Niche Website Design

Niche Website Design

Niche Website Design

In collaboration with Professor Daniela Marx, I was tasked with designing an Ecommerce website for Loyola University of New Orleans Design Department's new store, Niche.

"Trader Joe’s Story: A Legacy in Motion" is an interactive storytelling installation designed for the Trader Joe’s Pop-Up Shop that explores the history of the brand. This project combines the physical with the digital to create a unique viewing experience.

Timeline: September - October 2025

"Trader Joe’s Story: A Legacy in Motion" is an interactive storytelling installation designed for the Trader Joe’s Pop-Up Shop that explores the history of the brand. This project combines the physical with the digital to create a unique viewing experience.

Design Brief

Design Brief

In collaboration with the client, I was tasked with designing a website for Loyola University of New Orleans Design Department's new store, Niche.


This case study focuses on the strategic branding and execution of UI design for Niche, an elevated retail concept and design gallery initiated by the Department of Design at Loyola University New Orleans. The primary challenge was to create a self sustaining, high end retail store that showcases and sells exclusive products made by current students and alumni, with proceeds reinvesting directly into the department.


In collaboration with the client, I was tasked with designing a website for Loyola University of New Orleans Design Department's new store, Niche.


This case study focuses on the strategic branding and execution of UI design for Niche, an elevated retail concept and design gallery initiated by the Department of Design at Loyola University New Orleans. The primary challenge was to create a self sustaining, high end retail store that showcases and sells exclusive products made by current students and alumni, with proceeds reinvesting directly into the department.


Role

Role

  • UX Researcher

  • UI Designer

  • UX Researcher

  • UI Designer

Bringing Ideas to Life

Bringing Ideas to Life

Week 1-2:

Thematic Analysis


Before our meeting with the client, the team carried out a thematic analysis to better approach the project. We grouped the main questions we had about the site's goals into categories to better approach the interview.

Week 1-2:

Thematic Analysis


Before our meeting with the client, the team carried out a thematic analysis to better approach the project. We grouped the main questions we had about the site's goals into categories to better approach the interview.

Week 1-2:

Thematic Analysis


Before our meeting with the client, the team carried out a thematic analysis to better approach the project. We grouped the main questions we had about the site's goals into categories to better approach the interview.

User Interviews

From our thematic analysis, we developed interview questions to guide our dialogue with the client. It was important to understand the ideal look, feel, and user experience of the Niche website, especially when the primary goal is to sell items and gain trust from users.

User Interviews

From our thematic analysis, we developed interview questions to guide our dialogue with the client. It was important to understand the ideal look, feel, and user experience of the Niche website, especially when the primary goal is to sell items and gain trust from users.


  1. What are the primary goals, messages, and/or values of Niche?

    • How would you like these values reflected on the online store?

    • How would you, as stakeholders, describe Niche’s brand identity?

    • What do you plan on doing with the proceeds?

  2. How do you think Niche will benefit the Loyola Design Department?

    • How will a website lead to this benefit?

  3. Why is Shopify the ideal platform for this website?

  4. Who is the primary target audience for Niche, and what motivates them to shop with us?

    • What do you believe these customers are looking for when going to the Niche website?

  5. What impact do you want Niche to have on customers when they visit the site?

    • What specific criteria should we use to measure success (e.g., sales, engagement, brand loyalty)?

  6. What key aspects of Niche should users understand when they explore the website?

    • What features do you think are essential to creating a smooth and enjoyable shopping experience?

  7. Are you aiming to grow or engage a particular customer base further, and what challenges have you encountered?

  8. What are the main challenges you face when trying to increase engagement with other students, potential buyers, and their retention?

    • How would you personally encourage customers to return or repeat purchases after an initial interaction?

  9. What existing branding or marketing strategies are in place for Niche?

    • Are there current initiatives or campaigns we should integrate into the website?

  10. What content should be included on the site?

    • Are there any past projects, collaborations, or items you want to showcase?

  11. What specific materials or products do you want to highlight on the website?


  1. What visual assets (logos, images, icons, etc.) are available for Nic he?

    • Do you have high-quality images of your products or design elements?

    • Would that be a thing we would have to do or would you and your team provide that?

  2. Are there any websites, brands, or organizations whose design or marketing you admire or want to emulate?

    • And why?

  3. What would your ideal website for Niche look like?

    • What are elements or features you do not want included?

  4. How do you determine which products or projects to feature or release?

    • What kind of trends or design inspiration influence these decisions?

  5. How do you currently promote Niche and its products?

    • How do you attract both on-campus and off-campus customers?

  6. Is there a process for customers to register or create accounts on the site, or is it an open-browse experience?

  7. What type of aesthetic and feeling do you want the Niche website to convey?

    • How prominent should the branding be (e.g., logos, colors, typography)?

  8. Which sections of the website should be updated regularly, and how often should these updates happen?

    • Will there be new product releases, special promotions, or seasonal collections?

  9. What is the ideal launch date for the website, and are there any key milestones or events we need to align with?

    • Are there any major events (e.g., product releases or promotions) that should be integrated into the website timeline?

  10. Is there a budget allocated for this project?

    • What is the funding situation for things like making and keeping a domain, product photography and videography, and future website maintenance?

  11. What is the desired outcome of a customer visiting your website?

    • Do you want them to browse products, make a purchase, engage with the design community, or all of the above?

Meeting with the Client


In our group meeting with the client, we discovered some key insights into the goals for the Niche website:

Meeting with the Client


In our group meeting with the client, we discovered some key insights into the goals for the Niche website:

Meeting with the Client


In our group meeting with the client, we discovered some key insights into the goals for the Niche website:

1

1

Reflect the Brand Identity:

Create a website that embodies Niche’s quirky, funky, and fashion-forward personality while maintaining a high-end,
inclusive feel.

2

2

Showcase Student Work: 

Highlight the creativity and uniqueness of student and faculty designs in a way that feels curated, engaging, and easy to browse.

3

3

Provide Intuitive Navigation
and Shopping:

 Ensure users can easily explore products, learn about the designers, and make
purchases with a smooth, accessible experience

4

4

Establish a Strong
Digital Presence: 

Launch a first-of-its-kind website that positions Niche as a recognizable, stylish, and welcoming online destination for the design community and general audience.

Week 3-4:

Lo-fi to Hi-fi


Week 3-4:

Lo-fi to Hi-fi


Week 3-4:

Lo-fi to Hi-fi


Moodboard +Assets

Low Fidelity

Home, About, Shop, Product Detail

High Fidelity

Home, About, Shop, Product Detail

Final Prototype

Final Prototype

Like what you see?

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