How to Display Option Icons in Ecommerce Product Listings

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What Are Option Icons?
3. How to Use Option Icons
4. Incorporating Color Swatches
5. Displaying Option Swatches on Product Lists
6. Ensuring Compatibility with Themes
7. Conclusion
8. FAQ

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving world of e-commerce, user experience is paramount. Customers expect a seamless shopping experience, and one way to enhance this is by incorporating option icons into product listings. These visual indicators not only make it easier for users to select different product variants but also add a layer of aesthetic appeal to your online store. If you've ever wondered how to implement these option icons effectively, you're in the right place.

Option icons can significantly enhance the user experience by providing clear, visual cues for product options like size, color, and style. In this blog post, we'll delve into the specifics of what option icons are, how to implement them, and the various ways they can be customized to suit your needs. Whether you’re using Bluepark's platform or another e-commerce solution, the principles discussed here will be broadly applicable. By the end of this article, you'll be well-equipped to make your product listings more user-friendly and visually appealing.

What Are Option Icons?

Option icons are visual indicators used to represent different attributes or variants of a product. These can range from text buttons to color swatches and image swatches. By providing a quick and intuitive way for customers to see what options are available, option icons enhance the overall user experience.

Types of Option Icons

• Text Button Icons: These are simple text-based indicators such as "S" for Small, "M" for Medium, and "L" for Large. These allow customers to quickly understand the available sizes without needing to read through dropdown menus.

• Color Swatches: These are small color-filled circles or squares that represent the color variants of a product. This allows customers to visualize their color choices instantly.

• Image Swatches: These are small thumbnail images that represent the different variants of a product. For example, if a shirt is available in multiple patterns, each pattern can be represented by a small image.

Benefits of Using Option Icons

1. Enhanced User Experience: Option icons make it easier for customers to see all options at a glance, improving their overall shopping experience.
2. Quick Decision Making: Visual cues help users make faster decisions, which can lead to increased sales.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: Well-designed option icons contribute to the visual appeal of your product listings, making your online store look more professional.

How to Use Option Icons

To effectively use option icons, you'll first need to set up your product variants. If you're using Bluepark, this can be done through the Product Editor. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Setting Up Product Variants

1. Create Options: Navigate to the Product Editor and create the necessary options (e.g., size, color).
2. Assign Field Type: By default, new options are set as dropdowns. To change them to option icons, click on the option name in the Options tab within the Product Editor.
3. Select Icon Type: Choose between "Option icons with select field" or "Option icons only" based on your preference.
4. Save Changes: Save your settings and review a product with this option to see the changes in effect.

Customizing Text Button Icons

By default, option icons display their full value names. However, you can opt for shorter names. For example:

• S for Small
• M for Medium
• L for Large

This can be set in the Option's Values screen within the Product Editor.

Incorporating Color Swatches

Color swatches are a popular way to display color options visually. Here’s how to set them up:

Setting Up Color Swatches

1. Access the Color Field: In the Product Editor, go to the Options tab and click the Edit icon next to the relevant option.
2. Insert HEX Code or Use Color Picker: Enter the HEX code in the Color field or select a color from the Color Picker that appears.
3. Save Your Choices: Make sure to save the changes.

Customizing Image Swatches

If your product variants include more detailed differences, like patterns or specific designs, image swatches can be very effective.

1. Upload Images: Click the blue folder icon next to the Image field to upload a small, square image (100px by 100px recommended, no larger than 50kb).
2. Style Customization: The style of these swatches is theme-dependent. For further customization, use the Additional CSS field in your theme settings.

Displaying Option Swatches on Product Lists

Option swatches can be showcased not just on individual product pages but also on category pages and within product blocks. This helps customers see available options even before clicking into a product.

How to Enable Swatches on Lists

1. Navigate to Option Editor: Go to the Option Editor for your Color Option.
2. Enable Swatch Display: Tick the box next to "Show Colour Swatch in Displayed in a List of Products."

Ensuring Compatibility with Themes

It's important to note that new product option icons only work with V2 themes on Bluepark. If you're still using a V1 theme, an upgrade will be necessary.

1. Upgrade to V2: Watch the "Introducing Bluepark V2 Themes" video and read the relevant guide to understand how to upgrade.

Conclusion

Implementing option icons in your product listings can significantly enhance the user experience, making it easier and more enjoyable for customers to shop. By offering visual cues through text buttons, color swatches, or image swatches, you can streamline the decision-making process for your customers and make your e-commerce store more appealing.

From setting up the initial options to customizing them according to your theme, this comprehensive guide has covered all the essential steps to get you started. Don't underestimate the power of a well-organized and visually appealing product page—it's a small tweak that can lead to significant returns.

FAQ

What are option icons?

Option icons are visual indicators used to represent different product attributes or variants, such as size, color, or style. They improve user experience by providing quick, intuitive cues.

How can I set up option icons on Bluepark?

You can set up option icons by navigating to the Product Editor, selecting your option name, and changing the field type to "Option icons with select field" or "Option icons only."

What are color swatches?

Color swatches are small, color-filled circles or squares used to visually represent the color variants of a product, enhancing visual appeal and ease of use.

How can I display option swatches on category pages?

To display option swatches on category pages, navigate to the Option Editor and enable the "Show Colour Swatch in Displayed in a List of Products" option.

Do option icons work with all themes on Bluepark?

No, new product option icons only work with V2 themes on Bluepark. If you're using a V1 theme, you will need to upgrade to V2 to utilize this feature.

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to make the most of option icons in your e-commerce store, ensuring a better shopping experience for your customers while also boosting your sales.