Creating a digital platform for software developers to access a Fortune 100 company’s APIs
Situation
Our client was launching a suite of API products (application-programming interface) to market as a high-value service offering to software developers. They had recently purchased a subscription with an API Management Vendor and were eager to leverage the relationship by launching a Developer Portal. While the vendor-provided website templates, our client needed to provide the design (and light development) for their offering/ portal. The goal was to create a clear, easy experience for developers.
Approach
“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” – Steve Jobs
Orchid Strategy Group was engaged to help our client manage and design their Developer Portal. Our approach was grounded in best practices for API Developer Portals. We displayed samples of successful development portals and collaborated with our client to identify specific elements to include in our site. The content strategy was based on personas/ user profiles of API decision-makers, as well as a solid documentation methodology. Finally, we incorporated the client’s design considerations including expandability, enhancements (new branding, new offerings, etc.), and a business site “wrapper”. Based on this foundational structure, we constructed and gained approval for our requirements, site map, and work plan.
Solution
The implementation of the Developer Portal hinged of two key strategies: content and design. Orchid Strategy Group created a matrix of all content needed and provided the copywriting (both creative and technical) as well as managed the API documentation creation so that it aligned with the vendor’s requirements. The design work included finding photography and illustrations, creating wireframes that produced an easy-to-use User Experience (UX), and designing a User Interface (UI) that represented a clean and focused visual style. We presented three unique interface styles and then refined the client-chosen style and applied it to all subsequent screens. We also delivered a Style & Assets Guide, including the graphic assets and web portal style guide for future updates. Finally, we utilized the vendor’s CMS to build out the web pages including content, copy, and UI styling and then executed the usability testing.
Results
After successfully rolling out the Developer Portal, Orchid Strategy Group is working with our client to develop a brand and marketing plan. Our goal is to encourage developer engagement through social elements and drive traffic to the Developer Portal.