How to Display Option Icons to Improve User Experience in EcommerceTable of ContentsIntroductionWhat are Option Icons?Setting Up Option IconsImplementing Color SwatchesDisplaying Swatches on Product ListsEssential Considerations and Best PracticesConclusionFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)IntroductionNavigating the ever-evolving world of ecommerce demands an emphasis on superior user experience (UX). One valuable approach to optimize UX on your ecommerce site is through the effective use of option icons. These icons serve as visual cues for product variations such as size and color, making it easier and more intuitive for customers to make their selections. In this blog post, we'll delve into the advantages of using option icons, how to set them up, and the best practices for their implementation. By the end, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of how option icons can elevate your ecommerce site.What are Option Icons?Option icons are visual representations that display different product variations, such as size, color, or style options. Unlike traditional drop-down menus, option icons offer a more immediate and engaging way for customers to see the available choices. On platforms like Bluepark, these can be displayed as text buttons, color swatches, or image icons. This visual distinction helps in streamlining the shopping process and enhances the overall user experience.Benefits of Option IconsImproved User Experience: Option icons offer an immediate visual cue, reducing the steps a customer needs to take to navigate through choices.Enhanced Aesthetics: Attractive visuals improve the overall look of your product pages.Increased Conversion Rates: A smooth, visually engaging selection process can lead to higher conversion rates.Efficient Product Discovery: Option icons can make it easier for customers to find exactly what they are looking for, reducing shopping cart abandonment rates.Setting Up Option IconsBefore diving into the steps for setting up option icons, ensure you have your product options (such as size, color, etc.) created in your ecommerce platform. If not, consult guides on creating product options and variants.Changing Field Types to Option IconsNavigate to the Product Editor: Go to the product editor section of your ecommerce platform.Select Options: By default, new options are set as select fields (drop-down menus).Change to Option Icons: Click on the option name, then set the field type to either ‘Option icons with select field’ or ‘Option icons only.'Save Changes: Click save and review the product to see the newly set icons.Configuring Display OptionsOption icons by default display their full value name. If you prefer to use abbreviated names (e.g., S for Small, M for Medium), adjust these settings in the Option's Values screen in the product editor.Implementing Color SwatchesColor swatches provide a visual representation of color choices, enhancing the user experience by showing actual color variations.Setting Up Color SwatchesAccess Options Tab: In the product editor, go to the Options tab and click the edit icon.Enter HEX Code: For a color swatch, type in the HEX code of the color into the Color field. Alternatively, use the color picker tool.Save Changes: After selecting the colors, ensure you save your changes.Setting Up Image SwatchesImage swatches are ideal for more intricate design choices or patterns.Upload Images: Click the blue folder icon next to the Image field to upload your image files. Keep the images small (100px by 100px) and lightweight (no larger than 50kb).Optimize Image Display: The visual appearance of your swatches depends on your site's theme. Users with CSS knowledge can customize the size, shape, and other attributes via the Additional CSS field in the theme settings.Displaying Swatches on Product ListsDisplaying swatches on category pages and within product blocks provides a streamlined shopping experience. This feature allows customers to see available options without clicking through to another page.Configuring Display in ListsShow Color Swatch: In the option editor, tick the box for Show Color Swatch under the Displayed in a List of Products section.Test Display: After setting this, view your category pages to ensure the swatches appear correctly underneath the relevant products.Essential Considerations and Best PracticesUse V2 Themes: Ensure your site is using a V2 theme for option icons to work correctly.Consistent Styles: Maintain a consistent size and shape for all swatches for a uniform look.Updated Themes: Regularly update your themes and CSS to accommodate any new display options or changes in user interface trends.ConclusionOption icons are a powerful tool for enhancing the user experience in ecommerce, bridging the gap between functionality and aesthetics. By employing text buttons, color swatches, and image swatches, you provide customers with a quick, intuitive, and engaging way to navigate your product variations. Consistent implementation and regular updates ensure a seamless browsing experience, ultimately driving higher conversions and customer satisfaction.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)How do I create product options and variants?You can create product options and variants through your platform's product editor. Refer to platform-specific guides for detailed instructions.Can I use option icons with old themes?Option icons generally only function with updated themes (V2 themes on platforms like Bluepark). Upgrade your theme if necessary.How can I optimize image swatches for faster loading times?Keep image files small (100px by 100px) and lightweight, preferably no larger than 50kb. This ensures quick loading times and optimal performance.Do I need coding knowledge to customize swatch appearances?Basic CSS knowledge can help in customizing the swatch appearance, but many ecommerce platforms offer straightforward customization options.By methodically setting up and optimizing option icons, you bolster the user experience, making shopping on your ecommerce site a delightful and efficient process. Implement these tips today to start seeing the benefits!