Pella Windows and Doors Product Designer Tool

OVERVIEW

Pella, a leader in windows and doors, wanted to create a digital experience that empowered customers to design and personalize products before purchase. The challenge was to develop an intuitive product configurator that offered a wide range of customizable options while staying true to Pella’s established brand guidelines. The tool needed to be visually engaging, easy to use, and provide real-time product previews to help customers feel confident in their decisions.

PROCESS

As the lead designer, I was responsible for shaping the end-to-end experience of the tool. My focus was on creating a seamless and intuitive journey that aligned with both user needs and Pella’s brand standards. This included:

• Designing the product configurator experience from first interaction to final preview.
• Creating a project page where users could save, revisit, and share their custom designs.
• Ensuring consistency across UI elements, typography, color systems, and imagery.

Key Design Contributions

• Swatch Reveal Feature
I designed a unique swatch reveal interaction for door finishes and trim paints. When customers selected an option, the swatch elegantly expanded to display a clear visual preview, helping them instantly see the impact of their choice.
• Real-Time Preview Window
To reduce purchase uncertainty, I created image assets that dynamically updated based on the customer’s selections. This allowed users to see a realistic, immediate preview of their custom product before committing.
• Shareability
Recognizing the importance of word-of-mouth and collaborative decision-making, I integrated functionality that allowed users to share their designs via email or social media, extending the experience beyond the site.

RESULTS

The Pella Product Designer tool significantly improved the customer experience by providing a clear, real-time visualization of product selections, which helped reduce uncertainty and build confidence in purchase decisions. The addition of interactive features, such as the swatch reveal and dynamic preview window, encouraged customers to engage more deeply with the tool and explore multiple design options. Shareability features further extended the experience beyond the site. Overall, the tool not only elevated Pella’s digital presence but also supported stronger customer trust and engagement, positioning it as a key driver in Pella’s customer-first design strategy.