How many times have you come across a website and had a few critiques? it happens more often than not, but there are great websites that take design, branding, and usability as top of mind when presenting to a consumer base. Here are a few examples of websites that we found in the fashion industry that qualifies as a great website:
Michael Kors
If you take a look at Michael Kors you will find that the primary navigation is simple and the images are reflective of the brand. What makes this website so ‘great’ as opposed to others is the use of color theory by using white as a background and blending with colors based off of each season. Not only can you find what you are searching for, but it is also highly interactive. The website has social media aspects, but also has opportunity to learn about the brand and its product offerings. This website has features that allow for language translation and purchases in global currencies, which is a great way to capture global consumers.
Creative Intellects Take:
The entry point to the website is well developed and polished. However, as you dig deep into the site, such a the product description pages, you will notice that the design is choppy and does not fit well. When launching a website, consistency of design and usability is important and should not be undervalued. Especially on pages where the consumer has an opportunity to purchase. Why sell yourself short?!
Banana Republic
What is unique about Banana Republics website is that they have a navigation menu that allows the user to visit their sister companies such as: Piper Lime, Athleta, Gap, and Old Navy. The features on this site are not uncommon as they allow for a consumer to write reviews for their clothing and accessories. This is a great way to get customer feedback, in the event you have an item that is not popular with the market. The site also shows you how to pair an outfit in different ways, for those who may not have the luxury of time to shop in-store. Just like the Michael Kors website, Banana Republic also offers shipping to over 80 countries, with a solid social media exposure to the market.
Creative Intellects Take:
Holding companies often have problematic branding and website structural issues. For example, if an organization owns more than one company, would you go as far as placing each company within its own domain or place it within a sub-domain? Here Banana Republic and the other sister lines are all under a sub-domain of gap.com. While browsing each line, they have developed prominence of each line with its brand direction while maintaining the integrity of the holding company. We give this website two-thumbs up. Why? One application powers all the sister’s web presence and we assume the inventory is also centralized in this application thus creating efficiency and effortless work-flow.
Bebe
This website has gone through many changes, as far as usability and site architecture are concerned. The primary navigation is simple, and the home page has multiple offerings for those who are in search of a great deal online. This site in particular is focused on providing consumers with the latest trends, and has now started working with collaborators such as bloggers, and reality tv celebrities.
Creative Intellects Take:
If there is a primary example of Fit and Finish it that would be Bebe. While some of the interface could use more complimentary design, it is well put together. The design is smooth and articulates the brand with prominent images. There is excellent core functionality within the eCommerce such as the ‘Quick View’ mode for any of the apparel on the website. This site serves as a great example of technology meeting design.
Take A-Way
Before starting your web development project, we recommend starting with a competitive analysis within your industry as we have outlined above. What implementation standards do you see in your industry? Are there parallels of technologies everyone is using or perhaps there are known-technologies that others have not implemented yet. Looking at conventional standards while marrying your ideas is a common methodology to creating rich-interactive websites that communicate with the intended audience. What makes you different? Contact Creative Intellects today for your Web Development needs.
