E-commerce platform

espressoblue.lv
Release
2021
Client
Coffee Address
Team roles
Solution Architect; Scrum Master; Back-End Developer; Front-End Developer; Quality Assurance Analyst; UX/UI Designer
What we did
Design thinking; Visual design; System and information architecture; Usability testing

What is Espresso Blue?

Coffee Address (CA) is the largest coffee company specializing in office and on-the-go coffee in the Baltics. CA acquired Espresso Blue, an existing e-commerce platform specializing in Lavazza products, with a client base in Latvia.

What problem did they need to solve?

Espresso Blue needed to be integrated into the Coffee Address family.

Solution

  • Design a system aligned with Coffee Address's brand guidelines while incorporating elements of Lavazza, as Espresso Blue exclusively offers Lavazza products.
  • Integrate Espresso Blue with Coffee Address's existing IT systems.
  • UX/UI design.
  • Adapt the e-commerce platform for the Lithuanian and Estonian markets.

Design process

The goal was to improve Espresso Blue's website in terms of visual design, functionality, and usability. We focused first on usability and functionality, gathering and reviewing business requirements. Based on these requirements, we created the initial sitemaps and user flows.

 

Once the sitemaps and user flows were established, the entire site was developed using wireframes. We tested simple wireframe prototypes with users from Espresso Blue’s target audience, validating and improving the design. This initial phase took considerable time but was crucial to the design process. After completing it, we had all the necessary information to move forward with the visual design phase.

 

After several design concepts and iterations, we developed a design system. Since Espresso Blue is the official distributor of Lavazza, the most challenging aspect was basing the design system on Lavazza’s branding principles while still creating a unique feel and look for Espresso Blue.

Technology stack

Since all essential e-commerce product information is stored in the client’s internal systems, we needed to find an efficient way to display this information on the platform. After a successful purchase, the order had to be sent back to the same internal system.

  • PHP: A cost-effective and highly flexible programming language.
  • Laravel: The most popular PHP framework, known for its flexibility and robust security features.
  • Vue.js: A simple, user-friendly JavaScript framework for the front end.
  • PgSQL: The most advanced open-source database.

Integrations

  • Luminor e-commerce gateway: For payment management.

  • Directo: Integrated with the internal ERP system.

  • Omniva, DPD: For delivery management.

  • Data Warehouse (DWH): Integration with the client’s data warehouse system.

Result

"All business requirements have been met with the new Espresso Blue e-commerce platform. The product was delivered within the agreed time and budget. Every new feature that we as a business want to implement is met by Elifour listening to business needs, analyzing, and suggesting the best data-based solutions."


— Estere Ekmane, Head of Digital, Baltics, SIA Coffee Address Holding