Auto-City
Product Design // Business Model Design // UX & UI Design
Auto-City
Product Design // Business Model Design // UX & UI Design
How was the project created?
How was the project created?
Challenge
In recent years, Mexico’s distribution industry has increasingly moved towards e-commerce platforms. The case of auto parts distribution is no exception. Auto-City was born out of the identification of this trend. We collaborated with an auto parts distribution company in order to migrate its operation, which consisted of 8 brick-and-mortar points of sale, to a fully digital platform.
The main objective of this project was to design and develop an e-commerce platform focused on the distribution of auto parts, which at the same time was very convenient and easy for customers to use.
Project
In order to understand the user’s needs and value generators, a user-centric study was designed. The lessons learned from this study were translated into the development of an e-commerce platform, where both end customers and automotive repair shops could purchase auto parts. This platform has different filters that facilitate auto part search, and a user-friendly interface that provides information about the products, such as their compatibility with different car brands and models, applicable warranties, and specific product information.
For Auto-City, an e-commerce administrator was designed and developed. This platform integrates directly with their ERP, and abstracts and centralizes all the operation’s information, from inventories, catalogs and categories, to branda, coupons and promotions. This allows Auto-City, in addition to improving its administration, to make strategic decisions based on their business’ information.
How do we generate value?
- By improving the auto parts shopping experience for end customers and automotive repair shops, through the convenience and speed that digital platforms provide.
- By providing added value services and products, such as warranties, attractive delivery times, access to experts mentoring and advice, among others.
- By streamlining inventory, promotions, collection, logistics, and other internal processes.
Challenge
In recent years, Mexico’s distribution industry has increasingly moved towards e-commerce platforms. The case of auto parts distribution is no exception. Auto-City was born out of the identification of this trend. We collaborated with an auto parts distribution company in order to migrate its operation, which consisted of 8 brick-and-mortar points of sale, to a fully digital platform.
The main objective of this project was to design and develop an e-commerce platform focused on the distribution of auto parts, which at the same time was very convenient and easy for customers to use.
Project
In order to understand the user’s needs and value generators, a user-centric study was designed. The lessons learned from this study were translated into the development of an e-commerce platform, where both end customers and automotive repair shops could purchase auto parts. This platform has different filters that facilitate auto part search, and a user-friendly interface that provides information about the products, such as their compatibility with different car brands and models, applicable warranties, and specific product information.
For Auto-City, an e-commerce administrator was designed and developed. This platform integrates directly with their ERP, and abstracts and centralizes all the operation’s information, from inventories, catalogs and categories, to branda, coupons and promotions. This allows Auto-City, in addition to improving its administration, to make strategic decisions based on their business’ information.
How do we generate value?
- By improving the auto parts shopping experience for end customers and automotive repair shops, through the convenience and speed that digital platforms provide.
- By providing added value services and products, such as warranties, attractive delivery times, access to experts mentoring and advice, among others.
- By streamlining inventory, promotions, collection, logistics, and other internal processes.

Who are we designing for?
This solution was designed with two buying profiles in mind. On one hand, the end customers, and on the other, the automotive repair shops.
By analyzing their needs, we detected opportunities to implement elements that would generate value to both archetypes inside the developed platform.

Who are we designing for?
This solution was designed with two buying profiles in mind. On one hand, the end customers, and on the other, the automotive repair shops.
By analyzing their needs, we detected opportunities to implement elements that would generate value to both archetypes inside the developed platform.


The path towards the MVP
Once the design process was finished, an e-commerce platform was developed. This platform included only the functionalities that would bring the most value to the target market. We call this “first version” of the product an MVP (Minimum Viable Product).
Its purpose is to gather information about its acceptance and use inside the market, and then capitalize on these findings by implementing complementary features and modules that strengthen the user’s experience.
The path towards the MVP
Once the design process was finished, an e-commerce platform was developed. This platform included only the functionalities that would bring the most value to the target market. We call this “first version” of the product an MVP (Minimum Viable Product).
Its purpose is to gather information about its acceptance and use inside the market, and then capitalize on these findings by implementing complementary features and modules that strengthen the user’s experience.
