Arktura Samples Store
Led the redesign of the Samples Store, leveraging a Shopify template to create a streamlined and user-friendly shopping journey.
Role
UI/UX Designer
Timeline
4 months
Stack
Problem · Solution · Outcome
01
Problem
Sample requests previously required calls/emails, creating manual work, slow turnaround, and frequent errors.
02
Solution
I led the redesign and front-end implementation of Arktura's Samples Store, transforming the manual process into a modern self-serve checkout with improved product discovery.
03
Outcome
We automated the majority of orders, reduced staff workload, and increased checkout completion — delivering faster fulfillment and a better customer experience.
Results & Impact
01
~80% of sample orders moved from manual to automated checkout within the first 3 months.
02
Staff time saved: ~10 hours/week, allowing focus on higher-value tasks.
03
Checkout completion improved from ~60% → ~85%.
04
Order errors reduced by ~30% via automation.
05
Positive feedback from customers and internal teams on speed and clarity.
Context
Overview
Arktura is a leading manufacturer of architectural products including ceiling systems, wall panels, and lighting solutions. As part of their brand refresh, the company needed to modernize its Samples Store to improve usability and reduce the workload on internal sales teams.
The original store was little more than a static page of diagrams, with no product photography, categorization, or ordering system. Ordering required manual coordination with the sales team, creating unnecessary friction for architects, designers, and reps.
The redesign introduced product photography, structured navigation, and an automated checkout process — transforming the store into a user-friendly, modern experience aligned with Arktura's brand identity.
At a glance
- Shopify storefront
- 4-month redesign
- Cross-team collaboration
What customers struggled with
The original store presented three key issues.
Navigation Complexity
Products weren't categorized, making it difficult for reps and designers to locate specific samples.
Unclear Product Information
With only diagrams and no photography, customers lacked the detail needed to confidently evaluate materials.
Inefficient Ordering
No cart or checkout infrastructure existed, requiring reps to call the Sales team to place orders manually.
What the redesign provides
Approach
The redesigned Samples Store leverages Shopify's capabilities while implementing a modern design system. By combining intuitive navigation, product photography, and automated ordering, the new site streamlined the process for users while reducing the sales team's workload.
The original store: static diagrams, no checkout.
Key Improvements
Intuitive Navigation
Product Photography
Streamlined Checkout
Professional Branding
From wireframes to high fidelity
How the redesign evolved from early sketches to final screens.
Low-Fidelity Wireframes
Early wireframes were created to persuade leadership to green-light the redesign by visualizing how a modern store could improve usability.
Mid-Fidelity Mockups
Once a Shopify template was selected, mid-fidelity mockups refined the structure, navigation, and flow.
High-Fidelity Designs
Final designs incorporated edited product photography, refined UI components, and the automated checkout system.
Improved nav + search speed up material discovery.
Clear confirmation & status reduce follow-up emails.
How it came together
Initial Wireframes
Created to demonstrate the value of a redesign and secure leadership approval.
Photography & Assets
Secured budget to hire a photographer and edited hundreds of sample images in Photoshop and Illustrator.
UI Design & Template
Customized a Shopify template to align with Arktura's brand and created a visual design system.
Development & Launch
Collaborated with developers across teams to implement the checkout system and launch the redesigned store.
Accessibility considerations
- Checkout forms built with labels, error messaging, and accessible inputs.
- CTAs and nav links color-tested for contrast.
- Product images paired with descriptive alt text for sample materials.
Interested in more work?
The redesigned Samples Store turned a manual, sales-driven process into a modern self-serve experience — automating the majority of orders while giving architects and designers the clarity they needed to evaluate materials with confidence.