Magento 2: What are the huge improvements?
Though Magento 2 has not made an official debut yet (*update: Magento 2 is now officially released on the 19th Nov), we think it certainly has not lost its significance and relevance to the constantly evolving world of eCommerce. As the new launch date has moved to Q4 2015, it is once again one of the most debated subjects among developers across the globe.
In a nutshell, major changes include Magento 2’s compatibility with modern technologies such as HTML5, CSS3 and jQuery, leaving Prototype JavaScript framework behind.
But what exactly does that mean for retailers? Inevitably, such exciting and predominantly technical debate has often excluded those who don’t speak the language! So, we want to fill in the gap by discussing this crucial issue from both aspects: developers/non-developers (including clients) and front-end/back-end.
In this round, we’ll discuss five big improvements that will benefit the merchants.
- Better import/export system
The current version of Magento requires to install third parties to import and export some product’s key features including Product custom options and Related products, upsell and cross-sell products. The new version, however, adding products can be done much quicker and easier, saving a substantial amount of time for users.
- Improved performance and scalability
Whether it is a constant growth or seasonal spikes in consumer demand, Magento is well known for its scalability and flexibility, designed to help the retailers grow their businesses.
The 2.0 version will allow full page caching, static content caching and image compression, meaning that all content from a static page is cached and therefore resulting in faster page loading time. Given that nearly half of web users are reluctant to wait more than 2-3 seconds, page load speed does matter when it comes to keeping visitors on site and increase sales conversion.
As your business grows, so does your team. The new Magento enables multiple admin users to manage and edit products without having to worry about data conflicts.
- Excellent UX
There will be a remarkable upgrade in backend interface. Firstly, the Dashboard gets a cool makeover. The most exciting news about the new Magento 2 UI is that it has been designed primarily for non-technical users, says Jonathan Atkins, the head of Product Design and UX. With advanced, simplified and intuitive admin usability, users will find a touch-friendly minimalist flat design with larger click targets. The new backend also allows users to manage their online shop comfortably via an extensive range of screens such as touchscreen laptops, mobile phones and tablets. The new vertical navigation menu creates more space for content, while sticky headers make it more ideal for mobile devices.
- The killer checkout process
Needless to say that the checkout is one of the decisive aspects in an eCommerce site, the design also helps improve the conversion rates.
With that in mind, the checkout process in Magento 2 offers an advanced and clearer user experience design. Leaving an old accordion layout behind, users will find checkout steps located across the top page instead, allowing them to navigate themselves in the progress and see how many actions required to complete.
In addition to reduced pages and clicks, shoppers are also given a quicker guest checkout option. While it is ideal for every new customer to create an account, it may also run the risk of losing potential sales, particularly for those time-oppressed web users. on the other hand, the new checkout also prompts the existing customers to sign in.
The overall improvements of Magento 2 will provide a hassle-free and seamless experience for online shoppers.
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And easy to upgrade!
Last but not least, upgrading is something that retailers often are concerned about. As Magento 2 is not supported with previous versions, it may be a good idea for Magento 1 customers to start planning an upgrade (or some may call it a rebuild because they are quite different systems).
Even though there will be a significant re-work involved in the shift, this also mean a good opportunity to review your online shop’s UX, look and feel, responsive design and so on.
Need help?
Different projects have different needs. From a version upgrade to design to data migration, we will guide you throughout the process to help you improve your eCommerce site and increase the conversion rates.
Appnova is a digital agency specialising in web design, UX, eCommerce, branding, digital marketing and social media.
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*Updates: https://www.magentocommerce.com/download
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