User Interface

With software applications in many different industries, one of the most commonly underdeveloped components is the user interface (UI). Many choose to invest less time and resources into designing an optimally functional UI as it is considered a second priority to core functions and back-end developments. This lack of balance typically translates into a poor user experience and minimal impact on productivity.

When it comes to efficiency and end-user satisfaction, fine-tuned usability is one of the most important factors in any software. Indeed, a solution must take into account the needs and goals of a user in order to actively help them achieve their objectives. The user interface supports the overall product design in deciphering human factors such as preferences, habits, and learned skills in order for the software to effectively serve its intended purpose. A strongly functional design is critical in providing a positive user experience.

Usability is measured as a software’s ability to anticipate what a user might need to do. This includes ensuring that all of the elements in the interface are easy to access, understand, and use. Well designed software will provide usability that helps the users feel comfortable with the system as well as with obtaining their desired result. It will help users perform actions quickly and become more efficient. Best practices also advise having a simple interface with consistency (common elements) and a page layout based on hierarchical importance and flow. Let’s have a look at screenshots of the back-end of these four products to compare the layouts of each interface.

User Interface - PrestaShop

User Interface - Odoo

Conclusion

All the articles about eCommerce give the sames trends: mobile/tablet-friendly, flat design, large images, fast and simple. Moreover, there’s a feature that will continuously be improved: the usability for visitors. Software usability has to keep the “codes” in order to satisfy the user and help them become more productive. This applies for the merchant too, keeping the “codes” satis es the buyer and increase their sales.

With this comparison, we can see how difficult it is for eCommerce software to have both features and usability. On one hand, Magento and PrestaShop have a lot of features, but their usability has to be improved. On the opposite, Shopify doesn’t have native features, but shows real progress in usability. In the middle, we find Odoo with many unique features and a very good and satisfying usability interface. Previously dedicated to ERP, Odoo is far from being mature in its eCommerce app, but it offers many possibilities. Odoo eCommerce developments are in their infancy. The app is very promising, without forgetting the integration with the other apps of the business solution.

When choosing your eCommerce software, don’t forget to picture your business in the upcoming years. This will help you to make the right choices today and have control over your growth. Think about an eCommerce software that can be easily integrated with other business solutions. An easy integration means that it has to be simple and fast while also incurring minimal implementation costs. The ideal solution would be to integrate with your eCommerce software other solutions which look alike. You will be at ease with the back-end interface without losing any productivity. This is how business application suites come in handy.