Customized CMS and Shopping Cart Integration — Case Study

Outdoor Living Today

Technologies: PHP, MySQL, SilverStripe, XHTML/CSS, jQuery
Project Size: 1 person-months
URL: www.outdoorlivingtoday.com

Outdoor Living Today is a Canadian manufacturer of over 50 high quality Western Red Cedar Do-It-Yourself-Kits, including Gazebos, Sheds, Playhouses, and Pergolas. OLT’s easy-to-assemble backyard kits can be ordered online and delivered direct to door anywhere in Canada or the US in less than 3 weeks. The products are also sold in Costco, Lowes, and Home Depot.

OLT hired Deversus for its web development services to build a new website and product catalogue, which was to be integrated with their existing e-commerce software. Deversus recommended that OLT "crowdsource" the design component, which they did. After reviewing over 50 design submissions from graphic designers around the world, a winner was chosen and Deversus began developing their new website.

Deversus integrated OLT's website and existing shopping cart software with a custom implementation of our Content Management System (CMS). The system allows OLT to easily manage their own website content, while playing nicely with their existing custom e-commerce software. The front-end of the e-commerce product catalogue was also integrated with the new design, to provide a fresh look and consistent interface across the entire website. As a result, OLT received an updated look, while allowing them to continue to benefit from their initial investment in the custom e-commerce solution.

Project Screenshots

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Updated Layout and Web Design

An updated look-and-feel was given to OLTs existing website that features a more modern interface that is representative of the OLT brand.

New Catalogue Design - Same E-Commerce Software

A fresh look was given to the catalogue powered by OLT's custom e-commerce software to keep the aesthetics consistent across the entire website.

New Product Detail Page Design - Same E-Commerce Software

Similar to the above, an updated design was given to the product detail pages, also powered by OLT's custom e-commerce software.

Customized Content Management System

Deversus implemented a custom version of its CMS for OLT, powered by the SilverStripe platform. The CMS allows OLT to easily manage their own website content.

Specific Content Types for Each Page

By implementing specific content types, OLT can easily change pictures and text without disrupting the design or layout. This ensures the look-and-feel of the site are always consistent.

Custom Photo Contest Module

A custom module allows OLT to publish a yearly "Best Picture Contest" without worrying about writing specific HTML or CSS code to make the content look professional.