System Analysis/Planning
Planning and Requirement Analysis:
o Identifying the target audience, products/services offered, and business
objectives.
o Defining key website features (e.g., product catalog, shopping cart, user
accounts, payment gateway).
o Competitor analysis and understanding market trends.
Business objectives:
• List of capabilities you want your site to have
System functionalities:
• List of information system capabilities needed to achieve business objectives
Information requirements:
• Information elements that system must produce in order to achieve business objectives
E-commerce Website Development
The Systems Development Life Cycle
1-System Analysis/Planning
E-commerce Website Development
The Systems Development Life Cycle 2- Systems Design
Hardware and Software Platforms
System design specification:
• Description of main components of a system and
their relationship to one another
Two components of system design:
Logical design
• Data flow diagrams, processing functions, databases
Physical design
• Specifies actual physical, software components,
models, and so on
• Design:
o Creating wireframes and mockups for the website.
o Focusing on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design.
o Deciding on branding elements such as logos, color schemes, and
typography.
E-commerce Website Development
The Systems Development Life Cycle 2- Systems Design
Build/Host Your Own vs. Outsourcing
• Outsourcing: Hiring vendors to provide services involved in building site
• Build own vs. outsourcing:
• Build your own requires team with diverse skill set; choice of software tools; both
risks and possible benefits
• Host own vs. outsourcing
• Hosting: Hosting company responsible for ensuring site is accessible 24/7, for
monthly fee
• Co-location: Firm purchases or leases Web server (with control over its
operation), but server is located at vendor’s facility
3- Building the System
E-commerce Website Development
The Systems Development Life Cycle • Development:
o Building the website using front-end and back-end technologies.
o Implementing core features like product display, user accounts, and checkout process.
Front-End Development for E-commerce Websites
The front-end (or client-side) is what users interact with directly. A good front-end is essential for creating a positive user experience, which
ultimately drives conversions and sales.
a. HTML (HyperText Markup Language):
• Role of HTML:
o HTML forms the skeleton of the e-commerce website. It structures the content, such as product categories, product pages,
shopping carts, and checkouts.
o Understanding how to create clean, semantic HTML helps search engines (SEO) and accessibility tools understand the content.
b. CSS (Cascading Style Sheets):
• Role of CSS:
o CSS styles the content and is responsible for the website’s appearance, layout, and design. This ensures that the website is visually
appealing and consistent with the brand.
• Responsive Design:
o E-commerce websites must be responsive, meaning they should work on devices of all screen sizes (desktops, tablets, and
smartphones). CSS frameworks like Bootstrap can be used to speed up the development of responsive layouts.
C. JavaScript:
• Role of JavaScript:
o JavaScript brings interactivity to the e-commerce website. It allows for dynamic features like product filtering, sorting, and real-time
price updates in the cart.
3- Building the System
E-commerce Website Development
The Systems Development Life Cycle • Front end
The portion of an e-seller’s business
processes through which customers
interact, including the seller’s portal,
electronic catalogs, a shopping cart, a
search engine, and a payment
gateway
• Back end
The activities that support online order
fulfillment, inventory management,
purchasing from suppliers, payment
processing, packaging, and delivery
3- Building the System
E-commerce Website Development
The Systems Development Life Cycle Back-End Development for E-commerce Websites
The back-end (or server-side) handles data processing, business logic, database management,
and server interactions. A well-designed back-end is crucial for maintaining the core
functionality of an e-commerce platform.
a. Server-side Programming Languages:
The back-end is where the logic for processing orders, managing products, handling user sessions,
and processing payments happens.
• Popular Back-end Languages:
o PHP: Commonly used in e-commerce platforms like Magento and WooCommerce.
o Node.js: A JavaScript runtime that enables server-side scripting, often used for building real-
time, scalable e-commerce applications.
o Python: Popular for back-end frameworks like Django and Flask, often used in custom e-
commerce projects.
o Ruby on Rails: A robust web application framework often used for building dynamic and
scalable web applications.
3- Building the System
E-commerce Website Development
The Systems Development Life Cycle b. Database Management:
The back-end communicates with the database to store and retrieve data related to products, users, orders, and
transactions.
• Relational Databases:
o MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server are commonly used relational databases for storing structured data in e-
commerce platforms.
o E-commerce websites rely on efficient querying to manage product inventories, customer information, and order
processing.
• NoSQL Databases:
o MongoDB, CouchDB, or Firebase are useful for handling large volumes of unstructured data, especially for
dynamic and flexible e-commerce systems.
c. Product Management System:
• Managing products is the core of any e-commerce platform. The back-end handles the creation, updating,
and deletion of products in the database, along with product attributes (e.g., size, color, price).
• Features of Product Management:
o Adding new products, setting stock levels, and organizing products into categories.
Managing product images, descriptions, pricing, and availability
4- Testing
E-commerce Website Development
The Systems Development Life Cycle Testing for functionality, usability, performance, security, and cross-browser compatibility
Testing types
• Unit testing: involves testing the site’s program modules one at a time.
• System testing: involves testing the site as a whole, in the same way a typical user
would when using the site
• Acceptance testing: requires that the firm’s key personal and managers in marketing,
production, sales, and general management actually use the system as installed on a
test internet.
• A/B testing (split testing): this form of testing involves showing two versions (A and B)
of a web page to different users to see which one performs better.
• Multivariate testing: involves identifying specific elements, or variables, on a web
page, such as a headline, image, button, and text.
E-commerce Website Development
5- Deployment and Maintenance
The Systems Development Life Cycle Launching the website and continuously monitoring and updating
the system to ensure smooth operations
E-commerce Website Development
Core Features of an E-commerce Website
A functional e-commerce website must have certain features in place to enable online transactions.
a. Product Catalog:
• Dynamic and searchable catalog of products with filtering options (by category, price, brand,
etc.).
• Each product page should have a detailed description, multiple images, pricing, customer
reviews, and availability.
b. Shopping Cart:
• Allows users to add and review products before proceeding to checkout.
• Includes features such as quantity adjustment, applying discount codes, and calculating
shipping costs.
c. User Accounts and Profiles:
• User registration and login systems allow customers to save addresses, view order history, and
manage personal information.
• Features like wishlists and personalized recommendations based on previous purchases can
enhance user experience.
E-commerce Website Development
Core Features of an E-commerce Website
A functional e-commerce website must have certain features in place to
enable online transactions.
d. Payment Gateway Integration:
• Integrating payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, or Square is crucial
for securely handling transactions.
• E-commerce websites must follow security standards like PCI-DSS
(Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) to ensure secure
processing of payment information.
e. Checkout Process:
• The checkout process should be streamlined, with minimal steps
and options like guest checkout.
• Implement features like auto-fill forms, support for multiple payment
methods, and order confirmation emails.
E-commerce Website
Development
4 Lecture Topics
• E-commerce design and user experience (UX) are
fundamental components that determine the success of
online retail platforms.
• A well-designed e-commerce website enhances user
satisfaction, builds trust, and ultimately drives conversions
and sales.
• By focusing on principles of effective design, intuitive
navigation, user-friendly product pages, streamlined checkout
processes, and continuous improvement through testing
and feedback, businesses can create engaging online
shopping experiences that meet the needs of diverse users
E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)
2. Principles of Effective E-commerce Design
To create an effective e-commerce website, designers should follow several key principles
that enhance usability and overall user satisfaction:
a. Simplicity and Clarity:
• Minimalist Design: Use a clean and simple layout that avoids clutter. A minimalist
design helps users focus on the products and important calls to action (CTAs).
• Clear Navigation: Implement a logical and straightforward navigation structure that
allows users to easily find what they're looking for. Use clear labels for categories and
subcategories.
b. Visual Hierarchy:
• Emphasize Key Elements: Use size, color, contrast, and spacing to draw attention
to important elements like product images, prices, and CTAs (e.g., “Add to Cart” buttons).
• Consistent Layout: Maintain a consistent layout across product pages, categories,
and other sections to create familiarity and reduce cognitive load.
E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)
2. Principles of Effective E-commerce Design
To create an effective e-commerce website, designers should follow several key principles that
enhance usability and overall user satisfaction:
c. Responsive Design:
• Mobile Optimization: Ensure the website is fully responsive and optimized for various
devices and screen sizes, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
• Touch-Friendly Elements: Make buttons and links large enough for users to tap easily
on mobile devices.
d. Visual Appeal:
• High-Quality Images: Use high-resolution product images that allow users to see details
and variations. Implement zoom functionality for a closer look.
• Brand Consistency: Maintain a consistent color palette, typography, and design style
that reflects the brand’s identity.
E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)
What is a website wireframe?
• A website wireframe is used to map out the
main features and navigation of a new
website design. It gives an idea of the site's
functionality before considering visual design
elements, like content and color schemes.
• Layouts and features such as menus and
buttons are mapped out to assess the overall
experience of the end user.
• It's wise to start with a low-fidelity wireframe.
Low-fidelity wireframes show the general
localization of elements on the screen. It can be
developed these initial designs into more high-
fidelity wireframes, which provide more details
— such as what the final elements will look like.
E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)
Wireframe Examples
Below are some of the best examples of wireframe types to light up creative zones and help
solidify the wireframing process that works.

1. Sketch
   Some developers begin their sketching with a pencil and paper or a whiteboard. This
   simple, hand-drawn method illustrates a basic concept before spending time fussing with
   graphical elements.


2. Low-Fidelity Wireframe
   Low-fidelity wireframes are created digitally and display elements
   in simple content blocks, taking basic concept sketch and turning it
   into something more refined. Low-fidelity wireframes are
   important for determining what graphical elements need to be
   created and what copy needs to be written.


3. High-Fidelity Wireframe
   Using digital tools, can create a high-fidelity wireframe that
   illustrates in more detail without the creation of too many
   graphical elements. This results in a more aesthetic look
   without time-consuming design work that could be thrown out
   in the review process anyway.
   E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)
   The structure of the website
   The first thing that should be known about creating a
   wireframe for the page is to structure the page. The
   general web page consists of 3 parts, heading on the
   top, body, and footer.
   Another important thing, is where
   design will be displayed on, mobile
   screen, tablet, or desktop. The
   different size of the screens affects
   how it displays the contents. The
   desktop is wider than phone
   screens. Normally, using use 12 grid
   columns for the desktop screen, 8
   for the tablet, and 4 for the phone.
   E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)
   Great websites are composed of multiple amazing parts that
   seamlessly fit together to create a holistic representation of
   any brand.
   Basic parts of a website
   There are some components of websites that are so essential to
   web design that all sites must contain them in order to function
   properly (all included in website templates). Together these parts
   form the backbone of the website:
   01- Header & Menu
   02- Image
   03- Website
   04- Footer
   E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)


4. Header & Menu
   • The header is the uppermost part of a website. It’s often the first thing that visitors
   see when they enter a site and almost always contains the brand’s logo as well as the
   website menu.
   • The website menu is the map of the site that helps visitors find what they’re looking
   for, whether it’s details about product or information about company.
   • Typical headers include most essential web pages, which may vary depending on the
   type of website it is creating
   E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)
   2.1 Navigation
   An intuitive navigation is the first step to a pleasant shopping experience.
   • Menus
   Use drop-downs with sub-menu items depending on how many
   different kinds of products sell.
   • Prominent search bar visible on every page
   Here’s a case of something relevant only if site has a lot of products.
   Otherwise, it’s only noise. But when applicable, it will help users find
   exactly what they are looking for, more quickly. They should be able to
   browse by product categories as well as specific products.
   • Cart icon
   • Not only should it be available from every page on site, but the
   icon should also show how many items have been added at any
   time. Clicking the icon allows users to go back to the cart and
   access checkout.
   • You could even push it further by enabling a cart preview when a
   user hovers over the icon.
   E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)
   Types of website navigation menus
   The heart of navigation lies in your website’s menu. A website menu is a series of linked items that help users
   navigate between the different pages or sections of the site.
   Horizontal navigation
   This is a classic menu that usually appears at the header of website. Running horizontally across the
   screen, a horizontal navigation menu will list the pages available on site.
   Dropdown navigation
   If a website contains a lot of content, that’s not always possible. It can
   create a dropdown menu. Dropdown menus are large lists or panels that
   open up to an array of options.
   To avoid information overload, you can use design tools to create hierarchy
   within this element. Pay attention to typography and make sure each
   category and sub category stands out. You can also use extra space around
   each item so that visitors understand the distinction.
   E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)
   Hamburger menu
   • While this is primarily seen on mobile navigation,
   this simple three line icon is now being seen on
   many desktop versions of websites, too.
   • The hamburger menu offers a minimal icon that
   doesn’t interfere with the website’s design and is
   especially useful when real estate is limited (like
   on mobile devices).
   E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)


5. Images
   • Immediately below the header is some form of image, series
   of images or sometimes a video.
   • Together, the header and main image comprise the top
   section of your website - often referred to as above the fold

• and are essential in creating a good first impression.
  • The featured visual, in particular, makes a marked difference
  in whether users stay on website or abandon seconds after
  entering.
  • With that in mind, this visual should convey something
  important about company. Whether it features images of
  products or services, or just gives the user a feel of what
  brand is about, it is important that it relates to site as a
  whole.
  E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)

3. Website content
   • All sites contain content. Content typically
   means the words written on site that
   explain what website is about, what have to
   offer and how site visitors can take
   advantage of offerings.
   • Website content covers a wide array of
   things. It often refers to the paragraphs that
   explain site’s mission, but it can also mean
   the one word that is placed on buttons.
   E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)


4. Footer
   • Simply put, a footer is the bottom most part of any site. It usually contains a sitemap with links to the
   pages available on site. This can help visitors find all of offerings, including those that may not have
   made the cut for header.
   • Often website footers also contain basic contact information, enabling users to reach out or find
   physical storefront. This type of information is crucial for business success.
   • Footers also might include a social bar that contains small but recognizable icons that lead users to
   social media pages. This can help gain followers on social media platforms, ultimately bringing about
   greater brand awareness and potential business growth.
   E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)
   Advanced parts of a website:


5. Logo


6. CTA (call to action)


7. Sidebar


8. Blog


9. Forms


10. Logo
    • An essential element of any brand, a logo is also a
    standard part of a website.
    • A logo represents the company and makes it
    recognizable and memorable to both current and
    potential customers.
    • Typically logos can be found in the top left hand
    corner of the website header and are usually clickable
    to help visitors return to the site’s homepage.
    E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)


11. CTA
    • A CTA, or call-to-action, is a short piece of
    text that helps customers take the next step
    with business and move down sales funnel.
    CTAs are typically displayed on buttons and
    contain actionable words like “Start now” or
    “Buy yours”. This type of text directs users to
    take a specific action and tells them exactly
    what to expect when they click on a button.
    • CTAs are important parts of websites because
    they enable visitors to actually use or buy
    service or product. Without these buttons,
    could see fewer sales and a higher rate of
    customers leaving site without converting.
    E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)


12. Sidebar
    • Often websites will use a sidebar, or a horizontal
    bar typically on the right side of screens that
    contain more links or information. A sidebar is
    meant to act as another navigation facet of site,
    enabling visitors to find information that is
    important, but less critical than the information in
    header.
    • Typically, sidebars contain links to other content on
    site, a way to sign up to newsletter, and
    advertisements. Utilizing this space for ads is a
    good way to monetize website and help you grow
    business. Alternatively, can advertise own products
    in this space, making them easily visible to site
    visitors even before they see product page.
    E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)


13. Blog
    • Blogs are essentially groupings of articles or posts
    on a variety of topics that are all related to
    business.
    • These days, it’s increasingly common for
    businesses to add a blog to their site. While blogs
    can stand on their own, they also can be added
    as an additional part of an existing website,
    functioning as a marketing asset for company.
    • Adding a blog to website is a good way to accomplish a couple of goals. First, it
    provides more in-depth information to customers about offerings or industry.
    • A blog can also help bring more traffic to website. By covering a variety of topics in
    depth, blogs can provide the answers to many questions that people search for
    on Google. When answer these questions, it help attract people who may not have
    found business otherwise.
    E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)


14. Forms
    • Online forms are generally used to gather
    information. On websites, they can be embedded
    and used for a number of different purposes. For
    example, it might consider including a contact form,
    which enables visitors to contact directly from site.
    • Another type of form, such as a signup form, can
    help gather leads by asking visitors for their
    information.
    • Depending on the type of form that choose to use,
    it might consider placing them in different areas of
    site. Generally speaking, a form might be a bit too
    aggressive for the homepage, but it can take a spot
    on a separate web page or perhaps lower down on
    site.
    E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)
    a fashion clothing e-commerce website.


15. Lo-fi Wireframe
    E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)
    E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)
    E-commerce Design and User Experience (UX)
    E-commerce Website
    Development
    E-Marketspace: DIGITAL MARKETS
    E-Marketplaces: is a virtual marketplace in
    which sellers and buyers meet and conduct
    different types of transactions.
    • Online marketplaces are platforms that
    facilitate e-commerce transactions
    between buyers and sellers, enabling
    buyers to showcase their products and
    reach a larger audience.
    • These platforms are popular among
    customers because of their wide selection
    of products and services from different
    sellers and providers all around the globe.
    E-Marketspace
    E-Marketplaces: Mechanisms, Tools, and Impacts of E-commerce
    TYPES OF E-MARKETPLACES
    ◼ Private E-Marketplaces
    • sell-side e-marketplace
    A private e-marketplace in which one company sells either standard
    and/or customized products to qualified companies. E.g. Cisco –
    one-to-many.
    • buy-side e-marketplace
    A private e-marketplace in which one company purchases from
    suppliers (many-to-one)
    ◼ Public E-Marketplaces
    Are usually B2B markets. They often are owned by a third party or by
    group of buying or selling companies and they serve many sellers and
    many buyers.
    E-Marketspace
    E-Marketplaces: Mechanisms, Tools, and Impacts of E-commerce
    • Electronic storefronts
    A single company’s Web site where products and services are sold.
    Storefront may belong to Manufacturer, retailer, or individuals.
    E-Marketspace
    Customer Interaction Mechanisms: Storefronts, Malls, &Portals
    Types of e-stores and e-malls
    – General e-stores/e-malls: Sell all types of products.
    (amazon.com, choicemall.com, shop4.vcomshop.com,
    spree.com) Public portals (yahoo.com, msn.com)
    – Specialized e-stores/e-malls: These sell only one or a few
    types of products.(1800flowers.com, fashionmall.com)
    – Regional versus global e-stores: some stores , such as e-
    grocers or sellers of heavy furniture, serve customers that
    live nearby.
    E-Marketspace
    Customer Interaction Mechanisms: Storefronts, Malls, &Portals
    Web (Information)portal:
    A portal is a mechanism that is used in e-
    marketplaces, & other types of EC. With the
    growing use of intranets, & internet, many org.
    encounter information overload at a number of
    different levels. As a consequence, org lose a lot of
    productive employee time. A portal is an
    information gateway.
    A single point of access through a Web
    browser to critical business information
    located inside and/or outside an
    organization
    E-Marketspace
    Customer Interaction Mechanisms: Storefronts, Malls, &Portals
    Major types of portals
    • Commercial (public) portals:
    (ex: yahoo.com, AOL.com)
    • Corporate portals:
    provide organized access to rich content within
    relatively narrow corporate & partner’s
    communities)
    • Publishing portal:
    these portals are intended for communities with
    specific interests.
    • Personal portals:
    these target specific filtered information for
    individuals.
    E-Marketspace
    Customer Interaction Mechanisms: Storefronts, Malls, &Portals
    • Electronic storefront: A single
    company’s Web site where products and
    services are sold
    (Manufacturer, retailer, or individuals,
    Companies that sell services portals)
    • Mechanisms necessary for conducting
    the sale:


16. electronic catalogs


17. search engine


18. Electronic cart
    E-Marketspace
    Merchant Solutions: Electronic Catalogs, Search Engines,
    and Shopping Carts


19. electronic catalogs (e-catalogs)
    The presentation of product information in an
    electronic form; the backbone of most e-selling sites.
    (consist of a product database, directory & search
    capabilities & a presentation function). the backbone
    of most e-selling sites.
    E-Marketspace
    Merchant Solutions: Electronic Catalogs, Search Engines,
    and Shopping Carts
    Classification of electronic catalogs
    1- The dynamics of the information presentation:
    • Static catalogs; information is presented in text & static picture
    • dynamic catalogs; information is presented in motion pictures.
    2- The degree of customization
    • standard catalog; merchants offer the same catalog to any
    customer.
    • customized catalog; content, pricing, & display are tailored to
    the characteristics of specific customers.
    3- Integration with business processes
    E-Marketspace
    Merchant Solutions: Electronic Catalogs, Search Engines,
    and Shopping Carts


20. Search engine
    A computer program that can access a database of Internet
    resources, search for specific information or keywords, and
    report the results (e.g., requests for product information or
    pricing). Search engine deliver answers economically and
    efficiently by matching(e.. FAQ)
    Software (intelligent) agent
    It has capabilities that can be used to perform routine tasks that require
    intelligence. software agent can be used in e-commerce to support
    tasks such as comparing prices, monitoring activities and working as an
    assistant .
    E-Marketspace
    Merchant Solutions: Electronic Catalogs, Search Engines,
    and Shopping Carts


21. Electronic shopping cart
    An order-processing technology that allows
    customers to accumulate items they wish to
    buy while they continue to shop.
    The software program of an electronic shopping cart
    • allows customers to select items,
    • review what has been selected,
    • make changes and then finalize the lis