We got a makeover
So all of this started on a bright summer day when Stephan, who lives in Auroville since 24 years, got asked by Ulli after a meeting if he would know someone who could take over this Online Shop named Auroville.com. Well, let’s simply say Stephan knew someone and that was himself.
In March 2015 he first opened the backend of the web shop to get familiar with things. Two months later he was joined by Vera, who took over customer care with her love and care. Later that year in August the two were joined by a volunteer named Luise, who was put in charge of marketing. She later returned as a newcomer and joined the team full on. All together they had the vision of building up a web shop to promote Auroville products all over the globe and to support Auroville Units of all sizes. Furthermore they saw the potential of being a little window of Auroville towards the world, informing people of what is happening in the jungle and to spread all the inspirational stories behind the products. On the way they were joined and supported by more and more people, like Lisa who started working on the product pictures, or Ela, who processes all the orders making sure the right products go into the right box, or Arun, who runs here and there collecting things and so many more.
After getting used to everything everybody agreed, that if things should develop in the way it was planned a new website should be developed. So the search began…after, let’s say, quite some headaches and long meetings they met up with a developer team from Auroville, who were up for the job. After a learning process, visual ideas and even more meetings the new website was put up on September the 7th (by the way exactly 198 years after Carl III is crowned king of Norway).
The big question: what is new? What remains?
We changed a lot, like a lot a lot.
We were not exactly in love with the menu bar on the old website, all this aiming in high concentration was quite something. So now we though a simple top menu with all categories would be useful, even more useful if it sticks. But not only that, it is now easy to reach us through contact us, follow us on all media channels and get to know our great team: everything is aligned in a second menu bar.
We are responsive! You can now easily shop Auroville products from your mobile phone. This was not the case before, it is one of the biggest improvements!
We have quick shop! You know what you want to buy or something is such a must-have that you only need one look…use the small left button on the product and it will go into your cart directly! For the brave and glorious shoppers.
We got a Blog (you are in it right now…)! One of our goals is to connect more with the outside world, giving you an insight look into Auroville, its products and the people and visions behind it. Read their stories, discover Auroville and if you have questions, send them to us, we are happy to answer.
Brands of Auroville. All the manufacturers and all their products (all three thousand) migrated to the new site. For nine Units we created brand pages, putting some spotlight onto them. Of course some will follow, to get their own dedicated space. Maybe you have favorites?
What stays? We might look different, but we are still the same. Same team, same spirit. A team in Auroville sending you products from Auroville to your home, dedicated to give you an unmatched service and a great shopping experience.
So here we are: happy and proud of the new auroville.com and excited for what will come. We are very grateful to you, our lovely customer, for your trust, engagement and support. We are always open for feedback and of course we are curious what you think of the new style of auroville.com.
Feel free to contact us and please comment.
Love, Luise (for the Auroville.com-Team)
