Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz

Accessories configurator re-design

Accessories configurator

re-design

My Role

My Role

My Role

Art Director & UI Designer Responsive Design, Visual Design, User Flows, Design System

Agency

Agency

Agency

big-picture.com

Timeline & Status

Timeline & Status

Timeline & Status

Launched 18 months duration. Finalized in 2018

Launched

24 months duration.

Finalized in 2018

Overview

Overview

Overview

Mercedes-Benz accessories allows users to explore and choose accessories that perfectly match their vehicle in terms of design, safety, and personalization. The range includes everything from technical parts to lifestyle items, and users can navigate based on vehicle models for precision fitting.

The initial brief was to adapt their very outdated platform due to the growing demand for customization and personalization. The early version of the platform was catalog-based, with users having to manually browse through options without much personalization or interactive features.

Our design objective was to refresh the platform’s digital presence not only by applying their new and strict Style Guide as we were briefed on, but to go beyond expectations and create a new responsive website that delivers a more intuitive user journey that enhanced its online services, improving the user interface and offering more options to filter accessories by model, category, and vehicle type.

HIGHLIGHTS

The proposed designs were so well-received that the client chose to bypass their strict style guide, allowing us to create the Mercedes-Benz accessories configurator as a standalone tool.

The proposed designs were so well-received that the client chose to bypass their strict style guide, allowing us to create the Mercedes-Benz accessories configurator as a standalone tool.

The proposed designs were so well-received that the client chose to bypass their strict style guide, allowing us to create the Mercedes-Benz accessories configurator as a standalone tool.

The proposed designs were so well-received that the client chose to bypass their strict style guide, allowing us to create the Mercedes-Benz accessories configurator as a standalone tool.

HIGHLIGHTS

The proposed designs were so well-received that the client chose to bypass their strict style guide, allowing us to create the Mercedes-Benz accessories configurator as a standalone tool.

THE PROBLEM

THE PROBLEM

THE PROBLEM

What they need might not be what they want

What they need might not be what they want

What they need might not be what they want

What they need might not be what they want

What they need might not be what they want

A global vision, with a local point of view

A global vision, with a local point of view

A global vision, with a local point of view

A global vision, with a local point of view

A global vision, with a local point of view

Building a product with global ambitions requires flexibility from the start. By creating individual, interchangeable components, we ensure that the product can rapidly adapt to different market needs and conditions.

The approach comes with several challenges:

Enhanced UX

Market specific challenges

Market specific challenges

Unique regulatory, cultural, or user experience needs might delay international rollout and/or complicate the users journey.

Unique regulatory, cultural, or user experience needs might delay international rollout and/or complicate the users journey.

Unique regulatory, cultural, or user experience needs might delay international rollout and/or complicate the users journey.

Market specific Challenges

Market specific challenges

Unique regulatory, cultural, or user experience needs might delay international rollout and/or complicate the users journey.

Market specific Challenges

Market specific challenges

Unique regulatory, cultural, or user experience needs might delay international rollout and/or complicate the users journey.

Supporting Sales

Scalability and Customization

Scalability and Customization

Too much customization can lead to confusion or a fragmented user experience, and requiring additional design or feature tweaks that slow down the expansion process.

Too much customization can lead to confusion or a fragmented user experience, and requiring additional design or feature tweaks that slow down the expansion process.

Too much customization can lead to confusion or a fragmented user experience, and requiring additional design or feature tweaks that slow down the expansion process.

Scalability and Customization

Scalability and Customization

Too much customization can lead to confusion or a fragmented user experience, and requiring additional design or feature tweaks that slow down the expansion process.

Scalability & Customization

Scalability and Customization

Too much customization can lead to confusion or a fragmented user experience, and requiring additional design or feature tweaks that slow down the expansion process.

Out with the old, and in with the new

Out with the old, and in with the new

Out with the old, and in with the new

Out with the old, and in with the new

Out with the old, and in with the new

Mercedes-Benz, a global leader with a rich history and a powerful brand identity, came to us with a clear directive: translate their existing website into the new style guide. However, we saw an opportunity to take it even further. It wasn’t just about adhering to guidelines—it was about creating an experience that truly resonates with their audience

We knew the website had to go beyond a simple update. It needed to be responsive, ensuring seamless access across all devices, and interactive, offering an engaging experience for users. We also recognized the importance of translating the visual appeal, Mercedes-Benz is known for across its other media channels.

We took the risk and created two pitches:

Enhanced UX

Restricted brief design

Restricted brief design

In order to please the needs of the client we designed a solution based strictly on their Style Guide and demands.

In order to please the needs of the client we designed a solution based strictly on their Style Guide and demands.

In order to please the needs of the client we designed a solution based strictly on their Style Guide and demands.

Restricted brief design

Restricted brief design

In order to please the needs of the client we designed a solution based strictly on their Style Guide and demands.

Restricted brief design

Restricted brief design

In order to please the needs of the client we designed a solution based strictly on their Style Guide and demands.

Supporting Sales

A chance for greatness

A chance for greatness

We designed a second version in which we incorporated bold, attractive imagery and enhanced the user journey, while making sure the digital experience aligned with the brand’s iconic Look and Feel and newly updated Style Guide.

We designed a second version in which we incorporated bold, attractive imagery and enhanced the user journey, while making sure the digital experience aligned with the brand’s iconic Look and Feel and newly updated Style Guide.

We designed a second version in which we incorporated bold, attractive imagery and enhanced the user journey, while making sure the digital experience aligned with the brand’s iconic Look and Feel and newly updated Style Guide.

A chance for greatness

A chance for greatness

We designed a second version in which we incorporated bold, attractive imagery and enhanced the user journey, while making sure the digital experience aligned with the brand’s iconic Look and Feel and newly updated Style Guide.

A chance for greatness

A chance for greatness

We designed a second version in which we incorporated bold, attractive imagery and enhanced the user journey, while making sure the digital experience aligned with the brand’s iconic Look and Feel and newly updated Style Guide.

THE CHALLENGE

Apply the complex style guide enough to create fresh, attractive designs without losing brand alignment or client trust.

Apply the complex style guide enough to create fresh, attractive designs without losing brand alignment or client trust.

Apply the complex style guide enough to create fresh, attractive designs without losing brand alignment or client trust.

Apply the complex style guide enough to create fresh, attractive designs without losing brand alignment or client trust.

THE CHALLENGE

Apply the complex style guide enough to create fresh, attractive designs without losing brand alignment or client trust.

VISUAL DESIGN DIRECTION

VISUAL DESIGN DIRECTION

VISUAL DESIGN DIRECTION

Connections grow through interaction

Connections grow through interaction

Connections grow through interaction

Connections grow through interaction

Connections grow through interaction

The Wheels accessories specials

The Wheels accessories specials

The Wheels accessories specials

The brief was to prioritize this section of the website and make it highly attractive, as wheels are the most requested item on store. With heavy traffic expected, the user flow needed to be intuitive for providers and visually engaging for consumers. The design had to ensure easy navigation while maximizing appeal to both user groups.

The Wheels accessories specials

The Wheels accessories specials

The Wheels accessories specials

The brief was to prioritize this section of the website and make it highly attractive, as wheels are the most requested item on store. With heavy traffic expected, the user flow needed to be intuitive for providers and visually engaging for consumers. The design had to ensure easy navigation while maximizing appeal to both user groups.

The brief was to prioritize this section of the website and make it highly attractive, as wheels are the most requested item on store. With heavy traffic expected, the user flow needed to be intuitive for providers and visually engaging for consumers. The design had to ensure easy navigation while maximizing appeal to both user groups.

The brief was to prioritize this section of the website and make it highly attractive, as wheels are the most requested item on store. With heavy traffic expected, the user flow needed to be intuitive for providers and visually engaging for consumers. The design had to ensure easy navigation while maximizing appeal to both user groups.

Who is who?

Originally, the site was an internal tool for retailers and providers, but it was now being opened up to clients. This shift required simplifying user flows and enhancing visual appeal to drive higher conversion rates.

After discussions with the client, we gained deeper insights into our diverse user base. By leveraging prior knowledge of the website, brand, and user goals, we were able to narrow down key user groups and address their needs

User Provider (internal employees)

Needs & Goals

Needs & Goals

Frustrations

Frustrations

Technology

Technology

User Client ( End users & B2B customers )

Needs & Goals

Needs & Goals

Frustrations

Frustrations

Technology

Technology

Both user types require a platform that is efficient, intuitive, and highly responsive to meet their unique needs while minimizing frustrations.

Who is who?

Originally, the site was an internal tool for retailers and providers, but it was now being opened up to clients. This shift required simplifying user flows and enhancing visual appeal to drive higher conversion rates.

After discussions with the client, we gained deeper insights into our diverse user base. By leveraging prior knowledge of the website, brand, and user goals, we were able to narrow down key user groups and address their needs

User Provider (internal employees)

Needs & Goals

Needs & Goals

Frustrations

Frustrations

Technology

Technology

User Client ( End users & B2B customers )

Needs & Goals

Needs & Goals

Frustrations

Frustrations

Technology

Technology

Both user types require a platform that is efficient, intuitive, and highly responsive to meet their unique needs while minimizing frustrations.

Who is who?

Originally, the site was an internal tool for retailers and providers, but it was now being opened up to clients. This shift required simplifying user flows and enhancing visual appeal to drive higher conversion rates.

After discussions with the client, we gained deeper insights into our diverse user base. By leveraging prior knowledge of the website, brand, and user goals, we were able to narrow down key user groups and address their needs.

User Provider (internal employees)

Needs & Goals

Needs & Goals

Needs & Goals

Frustrations

Frustrations

Frustrations

Technology

Technology

Technology

User Client ( End users & B2B customers )

Needs & Goals

Needs & Goals

Needs & Goals

Frustrations

Frustrations

Frustrations

Technology

Technology

Technology

Both user types require a platform that is efficient, intuitive, and highly responsive to meet their unique needs while minimizing frustrations.

The design that made the difference.

The design that made the difference.

The design that made the difference.

The design that made the difference.

The design that made the difference.

We choose to create an interactive design for the Mercedes-Benz Accessories platform that allows users to switch wheels for their selected car model.

We choose to create an interactive design for the Mercedes-Benz Accessories platform that allows users to switch wheels for their selected car model.

We choose to create an interactive design for the Mercedes-Benz Accessories platform that allows users to switch wheels for their selected car model.

The consumers expect a high level of customization, especially in the luxury market. Offering an interactive way to select wheels aligns with user expectations for personalized and tailored experiences. This interactive design would also differentiate the Mercedes-Benz Accessories platform from competitors.

While many car manufacturers offer static product catalogs, an interactive experience can provide a richer and more immersive experience.

By catering to both user providers and clients, it becomes a versatile tool that promotes customer satisfaction and drives business goals through seamless interaction.

By catering to both user providers and clients, it becomes a versatile tool that promotes customer satisfaction and drives business goals through seamless interaction.

By catering to both user providers and clients, it becomes a versatile tool that promotes customer satisfaction and drives business goals through seamless interaction.

Enhanced UX

Enhanced UX

Enhanced UX

  • Visual Engagement: Offering users the ability to switch wheels on a highly visual, interactive platform satisfies the modern user’s expectation for customization and personalization, which is key to increasing engagement on a luxury platform.

  • Immediate Feedback: Allowing the client or the provider to make or support confident purchase decisions based on visual appeal and alignment with their taste.

  • Real-Time Interaction: Allowing users to switch wheels in real-time gives a sense of control and autonomy over the purchase, which can boost confidence and satisfaction, leading to higher conversion rates.

Enhanced UX

Enhanced UX

  • Visual Engagement: Offering users the ability to switch wheels on a highly visual, interactive platform satisfies the modern user’s expectation for customization and personalization, which is key to increasing engagement on a luxury platform.

  • Immediate Feedback: Allowing the client or the provider to make or support confident purchase decisions based on visual appeal and alignment with their taste.

  • Real-Time Interaction: Allowing users to switch wheels in real-time gives a sense of control and autonomy over the purchase, which can boost confidence and satisfaction, leading to higher conversion rates.

Enhanced UX

Enhanced UX

Visual Engagement: Offering users the ability to switch wheels on a highly visual, interactive platform satisfies the modern user’s expectation for customization and personalization, which is key to increasing engagement on a luxury platform.


Immediate Feedback: Allowing the client or the provider to make or support confident purchase decisions based on visual appeal and alignment with their taste


Real-Time Interaction: Allowing users to switch wheels in real-time gives a sense of control and autonomy over the purchase, which can boost confidence and satisfaction, leading to higher conversion rates.

Supporting Sales

Supporting Sales

Supporting Sales

  • Upselling and Cross-Selling Opportunities: The interactive design not only shows the wheels but also presents pricing and key features, which makes it easier for both user providers and clients to explore options and make informed decisions.

  • Conversion-Oriented Design: By allowing users to seamlessly explore detailed information and purchase options, this interactive section serves as a funnel for conversion.

Supporting Sales

Supporting Sales

  • Upselling and Cross-Selling Opportunities: The interactive design not only shows the wheels but also presents pricing and key features, which makes it easier for both user providers and clients to explore options and make informed decisions.

  • Conversion-Oriented Design: By allowing users to seamlessly explore detailed information and purchase options, this interactive section serves as a funnel for conversion.

Supporting Sales

Supporting Sales

Upselling and Cross-Selling Opportunities: The interactive design not only shows the wheels but also presents pricing and key features, which makes it easier for both user providers and clients to explore options and make informed decisions.


Conversion-Oriented Design: By allowing users to seamlessly explore detailed information and purchase options, this interactive section serves as a funnel for conversion.

Premium Brand Image

Premium Brand Image

Premium Brand Image

  • Premium Visuals: The use of high-quality marketing shots ensures that the platform reflects the luxurious feel that Mercedes-Benz customers expect. High-end visuals reinforce brand value and trust, creating an aspirational shopping experience.

  • Brand Loyalty and Engagement: A platform that showcases product options in a sleek, engaging way makes customers feel more connected to their purchase, fostering loyalty.

Premium Brand Image

Premium Brand Image

  • Premium Visuals: The use of high-quality marketing shots ensures that the platform reflects the luxurious feel that Mercedes-Benz customers expect. High-end visuals reinforce brand value and trust, creating an aspirational shopping experience.

  • Brand Loyalty and Engagement: A platform that showcases product options in a sleek, engaging way makes customers feel more connected to their purchase, fostering loyalty.

Premium Brand Image

Premium Brand Image

Premium Visuals: The use of high-quality marketing shots ensures that the platform reflects the luxurious feel that Mercedes-Benz customers expect. High-end visuals reinforce brand value and trust, creating an aspirational shopping experience.


Brand Loyalty and Engagement: A platform that showcases product options in a sleek, engaging way makes customers feel more connected to their purchase, fostering loyalty.

LEARN ABOUT THIS WHEEL

Lemonade out of lemons

Lemonade out of lemons

Lemonade out of lemons

Lemonade out of lemons

Lemonade out of lemons

The client agreed that our design was more attractive while staying true to the Style Guide.

However, there was a challenge: Their design team hadn't provided images for the Wheels special.


To solve this, we took on the huge task of repurposing campaign images as hero visuals for each car series, seamlessly retouching the wheels into the scenery. This required significant time and effort from the team, but it ensured a cohesive, high-quality result.

Campaign images

Campaign images

Campaign images

Campaign images

Campaign images

Wheels

Wheels

Wheels

Wheels

Wheels

Retouch

Retouch

Retouch

Retouch

Retouch

HIGHLIGHTS

THE LAYOUT

THE LAYOUT

THE LAYOUT

Accessories for everyone

Consistent and scalable.

Consistent and scalable.

Consistent and scalable.

Consistent and scalable.

Everything, everywhere, all at once.

Everything, everywhere, all at once.

Everything, everywhere, all at once.

Everything, everywhere, all at once.

Everything, everywhere, all at once.

The legacy platform lacked the flexibility users needed. Clients would typically want to check accessories on their phones, while providers in dealerships and retailers want to showcase them freely around the shop by using tablets, and moving away for their desks.

The legacy platform lacked the flexibility users needed. Clients would typically want to check accessories on their phones, while providers in dealerships and retailers want to showcase them freely around the shop by using tablets, and moving away for their desks.

The legacy platform lacked the flexibility users needed. Clients would typically want to check accessories on their phones, while providers in dealerships and retailers want to showcase them freely around the shop by using tablets, and moving away for their desks.

The platform had to become responsive quickly, and we delivered.

The opportunity we saw ahead went beyond just making the site mobile-friendly—we reworked features and streamlined flows to enhance the overall user experience and make the retail journey more engaging.

A good example of this work is clear on the new Navigation:

Enhanced UX

New design

New design

Despite the style guide’s constraints, we chose to rework the navigation.


The new design was sleek, featuring integrated images of each car and model. It was also optimized for touch, with larger, finger-friendly height. By relocating the navigation, we pushed content upwards, offering users a full view of the hero images while enhancing usability.

Despite the style guide’s constraints, we chose to rework the navigation.


The new design was sleek, featuring integrated images of each car and model. It was also optimized for touch, with larger, finger-friendly height. By relocating the navigation, we pushed content upwards, offering users a full view of the hero images while enhancing usability.

Despite the style guide’s constraints, we chose to rework the navigation.


The new design was sleek, featuring integrated images of each car and model. It was also optimized for touch, with larger, finger-friendly height. By relocating the navigation, we pushed content upwards, offering users a full view of the hero images while enhancing usability.

New design

New design

Despite the style guide’s constraints, we chose to rework the navigation.


The new design was sleek, featuring integrated images of each car and model. It was also optimized for touch, with larger, finger-friendly height. By relocating the navigation, we pushed content upwards, offering users a full view of the hero images while enhancing usability.

New design

New design

Despite the style guide’s constraints, we chose to rework the navigation.


The new design was sleek, featuring integrated images of each car and model. It was also optimized for touch, with larger, finger-friendly height. By relocating the navigation, we pushed content upwards, offering users a full view of the hero images while enhancing usability.

Supporting Sales

Quick search

Quick search

We designed a second version in which we incorporated bold, attractive imagery and enhanced the user journey, while making sure the digital experience aligned with the brand’s iconic Look and Feel and newly updated Style Guide.

We designed a second version in which we incorporated bold, attractive imagery and enhanced the user journey, while making sure the digital experience aligned with the brand’s iconic Look and Feel and newly updated Style Guide.

We designed a second version in which we incorporated bold, attractive imagery and enhanced the user journey, while making sure the digital experience aligned with the brand’s iconic Look and Feel and newly updated Style Guide.

Quick search

Quick search

We designed a second version in which we incorporated bold, attractive imagery and enhanced the user journey, while making sure the digital experience aligned with the brand’s iconic Look and Feel and newly updated Style Guide.

Quick search

Quick search

We designed a second version in which we incorporated bold, attractive imagery and enhanced the user journey, while making sure the digital experience aligned with the brand’s iconic Look and Feel and newly updated Style Guide.

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