Challenge
Heineken required a robust, user-friendly product locator to help consumers easily find their products nearby. Initially built on a custom database, the tool needed to adapt smoothly to a third-party service to improve data accuracy and reliability.
Objectives
Heineken’s primary goals included:
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Provide a quick, reliable way for consumers to locate Heineken products, increasing brand accessibility.
- Data Reliability: Transition from a custom database to a third-party provider for more consistent location accuracy.
- Brand Alignment: Ensure the locator’s look and feel matched Heineken’s marketing vision and aesthetic.
Approach
As the technical lead, I focused on backend development and front-end integration with Heineken’s design.
- Database and Service Migration: Developed a PHP-based backend bridge that allowed seamless operation between the custom mySQL database and the new third-party service.
- Enhanced Mapping and UI Features: Integrated Google Maps with custom JavaScript for added interactivity, making the tool user-friendly and visually aligned with Heineken’s branding.
- Collaborative Development: Coordinated with Heineken’s ad agency to ensure that the tool met both brand guidelines and functional requirements.
Outcomes
The locator successfully delivered:
- User Satisfaction: Reliable, easy access to Heineken products, strengthening customer loyalty.
- Data Precision: The transition to a third-party provider significantly improved location data accuracy.
- Seamless Brand Experience: The locator’s design matched Heineken’s brand standards, enhancing overall customer engagement.
Reflection
This project reinforced the value of backend adaptability and strong front-end collaboration. By maintaining flexibility in data handling and alignment with Heineken’s branding, we created a locator that supports Heineken’s accessibility and brand engagement goals.