Gold Bug: Crafting an Accessible Digital Gallery on Shopify

Introduction: A Sanctuary for Art and Community

Gold Bug is more than just a retail space; it's a sanctuary for artists, free spirits, and nature lovers. Located in the heart of Old Town Pasadena, this family-owned gallery has been a cornerstone of the community since 2007. With a focus on local artists and unique, handcrafted items, Gold Bug offers an ever-changing collection that captivates a global audience, including some of Hollywood's most respected names. To extend this unique experience to the digital world, Gold Bug partnered with Zenyth for a comprehensive website rebuild on Shopify, with a strong focus on accessibility.

Scope of Work: A Collaborative Journey to Digital Transformation

Our engagement with Gold Bug was a collaborative endeavor, involving multiple stages to ensure a seamless and accessible user experience:

• Selected Theme: Choose a Shopify theme that aligns with Gold Bug's aesthetic and functional requirements.
• Client Collaboration: Worked closely with Gold Bug to identify essential components and layout.
• Prototyping: Built initial prototypes to visualize the website's structure and user flow.
• Client Feedback: Refined the design and functionality based on client input.
• Accessibility Implementation: Integrated WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliant accessibility features across the website.
• Client Training: Empowered Gold Bug with the skills to update content, ensuring long-term self-sufficiency.

Accessibility Implementation: Advanced Refactoring for WCAG 2.1 Level AA Compliance

In our commitment to digital inclusivity, we undertook an extensive accessibility implementation process that went beyond basic features. This involved the advanced refactoring of complex website components, such as carousels, to ensure full compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. By meticulously redesigning these intricate elements, we were able to provide an accessible user experience without compromising on functionality or design aesthetics.

Accessibility: A Core Component

Given the unique and dynamic nature of Gold Bug's offerings, accessibility was a core focus during the rebuild. We implemented site-wide features compliant with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, ensuring that the digital gallery is accessible to all, regardless of their abilities.

Client Empowerment: A Sustainable Future

One of the standout aspects of this project was the training provided to Gold Bug, empowering them to update content and maintain the website's accessibility features. This fosters a sense of self-sufficiency and ensures that the website can evolve dynamically, much like the gallery itself.

Conclusion: A Digital Gallery for All

Through its partnership with Zenyth, Gold Bug has successfully transitioned its unique, community-focused experience into the digital realm. The Shopify-based website not only captures the essence of Gold Bug's physical space but also sets a new standard for accessibility in online retail galleries. This case study exemplifies how a commitment to digital accessibility can significantly broaden a brand's reach and impact, making the elegant and unique accessible to everyone.

Tech Stack used for Development

• Shopify
• Liquid
• CSS
• HTML
• JavaScript