Hi all, we would be very grateful if people would let us know their thoughts on our updated website Lingerie, Bras, Panties, Underwear, Corsets and more - Woods Online

As a marker, a version of the old index page is at Woods Online - uk lingerie suppliers, supplying bras, hosiery, briefs and more

Our main customers are the 55+ age group so anything we can do there to improve their experience would be great.

Thanks again,

Steve Quinn
E-Commerce Team
Woods of Morecambe Limited
Lingerie, Bras, Panties, Underwear, Corsets and more - Woods Online

One thing that comes to mind is that the models in your photos are nowhere near 55+ and at first glance, the site seems to be targeted toward the 30-40+ age range, not at all what we see on the front page of your paper catalogue. That photo is perfectly targeted to your intended clientèle.

I can certainly understand where you'd have difficulty finding model photos with models in that age range. You might want to contact your suppliers to request some different photos.

I know from experience that suppliers tend not to be very cooperative when it comes to product shots but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Secondly, I'd recommend that you increase the size of the text styled in your <h1> header tags. The font size is not large enough to easily determine the focus of the page.

Thirdly, without some sort of graphical element that might entice users to click on them, the left navigation menu items look more like a series of vertically stacked textual banners. Underlining the links would help, but I'd like to see an arrow, chevron or something similar.

Lastly, "Customer Service", "Shop by Style" and "Shop by Brand" section headings would benefit from a coloured background to help them stand out. Additionally, surrounding the section heading and sectional links could be grouped within a bordered area to help differentiate one section from another.

Have you done any usability testing? I'd highly recommend that you grab at least 5 random users within your targeted age range, each with varied degrees in net savvy.

If your mother can use the site without asking questions, find what she's looking for and complete a purchase without picking up a phone to ask for help, you're in the money.

Your general site and product information is great though. Very detailed and complete. The photo of your physical location will more than adequately serve to establish credibility, as do your customer comments but, in terms of a "safe shopping experience", you can do more to entice people to buy online.

In my experience, the 55+ market is inherently distrustful of online shopping and internet payment systems, so it takes a great deal of focused attention to assuage their fears and coax them to continue through the shopping process.

Snag a copy of Steve Krug's book on site design and usability called "Don't Make Me Think". It's a "must have" book for e-commerce site developers and owners and it's still a bargain at twice the price.

That's my .02

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Thanks very much for the comments Dubbya, we are very grateful.

I will leave this now until monday to implement anything and see if we get any more comments.

I have just ordered the Steve Krug book and am looking forward to reading it through.

Cheers,

Steve