Site of Note: Funky, Fresh Puma
by Naazneen Parkar on 2010/06/14
The Puma website is fun, fashionable and fresh - it is a site worthy of note due to its simple yet effective design. It is easy to navigate, and was clearly created with the user in mind.
The use of widgets on the homepage makes it easy for users to identify exactly where they need to go. In addition, the funny icons and quirky copy enhance the overall youthful experience.
Widgets on the site link users to the Puma music, video and social network sites.
Furthermore, the features which have been used such as music and Social Media all help cater for the youth market. These features add more value to the user, which means they can browse the site anytime even if they are not shopping online.
The different features on the page also illustrate the brand personality and essence. For instance, they have widgets on the Puma merchandise, projects, endorsements as well as sporting tit bits for visitors to enjoy.
The page which I believe captures the true brand essence of Puma is the page with the ‘Puma Mongolian Shoe BBQ’. The concept and name originated from Genghis Khan’s Mongolian Army, where each soldier would create their own meal. The concept supports the fact that with the youth market, each individual has different taste and they should be allowed to express this variety of taste.
The Puma site lets you style your shoes however you want.
The Puma Mongolian Shoe BBQ page allows users to create their own shoe. The youth generally aim to create their own identity so they can differentiate and ironically be accepted by their peers. Users can register on the website which helps Puma create a database and understanding of the clients they are serving. The user is given a variety of silhouettes to choose from which illustrates the variety of taste.
This page is fun, trendy and interactive. By clicking on the arrows, the user is able see what the shoe looks like from different angles. The zoom icon also allows users see what their shoe looks like under the microscope.
Zoom in on your custom-designed shoes before you buy.
The user is able to customise each intricate detail on the shoe, from the lace to the stitch. The user can design the side, top and back elements of the shoe which provides a full personalised feature. Once the user is done, there are several options available, these include, saving, adding to basket (which is referred to as the Doggie Bag), emailing to a friend or the large red call to action link ‘Buy Now’.
Users can also view the previous designs created by others. In addition, users can interact by rating each of the designs. The users are able to view each of the designs according to ratings, submission or design.
Browse custom-designed Puma shoes created by other users.
As a whole, the website and its features illustrate the true brand personality of Puma. They have been able to create a website which is fun, interactive and adds a fresh, spicy twist to online shopping. These are the ideal qualities for the youth market, so whether you fit into this category or not, why not design away with the Puma Mongolian Shoe BBQ on the Puma website? It’ll knock your socks off!
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