Crafting Success: Web Development Innovations for Dicker Data

Dicker Data approached us with a specific goal in mind: to create a video/certification library similar to HubSpot Academy for their Microsoft partners. They wanted this library to be a gated page, serving as an extension of a microsite we had previously developed for them. However, they faced a few challenges and had certain concerns that needed to be addressed.

One challenge was the need for an easy way to populate the library with multiple videos under different categories. We suggested utilizing HubDB, a HubSpot feature, to simplify the content population. By creating dynamic pages that pulled data from HubDB tables, Dicker Data could easily manage and update the video content within the library.

Another concern was tracking user progress in the videos. Dicker Data wanted users to be able to resume watching a video from where they left off. While we had a solution in mind to track video progress for each member account, we encountered a hurdle when multiple users shared the same account. Given the project timeline, we agreed to postpone this feature for future consideration.

Additionally, Dicker Data wanted to implement a search function that would display related courses and videos. To achieve this, we added a "topics" column to the HubDB tables for courses and videos. This allowed us to display search results for all videos and courses associated with a specific topic.

Throughout the project, our team spent considerable time focusing on the user experience. We worked closely with Dicker Data to improve the microsite's overall experience, including the display of search results. Before the actual build, we dedicated time to architecting the HubDB tables to ensure smooth integration and seamless retrieval of information for video listings, course listings, and search results.

In summary, we addressed Dicker Data's goals and challenges by utilizing HubDB for content population, implementing a search function based on topics, and providing guidance on user experience improvements. While some features had to be postponed, the resulting video/certification library extension on their microsite provided Dicker Data with a valuable resource for their Microsoft partners.

Dicker Data approached us with the goal of building a microsite for DAS (Digital Advertising Solutions). The microsite would consist of four main pages: homepage, branch locator, partner with us page, and vendor solution page. This project marked their transition from modular templates to theme builds, making it the first project to utilize themes based on our recommendation.

One of the challenges Dicker Data faced was the need for flexibility in their modules. With the previous modular builds, managing multiple versions of the same module had become cumbersome. We advised them to adopt a theme approach, which would offer the desired flexibility without the need for building custom modules for every minor change. This shift allowed for easier module management and streamlined updates.

A significant concern for Dicker Data was the development of an interactive branch locator. They wanted to understand the user experience and ensure that the locator effectively served its purpose. We took on this challenge and successfully built an interactive branch locator using the Google Maps API and HubDB.

To achieve this, our team held several discussion sessions to introduce the concept of themes and highlight their flexibility in meeting the design requirements of the DAS project. We showcased how themes could adapt to different needs, ensuring a seamless and visually appealing user experience.

For the branch locator, we developed a proof of concept (POC) that incorporated the Google Maps API for location search functionality. We used HubDB to list all existing branches, including their addresses, location longitude/latitude, and store information. To enhance usability, we implemented a filter feature that allowed users to easily search for branches by state.

In summary, by embracing the theme approach, Dicker Data gained the desired flexibility without the burden of managing multiple module versions. Our team successfully implemented an interactive branch locator that met their requirements and enhanced the overall user experience. This microsite project marked an important transition for Dicker Data, showcasing the advantages of themes and delivering a high-quality solution for their DAS initiative.

Dicker Data had the objective of building a knowledge base, specifically a newsletter library, for Microsoft users in New Zealand. The primary goal was to provide a centralized resource for accessing newsletters and relevant information.

Fortunately, there were no major challenges or concerns associated with this project, except for the requirement of having the knowledge base sit behind a gated page. This gated access was a straightforward update that we could easily implement.

In terms of advice that influenced their approach, we recommended a design change to enhance the user experience. Initially, the "newsletter homepage" displayed a tile for each month's newsletter. Clicking on a specific month's tile would lead users to a menu on the left side, showing all the previous issues of newsletters, including the "older issues" that had a different format.

To improve navigation and make it easier for users to find past issues, we suggested including a dedicated tile for past issues directly on the newsletter homepage. This change would allow users to access previous newsletters more efficiently, avoiding the need to navigate through the menu on the left.

By incorporating this recommendation, Dicker Data could enhance the user experience of their knowledge base. Users would have a clear overview of each month's newsletter and easy access to past issues, providing a more intuitive and streamlined navigation system.

In conclusion, Dicker Data's objective of creating a knowledge base for Microsoft users in New Zealand was achieved without significant challenges. We provided advice to improve the user experience by suggesting the inclusion of a tile for past issues on the newsletter homepage, simplifying navigation and enhancing accessibility for users seeking older newsletters.