Custom Applications HairDirect
.:Client
HairDirect
Overview
HairDirect performs their web development in-house, but when their needs required custom programming, they turned to Develisys for help. We developed a variety of components for their site to improve the customer experience and streamline management of the site. Usability was improved by creating a better navigation system and a programmable site search. The site was also made more interactive by adding an "Instant Win" sweepstakes and a message board.
Site Framework
The site framework streamlines the management of the website by handling the site navigation. It keeps track of every page on the site and automatically generates the necessary navigation elements (menus, breadcrumbs, sitemap). Usability is also improved. The user always knows which page they are on thanks to the breadcrumbs and a menu that shows the current page.
Programmable Site Search
Going beyond the typical search feature found on most sites, the programmable site search logs every user search into a SQL Server database and also allows HairDirect to specify the top X number of search results for a given keyword (like pay-per-click). The search log allows HairDirect to see search trends while the pay-per-click style programmability allows them to tailor the search results to their liking.
Message Board
This customized message board was integrated seamlessly into the HairDirect site. Many customizations were made to the message board to simplify the interface and make things easier for the customer to use.
"Instant Win" Sweepstakes
Instant Win is a sweepstakes designed to collect email addresses for permission-based solicitation. Before a user enters the sweepstakes they must agree to receive three solicitation emails from HairDirect. Once they enter their email address, a random drawing is performed and the results are immediately sent to the user via email. If they won, the email will contain a link to a page where they can claim their prize. A user can play up to three times per day.
On the backend the application is robust. HairDirect can specify an unlimited number of prize levels with associated inventory levels (so they don't give away prizes that they no longer have). Each prize level can be configured with a different win frequency, so cheaper prizes can be given away more often than expensive ones. Instant Win also integrates with a third-party email list management application and automatically sends the three solictation emails at selected intervals.