How to Display Option Icons in EcommerceTable of ContentsIntroductionWhat are Option Icons?How to Use Option IconsDisplaying Swatches on Product ListsBenefits of Using Option IconsBest Practices for Option IconsConclusionFAQIntroductionIn the fast-paced world of ecommerce, providing a seamless and engaging user experience is crucial. A significant aspect of this experience involves how product options are displayed, making it easier for customers to select the variant they desire. This is where option icons come into play.Option icons serve as visual indicators for product options, improving user interaction and enhancing the overall shopping experience. Whether through text buttons, color swatches, or image swatches, these icons can transform how customers perceive and interact with product options.In this blog post, we will dive deep into what option icons are, how to set them up, and best practices for using them effectively. By the end of this guide, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to implement option icons to boost your ecommerce store's usability and aesthetics.What are Option Icons?Option icons are visual representations of product variations, such as size, color, or style. Unlike traditional dropdown menus, these icons provide a more intuitive and attractive way for customers to select product options. They can be presented in various forms, including:Text Button-Style Icons: Simple buttons that display the option text (e.g., Small, Medium, Large).Color Swatches: Small colored circles or squares that depict different color options.Image Swatches: Miniature images that represent different styles or patterns available for a product.These icons not only enhance the user experience but also streamline the selection process, making it easier for customers to find exactly what they are looking for.How to Use Option IconsSetting up option icons involves a few straightforward steps in your product editor. Here’s a step-by-step guide:Step 1: Create Product VariantsBefore you can use option icons, you need to set up your product variants. This involves defining the different options available for your products, such as sizes, colors, or styles. If you haven't created these yet, refer to your ecommerce platform's guide on creating options and variants.Step 2: Change Field Type to Option IconsBy default, new options might be set as select fields (dropdown menus). To change these to option icons:Navigate to the Product Editor and click on the Option Name in the Options tab.Alternatively, go to Products > Options in the main menu.Change the Field type to 'Option icons with select field' or 'Option icons only'.Click Save and preview a product with this option to see the changes.Step 3: Use Short Values (Optional)Option icons default to displaying the full value name. If you prefer to show a shortened name (e.g., S for Small, M for Medium, L for Large), you can set this up in the Option's Values screen within the Product Editor.Step 4: Set Up Color or Image SwatchesFor Color Swatches:Go to the Options tab in the Product Editor and click the Edit icon to access the Values screen.Enter a HEX code into the Color field for each value or select a color from the color picker.For Image Swatches:Upload an image by clicking the blue folder icon next to the Image field.Ensure images are small (100px by 100px is ideal) to maintain performance.Keep the file size under 50kb.Step 5: Customize Swatch StyleThe style of color and image swatches may vary depending on your theme. Users with CSS knowledge can further customize these icons’ size, shape, and more within the Additional CSS field in the theme settings.Displaying Swatches on Product ListsDisplaying swatches on category pages and product blocks can significantly enhance user experience. These swatches show available options underneath relevant products, allowing visitors to view variant images without clicking into the product page.To display swatches on categories and product blocks:Navigate to the Option Editor for your color option.Tick 'Show Color Swatch' in the 'Displayed in a List of Products' section.Note on Theme CompatibilityNew product option icons only work with V2 themes. If your site is using a V1 theme, you will need to upgrade to a V2 theme to use these icons. It's worth checking out the Bluepark V2 Themes guide for a smooth transition.Benefits of Using Option IconsEnhanced User ExperienceOption icons provide a visually appealing and intuitive way for customers to select product variations. This can lead to higher customer satisfaction and increased sales.Improved Product BrowsingBy displaying option icons on category pages, customers can quickly see the available variations, which reduces the steps needed to find their desired product.Increased ConversionsA streamlined and visually engaging product selection process can reduce cart abandonment rates and improve overall conversion rates.Best Practices for Option IconsConsistent DesignEnsure that all option icons (text, color, and image) follow a consistent design pattern. This maintains a cohesive appearance across your site and enhances user trust.Optimize for PerformanceKeep icon file sizes small to ensure that page load times remain fast. This is particularly important for image swatches.Test and IterateRegularly test different styles and layouts of option icons to see what works best for your audience. User feedback and A/B testing can provide valuable insights into optimizing your option icons.Accessibility ConsiderationsEnsure that option icons are accessible to all users, including those with visual impairments. Provide alternative text for image swatches and consider using high-contrast colors for color swatches.ConclusionOption icons are a powerful tool for enhancing the user experience on your ecommerce site. By providing a visually engaging and intuitive way to display product variations, you can improve customer satisfaction and increase conversions. Follow the steps and best practices outlined in this guide to effectively implement option icons and take your ecommerce store to the next level.FAQWhat are option icons?Option icons are visual indicators used in ecommerce to represent product variations such as size, color, and style, making it easier for customers to select their desired options.How do I set up option icons?To set up option icons, create your product variants first. Then, in the Product Editor, change the field type of the options to 'Option icons.' You can also set up color or image swatches by entering HEX codes or uploading images.Can I display option icons on category pages?Yes, you can display option icons on category pages by enabling the 'Show Color Swatch' option in the Option Editor for the relevant color options.Do option icons work with all themes?Option icons are compatible with V2 themes. If you're using a V1 theme, you'll need to upgrade to a V2 theme to use these features.Why should I use option icons?Option icons enhance user experience by providing a more intuitive and visually appealing way to select product variations. This can lead to higher customer satisfaction and increased sales.