Comparative Analysis of Tea & Coffee Websites

Information Architectures
Here's a glimpse into a project I undertook for my Information Architecture and Content Strategy class at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), expertly guided by Professor Valerie Taylor. Our focus was on the structural nuances that make or break the digital user experience in tea and coffee websites. This deep dive into information architecture (IA) allowed us to discern patterns, preferences, and best practices that define successful website navigation and content organization.
Project Details
Deliverables
Role

The Problem

Websites Compared:

Empire Coffee & Tea
Steepster
Rate Tea
The Cultured Cup

To initiate our project, we conducted a thorough scan of each selected tea and coffee website, documenting our observations. The results were systematically recorded into the table below, providing a structured overview for our competitive analysis.

After analyzing our findings, we compiled them into a table that details the main features and standout qualities of each tea and coffee website. This straightforward comparison offers a clear view of the different approaches and unique elements each site brings to the online marketplace.

Goals

Competitive Analyis

Proto Persona

User Journey

Information Architecture

LoFi Wireframes

Research Goals

Empire Coffee & Tea:

The website does not offer any filters for search results, limiting users' ability to narrow down their product options. There is no option for sorting search results, which may make it challenging to find specific products quickly.

Steepster:

The website has redundant search bars, which may cause confusion for users. There is no predictive search or auto-complete feature in the search bar, potentially making it less efficient for users.

Rate Tea:

The search bar requires search entries to be at least 4 characters long, which may be inconvenient for users with shorter queries. There is no sorting option available for search results, limiting users' ability to customize their search experience.

The Cultured Cup:

The website's contact form linked in the footer gives an error message, making it difficult for users to reach out with comments or queries. The placement of the top navigation in the middle of the page may be confusing for users accustomed to top or side navigation.

Usability Testing

Findings

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Mid-Fi Wireframes

Usability Testing II

Closing Note

Comparative Analysis of Tea & Coffee Websites

Information Architectures
Here's a glimpse into a project I undertook for my Information Architecture and Content Strategy class at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), expertly guided by Professor Valerie Taylor. Our focus was on the structural nuances that make or break the digital user experience in tea and coffee websites. This deep dive into information architecture (IA) allowed us to discern patterns, preferences, and best practices that define successful website navigation and content organization.
Project Details
Deliverables
Role

Kickoff

Websites Compared:

Empire Coffee & Tea
Steepster
Rate Tea
The Cultured Cup

To initiate our project, we conducted a thorough scan of each selected tea and coffee website, documenting our observations. The results were systematically recorded into the table below, providing a structured overview for our competitive analysis.

After analyzing our findings, we compiled them into a table that details the main features and standout qualities of each tea and coffee website. This straightforward comparison offers a clear view of the different approaches and unique elements each site brings to the online marketplace.

Goals

First Down

LoFi Wireframes

Hi-Fi Wireframes

Post-Game Reflection

Comparative Analysis of Tea & Coffee Websites

Information Architectures
Here's a glimpse into a project I undertook for my Information Architecture and Content Strategy class at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), expertly guided by Professor Valerie Taylor. Our focus was on the structural nuances that make or break the digital user experience in tea and coffee websites. This deep dive into information architecture (IA) allowed us to discern patterns, preferences, and best practices that define successful website navigation and content organization.

The Problem

Websites Compared:

Empire Coffee & Tea
Steepster
Rate Tea
The Cultured Cup

To initiate our project, we conducted a thorough scan of each selected tea and coffee website, documenting our observations. The results were systematically recorded into the table below, providing a structured overview for our competitive analysis.

After analyzing our findings, we compiled them into a table that details the main features and standout qualities of each tea and coffee website. This straightforward comparison offers a clear view of the different approaches and unique elements each site brings to the online marketplace.

Goals

Empire Coffee & Tea

Main Features

  • Top navigation with categories for coffee, tea, makers & filters, gift baskets, gourmet foods, mugs, history, and help.
  • Search bar located on the left side of the homepage, above the main navigation.
  • Banner image of their shop.
  • Contact information listed under the help tab.
  • Physical location with delivery services.


Standout Qualities

  • Specializes in offering a wide variety of coffee and tea products.
  • Provides a visually appealing website with a banner image showcasing their shop.
  • Offers a user-friendly search bar and navigation system.
  • Emphasizes customer support through contact information and help resources.
  • Provides a physical location and delivery services, providing convenience for customers.

Steepster

Main Features

  • Top navigation with pages for tea, places, discussions, explore, learn more, sign up, and login.
  • Two search bars, one on the top right corner and one in the banner section.
  • Ability to filter tea by type, category, and companies.
  • Sorting options for search results.
  • Discussions tab for users to engage in tea-related conversations.


Standout Qualities

  • Provides a platform for tea enthusiasts to share their experiences and engage in discussions.
  • Offers a comprehensive search and filtering system for finding specific types of tea.
  • Emphasizes community engagement and exploration through various tabs and sections.
  • Allows users to discover new tea places and connect with other tea lovers.

Rate Tea

Main Features

  • Comprehensive top navigation with categories for Styles, Brands, Regions, People, Places, Images, Articles, News, Contact, and About.
  • Search bar accessible from every page, although search entries must be at least 4 characters long.
  • Consistent breadcrumbs throughout the website.
  • Provides options for sorting search results.
  • Offers articles and information about the history of the organization.


Standout Qualities

  • Focuses on providing extensive information and resources about tea.
  • Offers a wide range of categories for navigation, allowing users to explore different aspects of tea.
  • Provides in-depth search options for users to find specific types of tea.
  • Emphasizes the educational and informative aspect of tea through articles and history.

The Cultured Cup

Main Features

  • Top navigation with pages for tea, coffee, sweets, events, and explore.
  • Search bar located on the right side of the homepage, accessible from every page.
  • Ability to narrow down search results.
  • Provides sorting options for search results.
  • Discussions tab for open-ended conversations.
  • Physical location in Texas, with both pickup and delivery options.


Standout Qualities

  • Offers a diverse range of products, including tea, coffee, and sweets.
  • Focuses on creating a community through discussions and events.
  • Provides a convenient search and filtering system for finding specific products.
  • Offers both pickup and delivery options, giving users flexibility in how they receive their orders.

Empire Coffee & Tea:

The website does not offer any filters for search results, limiting users' ability to narrow down their product options. There is no option for sorting search results, which may make it challenging to find specific products quickly.

Steepster:

The website has redundant search bars, which may cause confusion for users. There is no predictive search or auto-complete feature in the search bar, potentially making it less efficient for users.

Rate Tea:

The search bar requires search entries to be at least 4 characters long, which may be inconvenient for users with shorter queries. There is no sorting option available for search results, limiting users' ability to customize their search experience.

The Cultured Cup:

The website's contact form linked in the footer gives an error message, making it difficult for users to reach out with comments or queries. The placement of the top navigation in the middle of the page may be confusing for users accustomed to top or side navigation.

Site Maps

Findings

Comparative Analysis of Tea & Coffee Websites

Information Architectures

Phase I : Ideation

Websites Compared:

Empire Coffee & Tea
Steepster
Rate Tea
The Cultured Cup

To initiate our project, we conducted a thorough scan of each selected tea and coffee website, documenting our observations. The results were systematically recorded into the table below, providing a structured overview for our competitive analysis.

After analyzing our findings, we compiled them into a table that details the main features and standout qualities of each tea and coffee website. This straightforward comparison offers a clear view of the different approaches and unique elements each site brings to the online marketplace.

Phase II : Prototyping the Scooter Model

Phase III: Integrating Movement Mechanics

Phase IV: Game Environment

Empire Coffee & Tea:

The website does not offer any filters for search results, limiting users' ability to narrow down their product options. There is no option for sorting search results, which may make it challenging to find specific products quickly.

Steepster:

The website has redundant search bars, which may cause confusion for users. There is no predictive search or auto-complete feature in the search bar, potentially making it less efficient for users.

Rate Tea:

The search bar requires search entries to be at least 4 characters long, which may be inconvenient for users with shorter queries. There is no sorting option available for search results, limiting users' ability to customize their search experience.

The Cultured Cup:

The website's contact form linked in the footer gives an error message, making it difficult for users to reach out with comments or queries. The placement of the top navigation in the middle of the page may be confusing for users accustomed to top or side navigation.

Phase V: Collisions for Dynamic Interactions

Closing Note