Customer Experience Articles / Blogs / Perficient https://blogs.perficient.com/category/services/customer-experience-design/customer-experience/ Expert Digital Insights Tue, 25 Mar 2025 17:51:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://blogs.perficient.com/files/favicon-194x194-1-150x150.png Customer Experience Articles / Blogs / Perficient https://blogs.perficient.com/category/services/customer-experience-design/customer-experience/ 32 32 30508587 Perficient Becomes HubSpot Platinum-Tier Solutions Partner https://blogs.perficient.com/2025/03/25/perficient-becomes-hubspot-platinum-tier-solutions-partner/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2025/03/25/perficient-becomes-hubspot-platinum-tier-solutions-partner/#respond Tue, 25 Mar 2025 17:46:30 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=379232

Perficient, the leading global digital consultancy transforming the world’s largest enterprises and biggest brands, has joined the platinum tier of HubSpot’s Solutions Partner Program. HubSpot, an AI-powered customer platform, works hand-in-hand with partner experts to grow their businesses through inbound software, services, and support.

HupSpot platinum solutions partner logoThe Solutions Partner Program is an ecosystem of experts who offer marketing, sales, customer service, web design, CRM, and IT services. It’s a global community that believes putting customers first is the key to growth and enables its members to offer a wide breadth of more sophisticated solutions across the entire customer experience.

Perficient is pleased to become one of HubSpot’s largest partners, with the ability to offer HubSpot’s inbound strategies to attract, engage, and delight our clients’ customers. The partnership will expand services across both companies’ primary verticals including, High Tech, Manufacturing, Healthcare, etc.

About Perficient
Perficient is the leading global digital consultancy. Our strategists, designers, technologists, and engineers enable the world’s largest enterprises and biggest brands to boldly advance their business and drive real results through the power of technology. We shatter boundaries, obsess over outcomes, and forge the future for our customers. For more information, visit www.perficient.com.

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Optimizely Configured Commerce and Spire CMS – Figuring out Handlers https://blogs.perficient.com/2025/03/10/optimizely-b2b-commerce-and-spire-cms-figuring-out-handlers/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2025/03/10/optimizely-b2b-commerce-and-spire-cms-figuring-out-handlers/#comments Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:16:11 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=378314

I’m now a couple months into exploring Optimizely Configured Commerce and Spire CMS.  As much as I’m up to speed with the Configured Commerce side of things (having past experience with Customized commerce), the Spire CMS side is a bit daunting, having worked with traditional Optimizely CMS for a while. We face challenges in figuring out handlers, a key concept in both Customized Commerce and Spire CMS.

And yes there is documentation, but its more high level and not enough to understand the inner functioning of the code (or maybe I just haven’t had the patience to go through it all yet :)).

Needless to say, I took a rather “figure it out by myself” approach here. I find that this is a much better way to learn and remember stuff :).

Here’s to figuring out handlers

In a commerce site, there is Order History for every customer, with a “Reorder” capability. I will tweak the behavior of this Reorder action and prevent adding a specific SKU to cart again when user clicks “Reorder”.

Challenge #1 – Where does the code tied to reorder live?

Depending on what you are looking for and what you need to change, this can be different files in the Frontend source code.

Challenge #2 – How do I find the right file?

I start by searching on keywords like “reorder” which do lead me to some files but they are mostly .tsx files aka React components that had the Reorder button on them. What I’m looking for instead is the actual method that passes the current order lines to add to cart, in order to intercept and tweak.

Challenge #3 – How do I find the file which takes in Order Lines and adds to cart?

I decided it was time to put my browser skills to good use. I launch the site, open Dev tools, and hit Reorder to monitor all the Network calls that occur. And bravo.. I see the api call to Cart API for bulk load, which is what this action does. Here’s what that looks like :

api/v1/carts/current/cartlines/batch

with a Payload of cartlines sent to add to Cart.

Reverse engineering in action

Step #1 – I traced this back in code. Looked for “cartlines/batch” and found 1 file – CartService.ts

Its OOTB code, but for people new to this like me, we don’t know which folder has what. So, I’ll make this one step easier for you by telling you exactly where this file lives. You will find it at

FrontEnd\modules\client-framework\src\Services\CartService.ts

The method that makes the api call is addLineCollection(parameter: AddCartLinesApiParameter).

Step #2 – I now search for files that called this method. I found quite a few files that call this, but for my specific scenario, I stuck to the ones that said “reorder” specifically. These are the Frontend Handlers in Spire CMS.

Here’s the list and paths of the files that are relevant to the context here :

  • FrontEnd\modules\client-framework\src\{blueprintName}\Pages\OrderDetails\Handlers\Reorder.ts
  • FrontEnd\modules\client-framework\src\{blueprintName}\Pages\OrderHistory\Handlers\Reorder.ts
  • FrontEnd\modules\client-framework\src\{blueprintName}\Pages\OrderStatus\Handlers\Reorder.ts

Once I see the line that makes the call to addLineCollection() method, I check how the parameter is being set.

Step #3 – All that’s left now is to update the code that sets the AddCartLinesApiParameter for this call, from the existing Order’s order lines. I add a filter to exclude the one specific SKU that I don’t want re-added to cart on reorder, on the OrderLines collection. Looks something like this :

cartLines: order.value.orderLines!.filter(o => o.productErpNumber != ‘{my specific SKU}’)
And that was it. I save the files. Webpack rebuilds, I refresh my site, hit Reorder on the order that had this SKU and it no longer gets added to cart.

Conclusion

In theory, it sounds pretty straightforward. You should know the api that gets called, where the calls live in code, which handlers make these calls for each action etc.
But for beginners like me, it really isn’t. You don’t always know the structure of Spire CMS codebase, concept of blueprints or handlers, the API calls that are made per action, or how to work with react/typescript code. So in my opinion, this is a helpful little exercise, learning from which now sticks in memory for other similar use cases.
Hope you find it helpful too!
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Your Digital Accessibility Game Plan for eCommerce https://blogs.perficient.com/2025/02/27/your-digital-accessibility-game-plan-for-ecommerce/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2025/02/27/your-digital-accessibility-game-plan-for-ecommerce/#respond Thu, 27 Feb 2025 19:37:55 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=377931

Global ecommerce brands delivering accessible user experiences to web and mobile users have an advantage over non-competitive brands. For starters, savvy brands recognize a largely untapped market segment – consumers with disabilities and consumers over the age of 65. However, there’s a misconception about these two consumer segments: they have limited spending power. Quite the contrary. 

Who are these consumers? 

People with disabilities shop online twice as often as the general population according to Fable. In the U.S. alone people with disabilities have 1.3 trillion in disposable income according to research by the Return on Disability Group. By adding the spending power of their friends and family it’s a hefty $13 trillion.   

And let’s not overlook the wealthiest cohort in recorded human history, consumers 65 and older (Boomers) aging into disability. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 17.7% of this consumer population is a “spending force to be reckoned with.” Also noted in the Wall Street Journal 

And these well-heeled consumers with outsized spending power are expected to live to age 79 and willing to spend on discretionary items. Understanding and appealing to older online consumers gives accessible brands opportunity to cement a long-term relationship with them. This also is true of consumers with disabilities who tend to be loyal to accessible brands. As a result, online services are essential and need to be accessible to realize the benefits of spending power. 

Actions to start in 2025 

  1. It’s never too late to gain ground on competitive brands, and particularly brands with no foothold with these two consumer groups. Offering accessible user experiences and services to delight them is still a greenfield, and it will be for some time.  And there is another benefit to brands designing and delivering accessible digital experiences known as the curb cut effect. As brands look for ways to deliver accessible mobile and web experiences to a general population of consumers, the net effect is better user experiences for everyone (e.g., easy to use, easy to find and understand information). 
  2. Embed inclusive design in your core product at the start of new designs to create accessible user experiences. It’s easier for design and development teams to implement, and it reduces refactoring time to fix issues found downstream in the quality assurance (QA) stage. Also, it minimizes barriers to entry for people using assistive tech such as a specialized keyboard, screen magnifier or a screen reader.  

As your team designs for an accessible user experience be mindful that your go-to resource should be the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) of the W3C, the global organization defining and overseeing web standards. Those Guidelines will be technically sound and used by practitioners across the globe, minimizing risk of non-compliance. However, these standards may not ensure compliance if an organization is not including the ‘right’ consumers in user research – particularly those over the age of 65 and those with disabilities.  

  1. To satisfy and delight both groups, engage them in usability studies. This is a pragmatic and low-cost way to obtain insight about the user experience of your application, UI components within an application and so on. And this form of research can be quite affordable and effective. My colleague Samdisha Singh and I shared insights with Nate Brown from Userlytics on the benefits of including consumers with disabilities in usability studies. By partnering with the Userlytics testing platform, insights about a new design or redesign can be obtained on the spot. Design teams start implementing changes into user flows and user experiences literally the same day.  
  2. With research findings at hand, it’s time to brainstorm with your design team. Consider which inclusive design choices benefit consumers with disabilities and will also attract consumers without disabilities. For example, when a design meets WCAG color contrast requirements, it satisfies a broad range of consumers (as mentioned the “curb cut effect”). Not only does it make viewing a web page or mobile apps easier for people with color blindness, but keyboard users also benefit. These users rely on “focus appearance” to identify where they are as they tab through a screen. 
  3. Invest in upskilling your design teams. They are at the ‘top of the funnel’ when it comes to making accessible design decisions. And ensure they use their expertise and work closely with the user research team. Interpreting user feedback and making design decisions should be collaborative. 

Still unconvinced? 

Many sources cite roughly 1 billion people globally have unreported and invisible disabilities. Take for example CEOs, they are behind some of the most successful global mega brands and approximately 30% are dyslexic. The bottom line, with a clear understanding of the needs and aspirations of online consumers over the age of 65 and consumers with disabilities, your brand is at an advantage over brands uncommitted to accessible user experiences.   

 

Additional Resources

Perficient Experts Interviewed for Forrester Report on Accessibility for Better CX and EX 

Guide: Digitally Accessible Experiences: Why it matters and how to create them 

Guide: Driving Inclusion in Financial Services with Digital Accessibility 

Guide: Enhance Digital Health Experience with Digital Accessibility 

Perficient Insights: The future of UX is Digital Accessibility 

From Accessibility to Profitability: Maximizing ROI with Inclusive Design Practices 

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The Power of Storytelling https://blogs.perficient.com/2025/02/24/the-power-of-storytelling/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2025/02/24/the-power-of-storytelling/#comments Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:20:38 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=377671

How to Make Every Presentation Unforgettable

Ever sat through a presentation that felt like watching paint dry? Or maybe you’ve delivered one and noticed people checking their phones instead of hanging onto your every word? The secret to captivating any audience isn’t just great slides or polished data—it’s storytelling.

Storytelling transforms dull facts into memorable moments, making your ideas stick and your message resonate. Whether you’re giving a sales pitch, leading a team, or selling yourself in an interview, your ability to tell a compelling story can set you apart. Let’s dive into how storytelling makes you a more engaging, influential, and confident speaker!

Why Storytelling Matters in Presentations & Speeches

Stories evoke emotions, and emotions drive decisions. When you tell a good story:

  • People remember you – Facts are forgettable, emotions aren’t!
  • You hold attention longer – No one zones out during a great story.
  • Your message sticks – A well-told story makes complex ideas easy to grasp
  • You build stronger connections – People relate to personal and real-life experiences.

Imagine two people pitching the same product:

  • One lists all the features and numbers
  • The other tells a story about how the product changed a customer’s life

Which one would you remember? Exactly.

Becoming the Most Charismatic Version of Yourself

Charisma isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you develop through practice. Storytelling helps you:

  • Speak with purpose – Every word should serve a goal.
  • Use body language effectively – Gestures, expressions, and voice variations bring your story to life.
  • Master the pause – Silence isn’t awkward; it builds suspense.
  • Engage your audience – Ask questions, invite participation, and make it a two-way experience.

The best speakers aren’t just knowledgeable—they’re magnetic. That’s what storytelling does for you.

How to Make Virtual Sales Presentations Engaging

In the digital world, keeping attention is harder than ever (hello, multitasking!). Here’s how to make sure your virtual sales presentations don’t get lost in the sea of emails and notifications:

  • Start with a compelling hook – A shocking stat, a personal anecdote, or a powerful question.
  • Use visual storytelling – Slides should support your story, not distract from it.
  • Keep it interactive – Polls, questions, and discussions make it engaging.
  • Speak with energy – Your enthusiasm must compensate for the digital barrier.
  • Use the power of silence – Pause before key points to create anticipation.

Remember: People might forget what you say, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel—even through a screen!

How to Be a Purpose-Driven Leader Through Storytelling

The best leaders aren’t just great decision-makers; they inspire action. Storytelling is your tool to:

  • Define your mission: Explain WHY you do what you do.
  • Motivate your team: Share real-life stories that reinforce company values.
  • Make change feel personal: People follow stories, not orders.
  • Humanize leadership: Vulnerability in storytelling builds trust.

Think about it—Martin Luther King Jr. didn’t say, “I have a plan.” He said, “I have a dream.” And that’s why people followed him.

How to Pitch Yourself (And Win Every Time!)

Whether you’re in an interview, networking, or selling an idea, you need a powerful personal pitch. Here’s how to craft one:

  1. Start with a hook – A personal story or a surprising fact.
  2. Highlight what makes you unique – What’s your “superpower”?
  3. Use a success story – Share a real example of how you made an impact.
  4. End with a strong call to action – Make it clear what you want next.

Example: Instead of saying, “I’m a sales professional with 5 years of experience,” try:
“A few years ago, I closed a deal that no one thought was possible. It taught me that persistence and creativity are my strongest assets—and I bring that same mindset to every client I work with.”

Which one sounds more memorable?

How to Influence Audiences Like a Pro

Great speakers don’t just inform—they influence. Here’s how you can do it too:

  • Use emotional appeal – Logic makes people think, but emotions make them act.
  • Frame your message as a story – Even data is more powerful when wrapped in a narrative.
  • Create relatability – “I’ve been in your shoes before…” instantly builds connection.
  • Master the art of contrast – Show “before vs. after” transformations.
  • Close with impact – End on a strong, inspiring note that sticks.

The Secret to Confidence: Believe in Your Own Story

Confidence isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you feel when you say it. If you believe in your story, others will, too.

  • Prepare, but don’t over-script – Natural storytelling beats robotic speeches.
  • Rehearse with feedback – Record yourself, practice with friends, and tweak your delivery.
  • Visualize success – Imagine the audience hanging onto every word.
  • Embrace nervous energy – It’s just excitement in disguise!

When you step onto that stage—or that Zoom call—own your story. Speak like the expert you are, and watch how you captivate your audience effortlessly.

Final Thoughts: Your Story is Your Superpower

Every great speech, every unforgettable pitch, and every inspiring leader has one thing in common—storytelling. When you learn to craft compelling stories, you don’t just speak—you leave a lasting impression.

So, the next time you step up to present, don’t just share information. Tell a story. Engage, influence, and, most importantly, make it unforgettable.

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When to Choose Sitecore Connect: Solving Integration Challenges https://blogs.perficient.com/2025/02/20/when-to-choose-sitecore-connect-solving-integration-challenges/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2025/02/20/when-to-choose-sitecore-connect-solving-integration-challenges/#comments Thu, 20 Feb 2025 09:57:30 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=377521

In one of the recent projects I worked on, there was a major challenge in integrating multiple digital systems effectively. The client had a complex technology stack comprising a CMS, an e-commerce platform, a search engine, and a personalization system, all of which needed to work together seamlessly. However, we ran into several roadblocks that made this integration far from straightforward:

  • Legacy Infrastructure – The client’s existing monolithic systems were outdated and rigid, making it extremely difficult to introduce new integrations or modifications.
  • Data Silos – Information was trapped in separate systems with no efficient way to sync data across platforms, leading to inconsistent customer experiences and operational inefficiencies.
  • High Development Costs – Custom integrations required significant effort, as each system had its own APIs, data formats, and integration requirements, affecting both the time and cost of development.
  • Scalability Issues – Without a unified architecture, expanding the solution across different channels and touchpoints became increasingly challenging as business needs grew.

Example Problem Scenario: E-Commerce (Product information management Integration)

Imagine a company that stores its product data in a Product Information Management (PIM) system but also wants to showcase featured products dynamically on its website’s homepage. Without proper integration, marketers would have to manually update product listings, leading to inconsistencies and delays in showcasing the latest promotions or inventory updates.

Many organizations struggle same kind if issues to bridge the gap between their current tech stack and modern, cloud-native solutions. This is where Sitecore Connect comes in.

Sitecore’s Composable Offerings

Sitecore has transitioned into a composable digital experience platform (DXP), providing best-in-class products such as:

  • Sitecore XM Cloud – Headless CMS for dynamic content management.
  • Sitecore OrderCloud – Cloud-native e-commerce solution.
  • Sitecore Discover – AI-powered search and personalized recommendations.
  • Sitecore CDP & Personalize – Customer data platform for real-time segmentation and targeting.

To ensure seamless integration between these products and external platforms, Sitecore Connect acts as the integration hub.

What is Sitecore Connect?

Sitecore Connect is a low-code/no-code integration platform designed to connect Sitecore products with third-party applications, services, and legacy systems. It enables businesses to:

  • Automate Workflows – Synchronize data between Sitecore and external systems without manual intervention.
  • Reduce Integration Complexity – Utilize pre-built connectors and workflows to eliminate custom development effort.
  • Ensure Data Consistency – Maintain a unified experience across content, commerce, and marketing platforms.
  • Scale Efficiently – Adapt quickly to new technologies and business needs.

When to Choose Sitecore Connect?

Organizations should consider Sitecore Connect when they:

✅ Need to integrate Sitecore products (XM Cloud, OrderCloud, Discover, CDP) with existing systems.

✅ Want to connect legacy system or CMS platforms with modern Sitecore solutions.

✅ Require seamless data synchronization between Sitecore and third-party tools (ex: Salesforce, SAP, Shopify, etc.).

✅ Aim to reduce integration costs and implementation time using low-code/no-code solutions.

✅ Seek to future-proof their digital architecture with a scalable, composable ecosystem.

 

Key Advantages of Sitecore Connect

Faster Time-to-Market – Reduces development time with pre-built connectors.

Seamless Interoperability – Ensures smooth communication between different systems.  Better Data Management – Eliminates data silos for a unified customer experience.

Business Agility – Enables organizations to pivot quickly to new digital strategies.

Cost Efficiency – Minimizes the need for extensive custom development.

 

Basic Keywords in Sitecore Connect & Their Descriptions

  • Connector – A pre-built integration component that facilitates data exchange between different systems.
  • Workflow – A set of automated actions that execute integration processes between systems.
  • Trigger – An event-based mechanism that initiates a workflow when certain conditions are met.
  • Action – A predefined operation that modifies, transfers, or updates data across connected platforms.
  • Mapping – The process of aligning data fields between different systems to ensure proper synchronization.
  • API Integration – The use of REST or GraphQL APIs to enable seamless data exchange between applications.
  • Event-Based Processing – A method where integration workflows are executed based on real-time events rather than scheduled intervals.

 

Some Real-Time Implementation Examples

Example 1: Healthcare Website Integration

A healthcare provider has an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system to manage patient data but wants to offer an online appointment booking system while also providing personalized health content based on patient history.

With Sitecore Connect, they can:

  1. Integrate the EHR system with Sitecore XM Cloud to pull in relevant patient details securely.
  2. Sync patient appointment data with a scheduling system and display available time slots dynamically.
  3. Use Sitecore Personalize and CDP to tailor content, such as recommending relevant health articles based on a patient’s medical history.
  4. Ensure compliance with data security standards while maintaining seamless integration between systems.

By leveraging Sitecore Connect, the healthcare provider can offer a more personalized, automated, and efficient patient experience while reducing manual data handling.

Example 2: Integration with E-Commerce system

Returning to our PIM system example, Sitecore Connect can be configured to:

  1. Automatically sync product data from the PIM system to Sitecore XM Cloud.
  2. Trigger real-time updates when new products are marked as “featured” or “promoted.”
  3. Ensure accurate and dynamic content updates on the homepage, removing the need for manual updates.
  4. Integrate with Sitecore Discover if present to provide AI-driven personalized recommendations based on PIM data.

By using Sitecore Connect, the company can ensure that its PIM system, content management, and personalization efforts work in harmony without the need for complex custom development.

 

Conclusion

For organizations looking to modernize their digital experiences integrating all existing systems to share interrelated data, Sitecore Connect is the ideal solution. By enabling seamless integration between Sitecore’s composable products and external platforms, businesses can create scalable, future-proof digital experiences.

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The Ultimate Playground for UX/UI Designers https://blogs.perficient.com/2025/02/19/the-ultimate-playground-for-ux-ui-designers/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2025/02/19/the-ultimate-playground-for-ux-ui-designers/#respond Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:14:18 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=377493

If you’re a UX/UI designer, you’ve probably heard of Figma—the design tool that’s changing the game. Whether you’re crafting a stunning website, a sleek mobile app, or a killer prototype, Figma has everything you need in one place. No heavy downloads, no version mix-ups, just smooth, collaborative, and creative freedom!
So, let’s dive in and see why Figma is a must-have for UX/UI designers and how you can use it to bring your design visions to life.

🎨 Designing from Scratch: Creating Web & App Interfaces in Figma
One of the best things about Figma? You can design ANYTHING—from landing pages to full-fledged applications—without needing a separate tool for wireframes, UI elements, or interactive prototypes.

How to Get Started
✅ Create a New File: Open Figma and start a fresh project. Use frames instead of artboards (frames act as your screen sizes).
✅ Use Grids & Layouts: Figma lets you set up grids and columns to keep your designs responsive and well-structured.
✅ Start with Wireframes: Quickly sketch out low-fidelity wireframes before diving into detailed UI elements.
✅ Add UI Components: Drag and drop buttons, icons, and form fields from Figma’s built-in libraries or create your own components for reuse.
Before you know it, you’ll have a polished webpage or app interface ready to go!

🛠 Mockups Made Easy: Figma’s Power Tools
Forget about constantly resizing elements or manually adjusting spacing—Figma’s smart features do the heavy lifting for you!

Top Features for Mockups
🔹 Auto Layout: Helps elements resize dynamically—perfect for buttons, cards, and responsive designs.
🔹 Components & Variants: Create reusable UI elements like buttons with different states (hover, active, disabled, etc.).
🔹 Design Systems: Maintain consistency by creating a UI library with colors, typography, and icons.
🔹 Plugins & Widgets: Speed up your workflow with plugins like Unsplash for images, Icons8 for icons, and Content Reel for placeholder text.
Want a pixel-perfect design?
Just snap elements into place using Figma’s alignment tools—super easy!

🎬 Prototyping: Bringing Your Designs to Life
Figma isn’t just for static screens—it lets you transform designs into interactive prototypes without writing a single line of code!

How to Prototype in Figma

📌 Link Screens Together: Connect buttons to different pages using “Prototype” mode.
📌 Add Micro-Interactions: Use Smart Animate to create smooth transitions between states.
📌 Create Clickable Prototypes: Set up interactions like hover effects, scrolling behavior, and animated overlays.
📌 Test & Iterate: Share a prototype link with your team or clients for feedback—no need to export PDFs or images!
With Figma’s real-time collaboration, anyone can leave comments directly on the prototype, making revisions faster and smoother.

🔥 Exploring Different UI & Web Designs in Figma
Figma is versatile, whether you’re designing for:
🌍 Websites: Create landing pages, e-commerce stores, or dashboards with responsive layouts.
📱 Mobile Apps: Design intuitive user experiences for iOS and Android.
🕹 Dark Mode Interfaces: Easily switch between light and dark themes using components.
🧑‍🎨 Custom UI Kits: Build your own set of buttons, forms, and modals for future projects.
No matter your style, Figma adapts to YOU, not the other way around!

🎯 Why UX/UI Designers Love Figma (and You Will Too!)
💡 Cloud-Based: No need to install software—access your designs from anywhere.
💡 Real-Time Collaboration: Work with teammates without version control headaches.
💡 Fast & Lightweight: Unlike heavy design tools, Figma runs smoothly in your browser.
💡 Easy Handoff to Developers: Share designs with devs using Figma’s CSS code inspector.
💡 Cross-Platform: Works on Mac, Windows, and even Chromebooks!

Ready to Master Figma?
Figma is more than just a design tool—it’s your creative playground for designing, prototyping, and collaborating like a pro. So if you haven’t explored it yet, now’s the time to dive in!
Who’s up for a Figma design challenge? 😉🔥

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Perficient Recognized for Digital Services Expertise Supporting Health Insurers https://blogs.perficient.com/2025/01/17/perficient-recognized-for-digital-services-expertise-supporting-health-insurers/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2025/01/17/perficient-recognized-for-digital-services-expertise-supporting-health-insurers/#respond Fri, 17 Jan 2025 20:01:23 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=375766

As private health insurers weather industry headwinds, strategic transformation priorities remain firmly centered on operations and patient-centric experiences that accelerate efficiencies. Outcomes-driven leaders recognize the value of aligning key business needs with people, technology, and processes. 

Leading Digital Transformation for U.S. Payers 

We are proud to announce the recent recognition of Perficient’s digital services for healthcare payers by an industry-leading advisory firm. This highlights the value that our expert, global teams bring to the largest U.S. health insurers as industry leaders work to improve operations, efficiency, and effectiveness.  

Now more than ever, insurers can accelerate a shift from traditional cost management to proactive health enablement. The most effective payers are integrating technologies to modernize operations, streamline experiences, and not only unlock reliable data, but elevate insights and experiences with AI and advanced, integrated analytics. AI can be harnessed to offer hyper-personalized benefit plans, predictive risk analytics, and real-time insights that not only manage costs but also enhance member experience and engagement. 

You May Enjoy: Current Digital Trends in Healthcare 

We believe our inclusion in a leading study of digital health services showcases our dedication to easing consumer journeys, ensuring integrated data is reliable and secure, and modernizing the enterprise so it can accelerate progress toward key business priorities. We are committed to helping healthcare leaders stay competitive with our award-winning, tailored solutions.  

“This acknowledgment underscores our commitment to helping healthcare leaders optimize workflows, uncover insights, innovate care experiences, and strengthen consumer trust.”– Brent Teiken, General Manager, Healthcare + Life Sciences

Our healthcare experts guide and drive a shared understanding with clients. This insight is especially vital as leaders seek solutions to highly complex business challenges that rely on protected data and span a complex healthcare ecosystem. Our technology experts further ensure that solutions are not only implemented correctly but can scale as consumer expectations and business needs evolve.  

Success In Action: Enabling Better Insight Into Key Patient Data Using GenAI 

Elevate Health and Business Outcomes With Our Expertise 

We help health insurers navigate intense technological and regulatory requirements while controlling costs and improving the user experience to support and delight members. 

  • Business Transformation: Transform strategy into action: reduce costs, increase quality, and improve member experiences. 
  • Modernization: Maximize technology to drive innovative, digital-first care solutions in automation, AI, and cloud. 
  • Data + Analytics: Provide governed, accessible, and trusted data to drive insight and engagement for members, providers, and groups. 
  • Consumer Experience: Create personalized, value added, and measurable experiences across multiple channels for all constituents. 

Explore our healthcare expertise and contact us to discover why we have been trusted by the 10 largest U.S. health insurers, including 25 BCBS-affiliated insurers, and are consistently recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the largest healthcare consulting firms. 

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The Importance of Clean Data in the Age of AI for B2B Ecommerce https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/12/31/the-importance-of-clean-data-in-the-age-of-ai-for-b2b-ecommerce/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/12/31/the-importance-of-clean-data-in-the-age-of-ai-for-b2b-ecommerce/#respond Tue, 31 Dec 2024 16:45:16 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=374857

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing B2B ecommerce, enabling capabilities such as personalized product recommendations, dynamic pricing, and predictive analytics. However, the effectiveness of these AI-driven solutions depends heavily on the quality of the underlying data. Despite AI’s potential, poor data governance remains a significant challenge in the industry. A recent Statista survey revealed that 25% of B2B ecommerce companies in the United States have fully implemented AI technologies, while 56% are experimenting with them.

As AI adoption grows, B2B companies must address data quality issues to leverage AI’s benefits fully. Anyone who has spent time in the B2B industry will acknowledge that quality data is often a struggle. This article explores the critical importance of clean data in AI applications and offers strategies for improving data governance in the B2B ecommerce sector.

Common Symptoms of Bad Data Governance

Bad data governance is a pervasive issue in the B2B ecommerce landscape, particularly in industries like manufacturing, where complex supply chains and product catalogs create unique challenges. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

  1. Duplicate Records: Customer and product data often contain duplicate entries due to inconsistent data entry processes or a lack of validation protocols. For example, a single customer might appear in the database multiple times with slight variations in name or contact information, leading to inefficiencies in communication and order processing.
  2. Inconsistent Formatting: Manufacturing and distribution often involve extensive product catalogs, and inconsistencies in SKU formats, product descriptions, or units of measurement can disrupt operations. For instance, some entries might use “kg” while others use “kilograms,” confusing systems and causing inventory management and procurement errors.
  3. Outdated or Missing Data: Stale data, such as outdated pricing, obsolete product details, or inactive customer accounts, can lead to misinformed decisions. Missing data, like incomplete shipping addresses or contact details, can result in delayed deliveries or lost opportunities.
  4. Siloed Data Systems: Many B2B companies, especially in manufacturing, rely on disparate systems that don’t communicate effectively. A lack of integration between ERP systems, CRMs, and ecommerce platforms leads to fragmented data and manual reconciliation efforts, increasing the risk of errors.
  5. Unreliable Vendor and Supplier Information: Manufacturing businesses often deal with a large network of suppliers, each with varying formats for invoices, contracts, and delivery schedules. Poorly managed supplier data can result in delayed production, stockouts, or overordering.

Why is Bad Data Governance So Prevalent in B2B Manufacturing?

Unlike B2C industries, where streamlined data processes are often a core focus, manufacturing businesses face unique challenges due to their operations’ complexity, reliance on legacy systems, and decentralized structures. Understanding why these problems are so prevalent is key to addressing the underlying causes and fostering long-term improvements.

  1. Complexity of Operations: Manufacturing involves numerous moving parts—raw materials, suppliers, distributors, and customers—making data governance inherently more challenging. The sheer volume of data generated across the supply chain increases the likelihood of inconsistencies.
  2. Legacy Systems: Many B2B manufacturing companies rely on outdated legacy systems not designed for modern ecommerce integration. These systems often lack robust data validation and cleaning mechanisms, perpetuating bad data practices.
  3. Decentralized Operations: Manufacturing companies frequently operate in multiple locations, each with its own systems, processes, and data entry standards. This decentralization contributes to a lack of standardization across the organization.
  4. Focus on Production Over Data: In traditional manufacturing mindsets, operational efficiency and production output take precedence over data accuracy. Thus, data governance investments may be considered a lower priority than equipment upgrades or workforce training.
  5. Limited Awareness of the Impact: Many B2B organizations underestimate the long-term impact of bad data on their operations, customer satisfaction, and AI-driven initiatives. The focus often shifts to immediate problem-solving rather than addressing root causes through improved governance.

By recognizing these symptoms and understanding the reasons behind poor data governance, B2B manufacturing companies can take the first steps toward addressing these issues. This foundation is critical for leveraging AI and other technologies to their fullest potential in ecommerce.

Why Clean Data Governance is Non-Negotiable in the AI Era

AI thrives on data—structured, accurate, and relevant data. For B2B ecommerce, where AI powers everything from dynamic pricing to predictive inventory, clean data isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation for success. Without clean data governance, AI systems struggle to provide reliable insights, leading to poor decisions and diminished trust in the technology.

As the B2B commerce world embraces AI, those who recognize and prioritize addressing a systemic industry problem of bad data will quickly move to the front of the pack. Garbage in, garbage out. Implementing AI tools with bad data will be doomed to failure as the tools will be ineffective. Meanwhile, those who take the time to ensure they have a good foundation for AI support will overtake the competition. It’s a watershed moment for the B2B industry where those who recognize how to get the most value out of AI while those who refuse to alter their own internal workflows because “that’s the way it’s always been done” will see their market share diminish.

  1. Accuracy and Relevance: AI models rely on historical and real-time data to make predictions and recommendations. If the data is inaccurate or inconsistent, the AI outputs become unreliable, directly impacting decision-making and customer experiences.
  2. Scalability and Growth: In an era where B2B companies are scaling rapidly to meet global demands, clean data ensures that AI systems can grow alongside the business. Bad data governance introduces bottlenecks, stifling the scalability of AI-driven solutions.
  3. Customer Experience: AI-powered personalized recommendations, accurate delivery timelines, and responsive customer service are critical to building customer trust and loyalty. These benefits rely on clean, well-governed data. A single misstep, like recommending the wrong product or misquoting delivery times, can damage a company’s reputation.
  4. AI Amplifies Data Issues: Unlike traditional systems, AI doesn’t just process data—it learns from it. Bad data doesn’t just result in poor outputs; it trains AI systems to make flawed assumptions over time, compounding errors and reducing the ROI of AI investments.
  5. Competitive Advantage: Clean data governance can be a differentiator in a competitive B2B market. Companies with well-maintained data are better positioned to leverage AI for faster decision-making, improved customer service, and operational efficiencies, giving them a significant edge.

Ignoring data governance in the AI era isn’t just a missed opportunity—it’s a liability. Poor data practices lead to inefficient AI models, frustrated customers, and, ultimately, lost revenue. Moreover, as competitors invest in clean data and AI, companies with bad data governance risk falling irreparably behind.

Clean data governance is no longer optional; it’s a strategic imperative in the AI-driven B2B ecommerce landscape. By prioritizing data accuracy and consistency, companies can unlock AI’s full potential and position themselves for long-term success.

How B2B Companies Can Address Bad Data Governance

Tackling bad data governance is no small feat, but it’s a journey worth undertaking for B2B companies striving to unlock AI’s full potential. The solution involves strategic planning, technological investment, and cultural change. Here are actionable steps businesses can take to clean up their data and ensure it stays that way:

  1. Conduct a Comprehensive Data Audit
  2. Standardize the Data Entry Process
  3. Implement Master Data Management (MDM)
  4. Leverage Technology for Data Cleaning and Enrichment
  5. Break Down Silos with Integration
  6. Foster a Culture of Data Ownership
  7. Commit to Continuous Improvement

The first step is conducting a thorough data audit—think of it as a spring cleaning for your databases. By identifying gaps, redundancies, and inaccuracies, businesses can reveal the full extent of their data issues. This process isn’t just about finding errors; it’s about creating a baseline understanding of the company’s data health. Regular audits prevent these issues from snowballing into more significant, costly problems.

Once the audit is complete, it’s time to set some ground rules. Standardizing data entry processes is critical for ensuring consistency. Clear guidelines for formatting SKUs, recording customer details, and storing supplier information can prevent the chaos of mismatched or incomplete records. Employees should be trained on these standards, and tools like automated forms or validation rules can make compliance seamless.

Of course, even the best data entry standards won’t help if different systems across the organization aren’t communicating. That’s where Master Data Management (MDM) comes in. By centralizing data into a single source of truth, companies ensure that updates in one system are automatically reflected across all others. With MDM in place, teams can work confidently, knowing that their data is accurate and consistent.

But standardizing and centralizing aren’t enough if you’re already sitting on a mountain of messy data. Performing this step by hand is significantly time-intensive. Enter data cleaning and enrichment tools. AI-powered solutions can quickly identify and correct errors, deduplicate records and fill in missing fields. These tools don’t just clean up the past; they automate routine processes to keep data clean moving forward.

For many B2B companies, fragmentation is one of the biggest hurdles to clean data. Silos between ERP systems, CRM platforms, and ecommerce tools create inconsistencies that ripple across the business. Breaking down these silos through system integration ensures a unified flow of data, improving collaboration and decision-making across departments. This requires a thoughtful integration strategy, often with the help of IT experts, but the payoff is well worth the effort.

Clean data isn’t just a technical problem—it’s a cultural one. Companies must foster a culture of data ownership, where employees understand the importance of the data they handle and feel accountable for its accuracy. Assigning clear responsibilities, such as appointing a Chief Data Officer (CDO) or similar role, can ensure that data governance remains a priority.

Finally, data governance isn’t a one-and-done project. Continuous improvement is essential. Regular review of data policies and feedback from team members help refine processes over time. Establishing KPIs for data quality can also provide measurable insights into the success of these efforts.

By taking these steps, B2B companies can move from reactive problem-solving to proactive data management. Clean, well-governed data isn’t just the backbone of AI success—it’s a strategic asset that drives better decisions, smoother operations, and stronger customer relationships. In an increasingly data-driven world, those who master their data will lead the way.

Conclusion: Turn Your Data into a Competitive Advantage in the AI Era

In the rapidly evolving landscape of B2B ecommerce, integrating AI technologies offers unprecedented opportunities for growth and efficiency. However, as we’ve explored, the effectiveness of AI is intrinsically linked to the quality of the underlying data. Companies risk undermining their AI initiatives without robust data governance, leading to inaccurate insights and missed opportunities.

Perficient stands at the forefront of addressing these challenges. With extensive experience in implementing comprehensive data governance frameworks, we empower B2B organizations to harness the full potential of their data. Our expertise encompasses:

  • Product Information Management (PIM): We assist in managing all aspects of your product data—from SKUs and descriptions to stock levels and pricing—ensuring consistency and accuracy across all platforms.
  • Digital Asset Management (DAM): Our solutions help organize and distribute digital assets related to your products, such as photos and videos, enhancing the efficiency of your operations.
  • Data Integration and Standardization: We streamline your data processes, breaking down silos and ensuring seamless communication between systems, which is crucial for effective AI implementation.

Investing in clean data governance is not just a technical necessity but a strategic imperative. With Perficient’s expertise, you can transform your data into a powerful asset, driving informed decision-making and sustainable growth in the AI era.

 

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Airing of Grievances: 12 Web Habits We Need to Quit Already https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/12/19/airing-of-grievances-12-web-habits-we-need-to-quit-already/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/12/19/airing-of-grievances-12-web-habits-we-need-to-quit-already/#respond Thu, 19 Dec 2024 20:09:42 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=373982

I’ve spent almost 30 years in web and digital, starting way back when the “world wide web” was full of under construction GIFs, <blink> tags, and visitor counters! Nobody misses those things!

While many bad user experiences have faded away, some daily annoyances still need to go. In the spirit of Seinfeld’s “airing of grievances,” here are 12 web trends that need to end in 2025!

NOTE: This list highlights issues with better alternatives, so there’s no excuse not to fix them!

And Now, The Airing Of Grievances

1. Skeleton Screen Fake Out

The Issue: Many websites and apps use skeleton screens – boxes and lines as placeholders – to make it seem like pages load faster. However, too many sites have abandoned consistency, and their skeleton layout doesn’t match the final content.

The Fix: Ensure your web team updates the skeleton screen whenever the page design changes. Ideally, create the skeleton with the actual HTML structure and use CSS for styling before and after the content loads.

2. Preload, Disappear, and Reload

The Issue: You open a new screen, see content for a moment, and then – POOF! – it disappears. You’re left with a blank screen until the same or new content reappears, often losing what initially caught your attention.

The Fix: This issue arises when JavaScript loads content after the initial page load. To avoid this, add coding logic to prevent existing content from being wiped out. Instead, load new content only when the user requests it (by scrolling or clicking refresh) or append it to the existing content without disrupting the user’s view.

3. Layout Shifts During Page Load

The Issue: Layout shifts are tracked by many web performance tools. While quick-loading sites minimize this issue, slow-loading pages can lead to frustrating experiences, like text rewrapping or buttons moving unexpectedly.

The Fix: Teams should manage when content is loaded via JavaScript. Using server-side rendering can ensure the page loads with complete content. For new content added after user interactions, design a way to display it predictably. Additionally, always include height and width attributes for images and resources to prevent layout shifts during the initial load.

4. Hover Effects That Shift Elements

The Issue: This frustrating experience occurs when user interactions lead to unexpected behavior. For example, hovering over an expand/collapse icon might automatically open a sidebar, causing users to click inadvertently on links they didn’t intend to.

The Fix: Avoid animating large elements or shifting layouts on hover. If you must use this behavior, ensure that any newly animated content is not clickable. A dead click is preferable to an accidental page load.

5. Multiple Page Load Pop-Ups

The Issue: You visit a new site eager to explore, but are immediately hit with a cookie banner, a chatbot, and a newsletter sign-up that covers the main content. This is a classic case of “everything is important.”

The Fix: Recognize that not everything you want to communicate is important to the user. Prioritize which message matters most and use coding logic to control when and how these distractions appear. It’s okay to show a pop-up after users have been on the page for a while, but avoid placing it over content they’re trying to read.

6. Clickbait Disappointment

The Issue: Clickbait titles are everywhere because they work, but they often lead to disappointment. You click on a title like “Is the Web Dead?!?” only to find the content doesn’t match – leaving a bland conclusion that the web is alive and well.

The Fix: Aim for authenticity. When focusing solely on vanity metrics like clicks and views, you risk misleading your audience. Follow the “golden rule” by treating your readers as you’d want to be treated. Write your article first, then create a fitting headline, avoiding scammy tactics altogether. Or if you really want a shocking headline, then put in the effort to have content that is worthy (without being deceitful).

7. Auto-Playing Videos with Sound

The Issue: Unexpectedly auto-playing videos with sound can be jarring, especially if the user is in a quiet place or already listening to something else. This creates a chaotic experience.

The Fix: Avoid being obtrusive. What you want may not align with what your user prefers. While you may not get explicit praise for muting videos on load, irritating your audience could drive them away.

8. Unexpectedly Stealing Focus

The Issue: Webpage elements can have focus, typically for form fields or interactive elements. Setting focus correctly can enhance the user experience, but using JavaScript to change focus after users have engaged with other parts of the page can be extremely annoying.

The Fix: Use built-in HTML attributes to set focus on an element when the page first loads. Be cautious with JavaScript focus changes that should only occur in response to user actions, like clicking a button to open a modal. This is also important for accessibility and keyboard navigation.

9. Forms That Want Everything

The Issue: Research shows that shorter forms convert better. Long forms that require scrolling can feel overwhelming. For instance, an email newsletter sign-up should only ask for an email address. You don’t need a company name or phone number right away.

The Fix: While your company may want to collect detailed information, consider using alternative methods like progressive profiling. This approach enhances user experience and encourages ongoing engagement without overwhelming users upfront.

10. Premature Form Errors

The Issue: User input validation is crucial for ensuring correct data entry, like email formats and password security. While real-time validation can enhance user experience, it becomes frustrating if errors are flagged before users finish typing.

The Fix: Avoid marking input as incorrect too early. For example, if an email field turns red after the second character, it disrupts the flow. Instead, use “change” or “blur” events to validate input only after the user has finished entering their information.

11. Forgotten Form Input

The Issue: On-page user input validation is helpful, but server-side validation is essential for security. When the server detects an error, it often sends users back to the form. When done incorrectly, this can wipe out their previously entered input. This can be incredibly frustrating!

The Fix: Implement coding logic to retain the user’s original input when the page refreshes. While you may need to exclude sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers, preserving other input will help avoid punishing users for minor mistakes.

12. External Link Targets

The Issue: It can be frustrating when clicking a link takes you away from the current site, especially if you’re not finished reading the content. You often want to return to where you left off, and you may get completely side-tracked and never return.

The Fix: While users can manually open links in new windows, it adds unnecessary effort. Content authors can set links to open in a new window using the “blank” target. An even better solution is to use a simple JavaScript function that automatically adds this target attribute to links that lead to different domains. This unobtrusive approach ensures a smoother user experience, even if authors forget to set it.

Conclusion

We often get so focused on our goals and metrics that we overlook the human aspect of the user experience. Many users simply “live with” poor experiences and may only complain to themselves. I’m a fan of delighting users and eliminating unnecessary frustrations.

I hope that sharing what “grinds my gears” inspires us all to improve user experiences across the web. With the spirit of Festivus in mind, let’s air our web grievances and commit to doing better in the new year!

Happy Festivus

……

If you are looking for a digital partner who has their eye on quality user experiences, reach out to your Perficient account manager or use our contact form to begin a conversation.

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Perficient Named as a Major Player for Worldwide Adobe Experience Cloud Professional Services https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/12/10/perficient-named-as-a-major-player-for-worldwide-adobe-experience-cloud-professional-services/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/12/10/perficient-named-as-a-major-player-for-worldwide-adobe-experience-cloud-professional-services/#respond Tue, 10 Dec 2024 16:13:44 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=373304

We’re pleased to announce that Perficient has been named a Major Player in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Adobe Experience Cloud Professional Services 2024-2025 Vendor Assessment (Doc #US51741024, December 2024). We believe this recognition is a testament to our commitment to excellence and our dedication to delivering top-notch Adobe services to our clients.

Continue reading to learn more about what the IDC MarketScape is, why Perficient is named a Major Player, and what this designation means to our clients.

Understanding This IDC MarketScape

This IDC MarketScape evaluated Adobe Experience Cloud professional service providers, creating a framework to compare vendors’ capabilities and strategies. Many organizations need help planning and deploying technology, and finding the right vendor is critical.

According to Douglas Hayward, senior research director for CX services and strategies at IDC, “Organizations choosing an Adobe Experience Cloud professional service should look for proof that their vendor has high-quality professionals who have a track record in empowering their clients and delivering the best value for the fairest price.”

This IDC MarketScape study provides a comprehensive vendor assessment of the Adobe Experience Cloud professional services ecosystem. It evaluates both quantitative and qualitative characteristics that contribute to success in this market. The study covers various vendors, assessing them against a rigorous framework that highlights the most influential factors for success in both the short and long term.

Perficient is a Major Player

We believe being named a Major Player in the IDC MarketScape is a significant achievement for Perficient and underscores our Adobe Experience Cloud capabilities, industry and technical acumen, global delivery center network, and commitment to quality customer service. We further believe the study is evidence of our expertise and continued focus on solving our clients’ business challenges.

Hayward said, “In our evaluation of Perficient for the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Adobe Experience Cloud Professional Services 2024-2025 Vendor Assessment, it was evident that Perficient has global delivery expertise that combines an experience design heritage with strong capabilities in digital experience transformation.”

The IDC MarketScape also says, “Based on conversations with Perficient’s clients, the vendor’s three main strengths are value creation, people quality, and client empowerment.”

Our Commitment to Excellence

At Perficient, we are committed to maintaining and improving our services and solutions. We continuously strive to innovate and enhance our capabilities and offerings to meet the evolving needs of our clients, further empower them, and drive value.

Learn More

You can also read our News Release for more details on this recognition and make sure to follow our Adobe blog for more Adobe platform insights!

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Perficient Recognized in The Forrester Wave™: CX Strategy Consulting Services, Q4 2024 https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/12/09/perficient-recognized-forrester-wave-cx-strategy-q4-2024/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/12/09/perficient-recognized-forrester-wave-cx-strategy-q4-2024/#respond Mon, 09 Dec 2024 18:11:24 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=372892

Perficient Recognized in The Forrester Wave™: Customer Experience Strategy Consulting Services, Q4 2024

Perficient is proud to be included as a “Contender” in The Forrester Wave™: Customer Experience (CX) Strategy Consulting Services, Q4 2024 report. We were one of a set of only twelve organizations to be included in the report.

Forrester used extensive criteria to determine placement, including customer research, proprietary data offerings, and innovation.

To us, this placement shows our continued growth in CX Strategy Consulting services over the last year, as we previously were included among 31 organizations in The Forrester Customer Experience Strategy Consulting Services Landscape, Q2 2024 report.

We believe CX strategy capabilities and experience are at the heart of the report. With brands stretching across digital and physical properties, building an omnichannel customer experience can seem daunting. Partnering with an experienced consulting partner provides a strategic and custom approach, enabling organizations to implement digital transformation that activates and engages their customers at every touchpoint, while meeting and exceeding customer expectations.

Across all industries, customers expect positive omnichannel experiences, and brands that fall short of these expectations will not only miss out on current revenue, but also risk future sales due to negative perception and reputation challenges.

Digital Transformation Focused

Perficient believes its inclusion is a testament to our expertise leveraging digital capabilities to build seamless, personalized, and satisfying customer journeys.

According to the Forrester report, “Perficient is a good fit for organizations that want to center their CX strategy on a digital transformation.”

Our CX Strategy work empowers clients to make informed decisions about investing in and implementing solutions across both digital and non-digital channels. We also offer many types of services that are not specific to digital delivery. These include consulting on CX operations, governance, goal setting, team training and customer empathy development. These activities are designed to foster the growth and maturity of our clients’ organizations so they can serve their customers more effectively.

As the Forrester report mentions, “Reference customers praised Perficient’s flexibility and its willingness to be a true partner working alongside their employees.”

Perficient’s Strategic Partnership Approach

Our strategists employ a strategic formulation approach, Perficient’s Envision Framework, to help clients get to the future fast, using three cumulative phases: Insights, Ideas, and Investment. It’s how we help clients rapidly identify opportunities, define a customer-focused vision, and develop a prioritized roadmap to transform their business.

Do you know how ready your company is to create, deliver, and sustain exemplary customer experiences? Learn more about Perficient’s five-week CX IQ jumpstart that will help you highlight priorities, create strategic alignment, and guide decisions about where and how to improve CX.

 

 

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The Caregivers’ Journey, Part 5: Open Lines of Communication https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/11/06/the-caregivers-journey-part-5-open-lines-of-communication/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/11/06/the-caregivers-journey-part-5-open-lines-of-communication/#respond Wed, 06 Nov 2024 20:23:09 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=371714

In this series, we’ve been discussing how your healthcare organization (HCO) can support the caregivers who are caring for your patients and members and why it makes good business sense for you to do so. When the caregivers who are supporting your patients/members feel respected, seen and understood, it has many benefits for your organization, such as: 

  • More satisfied patients/members 
  • More conversions by showing your HCO’s value proposition 
  • Healthier patients/members by helping your patients/members adhere to their care plans 

Let’s review what the series has and will cover:

Easy, complete communication is critical in caregiving situations 

It comes with the territory that if your patient/member has a family caregiver, that patient/member probably isn’t going to be in the best of health. Otherwise, they probably wouldn’t need someone in the caregiver role. But it’s easy to forget about that until the patient/member has a sudden need for medical care, perhaps at an urgent-care clinic or emergency room. 

It could be because of some new injury or rapidly developing condition. Or it could be related to an ongoing concern. Either way, the patient/member needs care right now. And it may not be possible for the caregiver to ensure that their loved one goes to their usual facility or hospital. Maybe they weren’t at home when the situation developed, or maybe an ambulance has to take the patient/member to the closest available facility for fast — even lifesaving — care. 

It’s critical for everyone involved in care decisions, from provider and payer organizations to caregivers, to communicate quickly and effectively about what the patient/member needs in these situations. And your HCO can help. For starters, and most importantly… 

Make it possible to quickly access patient/member data 

Speaking from my own experience as a caregiver for my father — if something comes up and my dad needs care right away, I hope I’ll be able to get him to a facility within the provider organization system that normally cares for him. But urgent and emergency situations don’t often happen in ideal circumstances. It’s entirely possible that I’ll have to someday take him to a care facility outside his normal system. If that happens, it’s not good for anyone involved if I have to figure out how to get my dad’s medical records shared with this new organization: 

  • My dad, who’s already likely to be scared or irritated, will only have his feelings worsened if I’m distracted 
  • I’ll be upset by the situation and only more frustrated if I have to be distracted by this new wrinkle of hard-to-access information 
  • The provider will be working with one hand metaphorically tied behind their back if they don’t have the full information about their new patient

This problem only gets compounded if the caregiver has to take the patient/member to a care facility that’s out of the patient/member’s health insurance network. The payer organization will likely require transfer back to an in-network facility as soon as possible. So the caregiver will have to do the information-transfer rigamarole at least twice. 

 Wherever your HCO can, make it as easy and straightforward as possible for caregivers to share needed information from your EHR to another provider in times of need. This helps ensure quality of care and continuity of care in every situation. And it likely will help make life easier for care teams when patients come back into their systems after these emergencies. Work with your IT team to figure out where and how your HCO can allow quick records transfers to another system. What needs to be done on your end, and how can you make this process easier for patients/members and caregivers?  

Teach caregivers what to say and do before a crisis 

The healthcare system is complex and challenging for laypeople on their best days. And a caregiver who’s facing an emergency with their loved one is not going to be having their best day. But even if there’s no “easy button” for a technological solution caregivers can access in an emergency, you can still help prepare them ahead of time.  

Find ways to share the information a caregiver is likely going to need to share with another provider or HCO. Whether that happens during an appointment with a provider, in a support-group setting or in prepared materials — or even all three — take opportunities to coach caregivers on what they’ll need to do and what materials they’ll need to provide in situations where they need to take the patient/member to another provider or facility. 

Help caregivers understand what a triage nurse is likely going to ask about their loved ones. Make a list of the various records another organization will need to understand the patient/member’s condition, medication allergies, etc. And show them how to find and share this information as quickly as possible. 

Of course, the ideal scenario involves the caregiver being able to do all this electronically. But if that’s not possible, encourage the caregiver to have copies, whether saved as PDFs or even printed out, and have them readily available to bring to care facilities in an emergency. 

Facilitate instant communication between caregivers, family members and care teams 

The expression “It takes a village” may have been coined in reference to children, but it definitely comes into play for caregivers and their adult loved ones as well. Whether caregiving duties are shared among siblings for an older adult or the primary caregiver hires help from a professional in-home caregiver, everyone needs to be on the same page about the patient/member and their care. 

 Allowing a space for those involved in caregiving for a patient/member to coordinate their efforts can help ease everyone’s mind. Not only does this type of solution avoid the communication of patient information in a potentially insecure text or email app, but it also could allow caregivers to easily refer to information about vital signs, prescriptions, etc. An added bonus: You could even allow a swift sharing of data to the patient/member’s primary care provider, specialist, etc., as needed. 

Show caregivers that you care about them too 

The need for caregivers is on the rise. Having the tools and procedures in place to ease the experience for them only makes the process better for your patients/members and everyone involved in their care. Our team is here to help you maximize the caregiver experience with our caregiver enablement approach. 

 To schedule an introductory workshop or learn more, contact us. We’d love to talk more with you about your challenges related to caregivers and their needs. 

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