Ðóññêèé
DonNTU The portal of masters

Creation of a multifunctional web platform for the sale of household appliances

Content

Introduction

With the advent of Internet technologies and the universal use of the Internet in everyday life, the processes of buying and selling household appliances have undergone significant changes. Now consumers have a unique opportunity to buy goods and compare them online, which leads to new requirements for web platforms for the sale of household appliances. This topic is becoming more and more relevant not only because of the growing interest in online shopping, but also because of the active development of the digital economy. Today, more and more consumers prefer to shop online, and sellers of household appliances must adapt to changes in consumer behavior. In this regard, the purpose of this research is to develop and create a multifunctional web platform specially adapted for the sale of household appliances.

In addition, an analysis of the effectiveness and usability of this platform will be conducted. As part of this work, a study of existing solutions on the market will also be carried out, technological aspects will be analyzed, and the web platform itself will be developed and tested. The performance of the platform and its practical value will be evaluated. It is expected that the result of the research will be the creation of an innovative web platform that will meet the needs of both consumers and sellers of household appliances, as well as contribute to the development of online commerce in this area. Currently, this project is relevant and promising in the light of modern changes in the market environment and technological development. This introduction provides the basis for understanding the relevance of the research, as well as formulates the main purpose and objectives of the thesis, which will be elaborated in detail in the following sections.

1. Relevance of the topic

The modern world has witnessed drastic changes in the field of commerce and trade, mainly due to the introduction and development of Internet technologies. Online trade in household appliances is no exception and has a significant impact on today's market. The relevance of the topic of creating a multifunctional web platform for the sale of household appliances is due to several key factors:

  1. The growth of Internet user activity: every year more and more people use the Internet to search and buy household appliances. This trend creates great business opportunities, but also increases competition and requires the development of effective online platforms. Changing consumer preferences: Consumers are increasingly choosing online shopping due to convenience, a wide range of products and the ability to compare prices. This necessitates the creation of user-friendly and intuitive web platforms.
  2. Technological innovations: the development of technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics and blockchain open up new opportunities to optimize the processes of selling and delivering household appliances through web platforms
  3. Competitive Advantage: Creating an innovative and feature-rich web platform can help businesses stand out in the market, attract more customers and improve service levels.
  4. Social and environmental requirements: With increasing awareness of environmental issues and social responsibility, consumers are becoming more attentive to the origin of products. Web platforms can provide information about products and their environmental impact.

Taking into account these factors, the creation of a multifunctional web platform for the sale of household appliances is becoming an extremely urgent task that can meet the needs of both businesses and consumers in the modern digital era.

2. The purpose and objectives of the study, the planned results

The purpose of the research: The purpose of this thesis is to develop and create a multifunctional web platform for the sale of household appliances that can meet the needs of both sellers and consumers, as well as contribute to the development of online commerce in this area.

The main objectives of the study:

  1. To review existing web platforms for the sale of household appliances, identifying their advantages and disadvantages, as well as identify successful practices.
  2. To develop the architecture and functional requirements for the web platform, taking into account modern consumer requirements and technological capabilities.
  3. To create a prototype of a web platform using modern web technologies, databases and security methods.
  4. Conduct testing of the web platform, including functional testing, security testing and performance evaluation, to ensure stable and reliable operation of the system.
  5. To evaluate the possibilities of implementing the developed web platform in the real market of household appliances trade, as well as to assess its impact on sellers' business processes and customer satisfaction.

As part of the master's work, it is planned to obtain relevant scientific results

  1. The result of the research should be a created and workable prototype of a multifunctional web platform for trading household appliances that meets modern standards and market needs.
  2. An overview of existing solutions and an analysis of technological trends in the field of online trade in household appliances, which will give an understanding of the current state of the market and the competitive environment. Formulation of recommendations for businesses and potential users of the web platform regarding its effective use and advantages.
  3. The possibility of implementing the developed web platform in practice and assessing its impact on business processes and the level of customer service.
By completing the tasks and achieving the planned results, this research work aims to contribute to the development of the online home appliance trade and provide a more satisfying experience for both sellers and consumers.

3. Research and Development Overview

This section will provide an overview of existing research and development related to the sale of household appliances in an online environment. This review will allow you to assess the current state of the market, as well as identify successful practices and problematic issues that can be taken into account when developing a multifunctional web platform.

3.1 Overview of global trends in online home appliance sales

The growth of online trading

Modern technologies and changes in consumer behavior have significantly influenced the growth of online sales of household appliances. This trend can be explained by several key factors.

In recent decades, there has been a rapid increase in the number of Internet users around the world. This allows a wider range of people to access online shopping and shop from the convenience of their home.

In recent decades, there has been a rapid increase in the number of Internet users around the world. This allows a wider range of people to access online shopping and shop from the convenience of their home. The development of mobile technologies and smartphones has allowed consumers to make purchases directly from mobile devices anytime and anywhere. The mobile shopping app has become an integral part of online trading. Online trading provides customers with a convenient way to select and compare products. Customers can easily find information about products, read reviews and compare prices on different platforms.

Many online stores offer exclusive offers, discounts and promotions that attract customers. This creates an incentive for online shopping. With the development of logistics and delivery methods, it has become possible to provide fast and reliable delivery of goods, which makes online shopping more attractive to consumers.

Online merchants can offer competitive prices due to reduced operating costs, which attracts price-conscious consumers.

Data analysis and artificial intelligence technologies allow you to create personalized offers and recommendations, taking into account the interests and preferences of each client.

As a result, the growth of online commerce has become an integral part of modern commerce. Household appliances, being one of the key product categories, have high online demand, and this trend is expected to continue in the future.

Changing consumer preferences

The change in consumer preferences has strongly influenced the dynamics of online trade in household appliances. Modern buyers face new expectations and requirements, which determines the following key aspects.

Consumers are increasingly appreciating the convenience of online shopping. The ability to shop from home or from mobile devices at any time of the day has become an important factor in choosing a place of purchase.

With the development of the Internet, customers have become more informed and critical. They actively search for information about products, read reviews, compare specifications and prices.

Consumers expect personalized recommendations and suggestions. Data analysis technologies allow platforms to offer products that match preferences and purchase history.

Data security and fraud protection have become a priority for online shoppers. Platforms that provide a high level of security are highly trusted.

Consumers are increasingly paying attention to the environmental sustainability and social responsibility of brands. This may affect the choice of products and stores.

The expectation of fast delivery and a convenient return system have also become important factors when choosing a platform.

The development of mobile devices and mobile applications makes the mobile shopping experience more attractive to consumers. Many people prefer shopping through mobile apps.

Changing consumer preferences poses challenges and opportunities for online trade in household appliances. Understanding these changes and adapting to them are key elements of a successful online trading strategy. It also highlights the importance of developing feature-rich platforms that can meet these new consumer expectations.

Product range expansion

Online trade in household appliances is undergoing significant changes due to the constant expansion of the product range. This trend is related to several factors.

Household appliances are constantly being updated with the advent of new technologies and innovations. Suppliers try to offer consumers the most modern and advanced products, which leads to an expansion of the product line.

The rapid development of the market has led to the emergence of many brands and models of household appliances. Consumers expect a lot of choice and the ability to compare different brands and models.

The emergence of specialized products and devices, such as smart home appliances and appliances with environmental characteristics, creates additional demand for such goods.

Many stores offer seasonal goods and special promotions, which encourages consumers to purchase various types of household appliances.

Online retailers of household appliances are also expanding their range by including additional categories of goods such as furniture, accessories, etc. Consumers now have access to products from various countries, which expands the global range of products.

The expansion of the product range provides customers with more choices and allows them to meet a variety of consumer needs. This trend also creates a competitive advantage for online platforms capable of providing an extensive and diverse product selection.

3.2 Analysis of existing web platforms for the sale of household appliances

Interface and user experience

When analyzing existing web platforms for the sale of household appliances, an important aspect is to evaluate their user interface and overall user experience. Modern consumers expect convenience and intuitiveness when shopping online [1]. These are the key factors that often influence the success of web platforms.

Attractive design and intuitive navigation are the first things that users pay attention to [1]. Good design creates a positive first impression, and convenient navigation makes it easier to find and compare products. The platform must be adapted to work on mobile devices. Many customers prefer to make purchases from mobile phones and tablets, so it is important that the site is displayed correctly and functions on different devices.

An effective search tool and the ability to filter products by various criteria (price, brand, characteristics, etc.) make shopping more convenient. The ability to create personal accounts where users can save delivery addresses, order history and preferences increases the convenience and personalization of the experience.

Product reviews and ratings, as well as the experience of other users, help customers make informed decisions. It is important that the platform is fast and reliable. Long page loads and crashes can scare away users. Transparent and convenient payment methods, as well as fast and reliable delivery, create satisfied customers [1].

The ability to receive help and support in case of questions or problems is an important element of the user experience. The protection of personal data and payment information is a critical aspect. Users expect a high level of security when shopping online.

Analysis of the interface and user experience of existing web platforms allows you to identify the strengths and weaknesses of competitors and determine [2] what improvements can be implemented in the platform under development in order to attract and retain users. In general, the screen form of the web platform structure is shown in Figure 1.

The structure of the web platform

Figure 1 – The structure of the web platform

Functionality and features

When analyzing existing web platforms for the sale of household appliances, it is important to pay attention to their functionality and capabilities. A high-quality web platform provides users with a wide range of tools that make shopping more convenient and informed [2]. Successful platforms provide a powerful search engine that helps users quickly find the products they are interested in. The option to filter products by different criteria, such as price, brand and characteristics, makes it easier to select and compare products. Users can create personal accounts where they save information about orders, delivery addresses and preferences, which simplifies the shopping process and makes it more personal

Product reviews and ratings are also provided on the platforms, allowing users to share their experiences and make informed decisions [3]. In addition, integration with social networks allows users to share information about products with friends. Comparing products, notifications about discounts and promotions, as well as the possibility of online consultations and communication with customer support create additional convenience for users. Analyzing the functionality of existing platforms helps to determine which tools and capabilities will be most valuable to users and which functions should be implemented into the web platform being developed to attract and retain customers [3].

The purchase and payment process

The purchase and payment process plays a key role in the user experience on web platforms for selling household appliances [4]. This process should be convenient, safe and intuitive. It is important that users can easily find and select products, add them to the cart, and then conveniently place an order. Users should be able to choose from various payment methods, including bank cards, e-wallets and payment systems. The procedure for entering payment data must be safe and secure. Placing an order and receiving notifications about the purchase status are important to keep customers informed. Tracking the order status and product location in real time also contributes to user satisfaction.

The return and exchange policy should be transparent and meet the needs of customers. Customer support should be available to resolve issues related to purchases and payments. Ensuring the security of user data at all stages of the purchase and payment process is a prerequisite for customer trust. It is important to comply with all legal requirements and data security standards when processing payment information and personal data of customers.

3.3 Technological aspects of web platforms for trading equipment

This section will analyze the technological aspects that play an important role in the development and operation of web platforms for the sale of household appliances.

Web technologies and the development stack

In the development of web platforms for the sale of household appliances, choosing the right web technologies and creating a suitable development stack are key decisions. Performance, scalability and the overall user experience depend on the choice of technologies. Web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript remain the basic building blocks for creating a user interface and interacting with the user in the browser. However, to provide more dynamic and responsive web applications, many developers use modern frameworks and libraries such as React, Angular or Vue.js . On the server side, the choice of programming language and framework depends on the specific needs of the project. Node.js, Python, Ruby and Java are just some of the options. Frameworks such as Express for Node.js or Django for Python make it easier to create server logic and process requests from clients.

Databases play an important role in storing information about products, orders, and users. Developers can choose between relational databases such as PostgreSQL or MySQL and NoSQL solutions such as MongoDB or Cassandra, depending on the data type and scalability requirements. An important aspect of web technologies is security [4]. This includes the use of authentication and authorization mechanisms, Web Application Security processing, and protection against vulnerabilities such as SQL and XSS injections.

In addition, given the growth of the mobile audience, developers should also pay attention to creating adaptive and mobile versions of the platform, which will allow users to comfortably use the platform on various devices and screens. The choice of technologies and development stack must be reasonable and meet the goals and requirements of the project. Incorrect decisions in this aspect can affect the performance, security and scalability of a web-based home appliance trading platform.

Scalability and performance

Scalability and performance are key aspects of a successful web-based home appliance trading platform, especially in a growing online market and an increasing number of users. To ensure scalability, developers must choose architectural solutions that can handle the increased workload. One approach is to use cloud computing and microservice architecture, which allow you to flexibly scale individual application components depending on your needs.

Performance optimization is also critical. This includes minimizing page loading time, caching data, compressing images and resources, and optimizing code on the client and server side. Such measures help to speed up the work of the web platform and improve the user experience. An important aspect of scalability and performance is testing. Regular performance testing allows you to identify and eliminate bottlenecks in the operation of the platform and optimize its operation with increasing load.

Data caching, both at the server and client levels, reduces the load on the database and reduces response time. Asynchronous request processing techniques and the use of the Content Delivery Network (CDN) also contribute to improved performance. Given the growing volume of data and transactions in the field of online home appliance trading, ensuring scalability and performance is an integral part of the technology strategy [4]. Effective solutions in this aspect ensure stable and fast operation of the web platform even under high load.

Mobile adaptation

In the modern world, mobile devices play a key role in the online sale of household appliances [4]. Mobile adaptation of the web platform is an integral component of the technology strategy. Adaptation to mobile devices includes the creation of responsive design, which ensures the correct display and convenient use of the platform on various screen sizes - from smartphones to tablets. It is also important to take into account the specifics of the mobile user experience. On mobile devices, users usually expect faster page loads and a simpler navigation interface. Therefore, optimizing the download speed and simplifying navigation on the mobile version of the web platform are becoming priorities.

Additionally, mobile adaptation may include the use of mobile notifications to inform users about the status of orders, promotions and discounts. Such notifications can be a powerful tool for customer engagement. Given that mobile devices can be used both to view products and to make purchases, it is also important to ensure the security and convenience of the payment process on the mobile version.

Integration with mobile payment systems and the creation of mobile applications, if appropriate for the project, can also contribute to improving the mobile user experience [5]. Mobile adaptation is not just an additional aspect of development, but a necessary condition for successful online trading of household appliances, given the changing preferences of users and the growth of the mobile audience. In fact, the web platform should have an adaptive layout, and be displayed correctly on all devices [6]. An online store should be created based on pre-stated functional requirements. Figure 2 shows a diagram of the functional requirements for creating an online store.

Scheme of functional requirements for an online store

Figure 2 – Diagram of functional requirements for an online store

4. Design and development of a multifunctional web platform

This section will describe the process of designing and developing a multifunctional web platform for the sale of household appliances. This process will be reviewed in detail, including the choice of architecture, functional requirements, technology selection and development stages.

Platform architecture

The architectural design of a web platform for the sale of household appliances is the basis of the entire development process [6]. The goal is to create a flexible and scalable architecture that will ensure efficient operation of the application and ease of making changes in the future. One of the common approaches to the architecture of web platforms is microservice architecture, where the application is divided into small, independent services, each of which performs specific functions. This makes it easier to scale individual components and makes it easier to manage code and resources [6].

The main components of the architecture are also the client and server parts. The client side is responsible for the user interface and user interaction. It is important to ensure responsiveness and usability, as well as mobile adaptation. The server part includes application logic, query processing, database interaction, and security. This requires high performance, scalability, and data security.

To ensure reliability and fault tolerance, distributed systems and load balancing can be used [7]. It is also important to consider data backup and disaster recovery issues. The architectural solution should also take into account security issues, including authentication, authorization, protection against malicious attacks and ensuring data confidentiality [7].

The architecture of the platform is a fundamental element of successful development, which determines the ability of the platform to effectively cope with the growth of the user base and requirements.

Platform functionality

The functionality of the web-based home appliance trading platform plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining customers [8]. The development of the platform should provide the user with a full range of tools that make the process of choosing and buying equipment as convenient and informed as possible. An important element of the functionality is a convenient and powerful search [8]. Users should be able to quickly find the products they are interested in, and the search system should provide the ability to filter results by various parameters such as price, brand, characteristics and other criteria.

Product comparison and user reviews are also important. Users should be given the opportunity to compare the characteristics and prices of different products, as well as read reviews and ratings in order to make informed purchase decisions. Users' personal accounts provide an individualized experience [9]. Here users can store information about their orders, delivery addresses and preferences, which makes the shopping process more convenient and personalized.

Ordering and payment should be simple and secure. Users should be able to choose different payment methods and be confident in protecting their financial data. Notifications about the status of orders, promotions and discounts help to engage customers and inform them about current events and offers.

Customer support is also an important element of the functionality [9]. The opportunity to seek help, get advice and resolve issues related to the purchase and maintenance of goods contributes to customer satisfaction. In summary, the functionality of the platform should create a convenient and informed space for users, provide security and support, as well as promote loyalty and increase sales [10].

Technologies and development tools

The following programming languages and frameworks will be used to develop a multifunctional web platform for the sale of household appliances.

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) will be used to create the structure of web pages, and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) - for styling and external design. These technologies will ensure that content is displayed on the web platform in a convenient and attractive way.

JavaScript will be used to add interactivity and dynamic elements to the web platform. It will provide client logic, user interaction, and event handling.

React is a modern JavaScript framework that will be used to create a user interface (UI) and manage components on a web platform. React is very popular due to its flexibility, efficient state management and the ability to create reusable components.

The choice of these languages and frameworks will ensure a high degree of interactivity, responsiveness and scalability of the platform, which is an important factor for successful online trading of household appliances.

Conclusions

The master's thesis is devoted to the development of a multifunctional web platform for the sale of household appliances. During the research and development of this platform, the following results and conclusions were achieved.

The sale of household appliances in an online environment is an urgent and dynamically developing business area. The growing interest in online shopping and changing consumer preferences make the creation of a multifunctional web platform an urgent necessity.

The main purpose of the study was to develop a multifunctional web platform that will provide users with convenient tools for searching, selecting and purchasing household appliances. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were formulated and completed:

During the work, an architecture was developed that ensures high performance and scalability of the platform. Extensive functionality has been developed, including product search and filtering, order management, user accounts, ratings and reviews, as well as many other tools for convenient and secure online shopping.

To create the platform, modern technologies and tools have been selected to ensure high performance and reliability. This includes the use of programming languages, frameworks, databases, cloud services, and security tools.

Summarizing the results of this work, it should be noted that the creation of a multifunctional web platform is only the first step in the development of online trade in household appliances. Further research and development may include improving functionality, optimizing performance, as well as integration with new technological solutions.

Thus, the creation of a multifunctional web platform for the sale of household appliances is an urgent and promising direction of development, and this work serves as an important contribution to this field of research.

List of sources

  1. McFarland D. "HTML and CSS. Website design and layout" / D. McFarland. - St. Petersburg, 2019. - 456 p.
  2. Dawson D. "Principles of Web design" / D. Dawson. - Williams, 2019. - 432 p.
  3. Elliott E. "Principles of Web design: The basics of creating websites that work" / E. Elliott. - DMK Press, 2017. - 456 p.
  4. Freeman E. "Design patterns on the platform.NET» / E. Freeman. - DMK Press, 2005. - 496 p.
  5. Duckett D. JavaScript and jQuery. A comprehensive guide" / D. Duckett. - DMK Press, 2016. - 640 p.
  6. Flanagan D. "JavaScript: A detailed guide" / D. Flanagan. - St. Petersburg, 2017. - 992 p.
  7. Gustavson D. «React. Quick start" / D. Gustavson. - DMK Press, 2019. - 272 p.
  8. McFarland D. JavaScript and jQuery. Interactive web development / D. McFarland. - St. Petersburg, 2015. - 640 p.
  9. Meyer E. «CSS. A detailed guide" / E. Meyer. - St. Petersburg, 2018. - 792 p.
  10. Stevenson K. "Professional JavaScript programming" / K. Stevenson. - St. Petersburg, 2018. - 352 p.