Laddawn.com : Copy of YMAC - Stock Match

Copy for Archive; part of cleanup for "final" spec documentation.

YMAC Designs - Mega close to being complete.

Scenario A user searches for 3x5 reclosable zip top bags.	Scenario A user expands 1st stock item to view product details.

YMAC Design Tweaks plus a few options on "details."

Design Notes - As I was working some of the YMAC changes, Owen quickly mentioned removing the "Details" link because of the clutter it added once we included level 3 into the YMAC options. I decided to do some quick research to see if there was
existing interaction models we could leverage. I checked out some some of the top online retailers and see how they handled getting people to view product details.

Findings:
a. None of them use a separate "details" link/button to get into product details.
b. All of them that I reviewed (Amazon, Walmart, Target, Overstock, Zappos, Kohls, BestBuy) use the main product name to get into product details.
c. 2 retailers use "on roll" to offer an "quick view" into product details. Walmart and Overstock uses this interaction and it creates a pop-up to show smaller product details subset. I thought this might be a nice approach for us.

Note: shaded areas display how a user would get into Product Details.

A. our current YMAC Design with details present on all results.	B. Details removed. Product details would take you to a new page when clicking header.	C. Details shows up on roll over only. Like the Walmart and overstock samples above.
	Having a quick view AND a full product page is a nice feature for most retailers, but probably overkill for Laddawn? I've always assumed or inferred that Laddawn has never envisioned bringing users away from search results to full product pages (unlike Elkay ); this view was reinforced by our recent work on the product description shadow boxes. I think that clicking the product heading should open the product description shadow box, which will have full details.   -SP	The addition of the "details" hover effect in Option C may help reinforce the idea that you can get to more details, by clicking details (and if the user doesn't click it, it still plants the seed that more info can be had., with a click, on something). I am somewhat indifferent. Design-wise, it's better than having the details link always viewable in every result all down the page. Yet it doesn't seem absolutely necessary to have this hover effect at all, in light of how common it is to have a clickable product heading (based on your research, and my experience).  Even Chuck, our lowest common denominator would have no problem knowing to click the product heading for more detail. Makes me wonder why we had the details link in the first place - could be had a reason but it's long since been forgotten. - SP

YMAC Design updates based on our Tuesday 11/27 meeting

A. No categories, no subheads, orange	B. Categories, subheads, all purple	C. Categories, subheads, purple highlights
D. Level 3

Still need to add "Next Closest Item" but wanted to show you where it was heading...

The main concept with these designs is to use orange as a way for people to easily see the difference between the exact stock matches and the YMACs. To accomplish this, I've made a few other changes:

a. Numbered the sub-headers.
Why?  I think it help create some order around the 5-6 bricklet groups that could show up under exact matches.

b. Made YMAC Orange
Why? I thought it made for a nice way to scroll down the YMACs and scan the differences between each one fast.

c. Changed icons to blue (was orange)
Why? for this concept to work, having another element orange, made it more difficult for user to scan.

d. Added "Category" to the header list.
Why?  Thought it made a bit more senese when combined with dimensions. My equation for the header would be "Category" + "Dimensions" + "Materials" or "Closure" in YMAC cases.

Comments (SP)

This seems like a good direction to go in, and your explanatory notes help; I think the gray numbered subheads could work.  I am curious to see what Owen, Jim and John think.  Not sure how I feel about the aesthetic effect of changing the share/save icons/links to blue, though I understand your logic.  Makes me wonder all over again about use of color. How are we rationalizing our different uses of purple, blue and orange? Are they creating clear affordances?

A. 3x5x002 LD Open (Case)	B. 3x5x002 LD Reclosable (Case)	C. 3x5x002 PAS Open (Case)

Introduction

The following is a mapped out series of YMAC (You Might Also Consider) quote results to be used when a user enters in item dimensions and we are able to generate a stock item result. The purpose of this is to first return to the user exactly what was asked both in stock and then MOD (Made on Demand), but then to highlight credible stock alternatives and the stock program itself, not Laddawn's additional MOD capabilities. Here, we want to deliver the message that, we not only readily stock what was asked, but we can further stock the following changes to the product you requested if asked of us. While delivering this message YMAC results will simultaneously strengthen our image and educate our users of the breadth of Laddawn's stock program to boost current and future sales.

Condition – Stock Match

The user has entered all of their item parameters and the search produced an exact stock match.

Guiding Principles

We will show the user a single stock match & MOD result, then will present the user with a credible list of stock alternatives that the customer might also consider purchasing at this time or in the future.

The Results

The following is a basic outline of how and what we will present as credible results for the customer. The first two areas depict our exact match to what the customer requested, while the remainders are considered to be the YMAC data results.

1. Stock Exact Match
2. MOD
   
   Dimensions exact...
   
   
3. MOD Cradle Packed
4. Opposite Pack (Stock or MOD)
5. For Laddawn (LD) Reclosable Requests Only – Additional Reclosables
6. Different Closure (Same Material)
7. Different Materials (Same Closure)
8. Different Closure (Different Materials)
   
   Different dimensions... Same closure/material...
   
   
9. Stock Items at Neighboring Mil Thicknesses: 1-Up and All Down
10. Layflat or Gusseted Equivalents (Same Mil)
11. Next Closest Stock Items Within Mil

The Flow Chart

Here we can see the bag flow chart for when a user enters a set of dimensions that produce an exact match from our stock SKUs. Here we can see the basic process, mapped out, that will generate two exact matches to what the user requested and a credible list of alternatives to what the user asked for.

Graphic's Key:

Maroon: Exact match, stock and MOD result

The Details

The following is a detailed review of each search result.

1. Stock Exact Match

This will be the first result in any instance where we are able to pair a stock match to the user's inquiry request. This is an exact match in a very true sense of the word. The dimensions, Mil thickness, packaging, closure, material and additives entered by the user all match that of a stock SKU, which we will present first to the user. Here there is no exception or deviation from the user's bag specifications and the attributes of the stock match we will present. Again, if we are unable to find an exact match to the user's criteria we would then undertake the YMAC: No Stock Match search procedure.

2. MOD

Once we populate the stock match we would then proceed to quote this job if it were MOD. This is considered to be exactly what the customer was looking for, without alteration, but often an inexpensive alternative to the stock result. This of course, comes as a result of longer lead time for the customer. 

We now begin the YMAC data.

3. MOD Cradle Packed

The first YMAC result is geared towards "down selling," providing the most inexpensive alternative at minimal change to a customer's request. However, it should be noted that not all items can be cradle packed. For example products that cannot be sold on a roll, such as our current reclosable bag selection, thus cannot be cradle packed. Also, if an inquiry does not have a width that is greater than or equal to 14" the item cannot be cradle packed. This holds true even if a gusseted item has a combined width and depth of 14" or greater. 

4. Opposite Pack (Stock or MOD)

This query exists to highlight various packaging methods available (BOR Vs. Boxed Loose), which will result in another pricing option that the user may have been unaware of. This search is not altering any aspect of the product itself but rather looking for other packing alternatives. A stock match is being searched for first, and, if unsuccessful, we would then populate the MOD result, if applicable. This is the last point under this YMAC process where we may present the user with anything but a stock match.

5. For LD Reclosables Only – Additional Reclosables

This is the only real conditional check under YMAC: Yes Stock Match. This section's purpose is to increase the user's exposure and awareness of our reclosable offering. This query is only active if a customer is already requesting a LD reclosable bag. This is an appropriate time to logically pitch our highest grossing sales category within this YMAC. Here we "will" showcase all our reclosables, those that have; a zip and slide closures, white block and those that come with a hang hole, part, bubble, bio-hazard, chemotherapy bags and Minigrip. I put will in quotations since we are only showing results from these reclosable subcategories if there is a stock match. Unlike YMAC: No Stock Match, where we would show a MOD result if the request had a Mil thickness that fell within the current offering, here we are only showing exact stock matches. Here exact stock match is a LD reclosable bag that has the same dimension and mil thickness to what was initially entered. The only deviation from what was entered is the reclosable bag use itself, like showing a matching slider top when the customer entered a 3 Mil zip top. The only area where Mil thickness is ignored is when showing a reclosable bubble bag. Here a match will generate when the dimensions alone all match since bubble bags are not measured by Mil thickness.

Example: If we present the user with a stock match of 3775A – 10x12x004 LD reclosable initially, then we would then show the user item 4235A – 10x12x004 LD reclosable w/ hang hole under this section. But a big question we need to conclude (based on the 12/6/12  meeting, that can be highlighted in this example)... what about item 3775 - 10x12x004 LD reclosable by Minigrip? In the sake of easily pointing out this question, disregard the fact that this Minigrip SKU has a hang hole. Since this product is an exact match to what was entered should we show this stock product here or "above line," under the exact stock match section? There are two sides to this argument. The first would argue that placing this SKU above the line will help show customer's how much they can save by purchasing the Laddawn brand. Also, customers are NOT able to select Minigrip under the second level drop down for reclosable bags (but I think the original intention of this setup was to not create additional circumstances that would increase the percentage of non stock match occurrences for the user). This type of instance would prove to be the only way for any Minigrip product to be shown as an above line match. The other side to the argument is that we are trying to shrink Minigrip's presence within our offering. By keeping item 3775 under the YMAC results we will reduce Minigrip's brand exposure and move customers over to our brand. They can still see that we carry this brand of product looking through the YMACs and within our catalog, but we should not advertise a competitor to our brand along side our own. Also, if we are not fairly priced on Minigrip products this would pull down the value of our reclosable selection entirely.

6. Different Closure (Same Material)

Here is where we will designate the three primary closures that we mainly work with: open, reclosables and resealables. Within the same material entered, and again noting the Mil thicknesses we currently can search within, the YMAC will populate stock alternates up to two different closure styles. If the user entered any reclosable bag (including LD alternatives, like a slider top) we would look to populate a standard, open bag made of the same material or a resealable (but really only if it were a 9x12002 LD open or reclosable since we only stock one reclosable bag at this time).

Example: A customer enters 9x12x002 LD reclosable, which we would initially show a stock match to item 3765A. Under this section we would also show a credible stock alternative of item 440 – 6x9x002 LD Open & item 13650 – 9x12x002 LD resealable.

7. Layflat or Gusseted Equivalents (Same Mil)

Here we will look to altering the dimensions (WxDxL) to provide layflat or gusseted stock equivalents to what was entered by the user. This means that we are taking the dimensions of a entered layflat bag and altering them in hopes of finding a stock gusseted equivalent or vice versa. However, for a layflat bag to even be applicable for this query the layflat bag's width must exceed 6" and may not be a reclosable bag. If the customer entered a gusseted bag we would add the width and depth dimensions together to create a layflat equivalent and search for a stock match at this dimension. If the customer enters a layflat bag we would take the entered width and break it up between nearly every possible combination. So if a customer were to enter a 10x15x002 LD Open we would consider 9x1x15x002, 8x2x15x002, 7x3x15x002, 6x4x15x002 and 5x5x15x002. Here we would show a stock match of item 1430: 6x4x15x002 LD Open.

8. Different Materials (Same Closure)

Under this YMAC query we will showcase the breath of our selection highlighting material substitutions. Here we show the user our material capabilities presenting stock items that meet the exact dimensions, and closure initially requested but under alternative materials. The initial item entered will often need to possess a specific Mil thickness to even be considered for a particular material to begin with (such as our stock polypropylene only being offered under 1.5 Mil). Overall, the general purpose of this section is to educate and impress the user by our stock program's breath. This will act as a sales tool to grow future sales by, here, exposing the user to future capabilities that they might not have considered us for and will, in turn, call us for in the future.

Example: A customer enters a 4x6x0015 LD Open, we would initially show a stock match of item 55. Under this section we would populate item 13010: 4x6x0015 polypropylene open.

9. Stock Items at Neighboring Mil Thicknesses: 1-Up and All Down

Here we are looking for a stock match to the entered dimensions, but outside of the entered Mil thickness. Here, we will take the Mil that was entered and look above, to the next stock Mil thickness up, and then to all the sequential Mil below in an attempt to find a stock item that is slightly thicker or thinner than what was initially requested.

Example: Say a customer entered a 20x18x36x002 LD bag, which we would initially show a stock match of item 1638. Here would show two stock items: 1764 – 20x18x36x003 and 1508 – 20x18x36x0015.

10. Next Closest Stock Items Within Mil (Remove?)

This is the last YMAC for this scenario. Here we are looking to find a stock item relative to what was initially requested by the customer. Here, we hold all dimensions constant except one, WxDxL, and provide the next closest size above and below, repeating this process for all dimensions. However, we are not looking outside the specified Mil thickness, unlike the previous section. Thus, layflat requests will have a maximum of four results while gusseted will have a maximum of six.

Example: Say a customer entered a 6x8x002 LD reclosable that we initially show a stock match for item 3610A. First, holding the width and looking for the next closest length we would populate 3615A – 6x9x002 and 3605A – 6x6x002. Next, we will hold the length and look for the next widths to what was entered. With this we would also show items 3626A – 7x8x002 and 3585A – 5x8x002.

Areas Unresolved

1) Updated 12/6/12: Should we disregard Mil thicknesses for reclosables (under section 5) and the static shielding category? For example say a customer requested a 4x5x004 Open PAS bag, this is ultimately serving a static control function. So should we present the customer with a 4x5x003 Open Static Shielding bag (3 Mil since this is the industry standard for Static Shielding)? This would break the current rule not to go beyond "one step" away since we are altering material and Mil thickness but we are still leaning more on the side of these circumstantial exceptions since these are large sales categories that warrant special consideration. The reason that it is still under Areas Unresolved is that we still need to  provide rules and limitations for this change, if any any, within these two categories. 

2) Should we show more than one bag color result? If we can tell that a size or material is for a trash liner we could then show it in black or clear. However, trash liners come in many sizes and someone might want a bag for use as a trash liner, which we wouldn't consider as a trash liner size.

3) (Added from the 11/13/12 meeting) Should we remove 10. Next Closest Stock Items Within Mil ?   This is unnecessary information Vs. This is a user-friendly feature, since they would not have to re-run the entire quote process to see how the price changes if they tweaked the dimensions slightly.

4) Added 12/6/12: where should we populate Minigrip stock matches; under YMAC or exact match results? This is described in greater detail under section 5. For LD Reclosables Only – Additional Reclosables but the basis of this question is if the requested information also matches a Minigrip stock item should we show this stock product here, under YMACs or "above line," under the exact stock match section.

Sample Entries

The following A, B, C, D, E & F are sample inquiries, that could be submitted by the user, to demonstrate what the YMAC results would look like for these entries. Under List Displayed to End User this area shows the basic results and sequence YMAC will present to the user. Under How List Was Determined the results are paired to their numbered section so we can easily follow from which query each result came from.

A) 3x5x002 LD Open (Case)

12 Results w/ 10 YMAC

B) 3x5x002 LD Reclosable (Case)

11 Results w/ 9 YMAC

C) 3x5x002 PAS Open (Case)

5 Results w/ 3 YMAC

D) 3x5x004 PAS Reclosable (Case)

4 Results w/ 2 YMAC

E) 6x9x002 LD Open

12 Results w/ 10 YMAC

F) 6x9x004 LD Open (Case)

15 Results w/ 13 YMAC

A few different Ideas, These use the orange as the main differentiation when looking at the YMAC. Would need to confirm with John/Ed that this is feasible.