Week 4 – E-commerce Optimization & Testing

Topics

  • Payment gateways and test transactions
  • Shipping configuration
  • Taxes and inventory basics
  • Mobile responsiveness
  • User journey testing
  • Intro to analytics dashboards

Objectives

  • Configure checkout and payment settings
  • Test complete purchase flow
  • Optimize mobile experience
  • Identify friction points in user journey

Connection to the Real World

The website launches, but customers begin abandoning their carts. Shipping costs may be unclear. Checkout might require too many steps. On mobile devices, buttons may be difficult to tap.

In a competitive market, friction results in lost revenue. If reordering coffee beans is inconvenient, customers will turn to a competitor. Testing the full purchasing journey — from homepage to confirmation email — ensures the digital experience mirrors the smooth efficiency of a well-run café.

Why It’s Important

A visually appealing site is not enough; functionality determines success. Optimizing checkout, configuring payment gateways, and testing user flow ensures reliability and trust. Attention to these details transforms a design project into a dependable sales platform.

Hands-on Activities

  • Configure shipping and tax settings
  • Complete multiple test transactions
  • Review site on desktop and mobile
  • Document and fix usability issues