Mobile-first redesign: advancing e-commerce in the Varus app
- App redesign
- UX/UI design
- UX/UI audit (for e-comm module)
- Discovery
Varus in numbers
KEY RESULTS
The story behind the project
Varus – is one of Ukraine’s leading supermarket chains, providing high-quality products, a wide range of assortments, and convenient shopping conditions for over 20 years. The company operates more than 100 stores across the country, with its core value centered on delivering the best experience to its customers. The Varus network operates in various formats: traditional supermarkets, To Go stores, and the conscious shopping service VARUS.UA.
From quick service to promotional offers, Varus aims to be more than just a shopping destination – it strives to be an integral part of every Ukrainian’s daily life.
What sets the company apart is its innovative approach to customer service and its ability to adapt to new technological challenges. Varus continually implements modern digital solutions, recognizing the importance of mobile engagement in today’s world. The chain actively develops its loyalty program and integrates e-commerce functionalities, creating a “supermarket in your smartphone” that enables customers to shop faster, more conveniently, and more efficiently.
Client challenge
Before reaching out, Varus used only loyalty program within its mobile application, which limited its ability to interact with customers effectively.
The key challenges included:
- ensuring accurate real-time display of the product assortment for each supermarket and providing a seamless substitution process in case of unavailability;
- organizing workflows with separate groups of stakeholders in distinct workstreams while addressing the complexity of maintaining synchronization between these streams.
Business goals
1. Functionality expansion: to add an e-commerce module to the existing application.
2. Cost opmization: to reduce expenses on platform maintenance and customer acquisition.
3. Improvement of user experience: to make onboarding and the use of features intuitively understandable.
4. Integration of promotions: to implement various marketing mechanics within the application.
5. Increased loyalty: to boost the average order value, the number of active users, and repeat purchases.
Solution
Devlight implemented a large-scale redesign of the Varus app, integrating e-commerce features that align with modern user expectations. One of the key updates was the scan and go functionality, which we made as intuitive as possible through a simple and clear onboarding process. This significantly streamlined app usage and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Special attention was given to ensuring user-friendly elements for the end customer. We introduced the ability for users to report missing or damaged products, which became a critical feedback tool and improved the overall brand interaction experience. Additionally, the updated interface design made app interactions more convenient, intuitive, and visually appealing.
To ensure project efficiency, we established a clear and structured workflow. Weekly meetings with the client team allowed us to align efforts, resolve issues promptly, and achieve mutually agreed results. This approach ensured effective collaboration and a high-quality final product.
Product Development Process
Heuristic Analysis, UI/UX Audit, and Parallel QA Testing
In the first phase, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the existing Varus app. The heuristic analysis identified key user experience issues, including navigation complexity, non-intuitive interface elements, and misalignment with modern UX design standards. Simultaneously, the Devlight team performed QA testing to uncover technical bugs and compiled a detailed bug report. This process resulted in a deep understanding of the app’s challenges and a clear roadmap for improvements, which we presented to the client.
Discovery and redesign of the current app version
This phase involved an in-depth exploration of customer needs and the development of a strategy to update the application. We organized a series of workshops with the Varus team to align on key features and design priorities. Based on the collected insights, prototypes were created, incorporating the loyalty program, an updated interface, and improved navigation. The result was a design aligned with the client’s vision, ready for implementation.
Development of technical requirements and e-commerce module design
At this stage, we worked on integrating e-commerce functionalities into the Varus app. This included product ordering features, promotional mechanics, and new marketing tools, ensuring a user-friendly and modern interface. The work followed a design-first approach, where the client approved each design element before finalizing the technical requirements for the development team. This stage culminated in the creation of an MVP version of the e-commerce module, ready for testing and future updates.
Design-First Approach and Functional Enhancements
Throughout the project, we adhered to the design-first principle, which ensured the interface met both client and user expectations. Special focus was placed on the scan and go functionality, which was simplified and made highly intuitive. Additionally, we implemented the ability for users to report missing or damaged products, improving the overall quality of user interaction with the app.
results
1. Complete redesign
We carried out a full redesign of the app, creating a UI kit, style guide, and interface prototypes. This ensured a modern look for the app and set standards for future updates.
2. Cost optimization
The updated app reduced marketing expenses while improving communication efficiency. Targeting tools enabled more personalized interactions with customers.
3. Functional improvements
The scan and go feature was updated to simplify purchases. Enhanced interaction tools deliver a better user experience.
4. Prepared for expansion
The MVP version of the app became the foundation for future updates, which will include new features, delivery options, and promotions.
future plans
As the part of the further development of the Varus app, we plan to regularly update its functionality to adapt to customer and market needs. Key priorities include introducing new promotional mechanics, expanding delivery options, enhancing product cards, adding product recommendations and alternative items, and improving the search system.
How it was
The project with Varus was an exciting product and an incredible experience! Together, we not only updated the app design but created a truly convenient and modern tool for users with full e-commerce functionality. This is a case where trust, hard work, and the team’s inspiration delivered an impressive result.
Victoria Sukharevska
Delivery Manager at Devlight
Final design
Simplicity and functionality in every element.
Client perspective
We are very satisfied with our collaboration with Devlight. We especially appreciated the speed of communication between the teams and the pace at which changes and updates were implemented. Our request was quite complex, involving many variables and participants, so it was crucial for us to receive prompt responses and updates. The team listened to and implemented our wishes while also providing expert advice throughout the project. As a result, we received a high-quality product.
