The 'Comparison tool' project was a redesign, meaning the sites had existing functionality which needed to be improved upon. My first action was to evaluate the current functions to identify strengths and weaknesses, provide myself with a full understanding of the front / backend architecture and explore the user experience.
The comparison tool consists of two main elements:
1. Product selector mechanics for comparison, situated on the segment pages. (Product selection with CTA to view results)
2. Comparison view page, allowing users to compare specifications and show items.
It was my recommendation the project should be delivered in two 'core' stages (above) this would allow crucial flaws to be addressed quicker, user experience improved whilst faster to market.
Upon investigation it was apparent the existing comparison tool had fundamental flaws. The comparison UI elements were hidden within list view segment pages. View Functionality
The comparison items once selected were reset and lost when using pagination or leaving the current page, no indication of how many products you had saved and there was no function to return to products once on the comparison viewing page.
Final design, developed and current site functionality, after 3 prototype varients were user tested. User input defined the functionality below. Additionally the functionality to save comparison product categories was built, for example you select TVs to compare, leave the segment page go to toasters or TV buying guide, return to any TV segment page, your TV comparison choices are saved for the duration of the session.
Floating (sticky) bar, when user scrolls down the page or static the bar is visible, when the user scrolls up the bar is not visible. Maximisation of users view area for particular functions.
User clicking on comparison thumbnail will get an information panel, scrolling removes the panel, static close functionality.
The ability to empower a user to 'view' a single item using the comparison functionality became evident through user testing. Allowing such behaviour has no impact on the overall tool.
An early concept for the comparison tool, using buttons, no thumbnails, light simple version, forcing users to select at least 2-4 products to compare, with error proposition when selecting item 5.
Another concept tested, using an accordion open close mechanism placed at the bottom of the screen, most users did not notice the asset, all found the opened component to be intrusive.
