The changes at JTL-Software have not bypassed an institution that has existed since the beginning of JTL-Wawi: the JTL-Guide (formerly JTL-Wiki). JTL-Software has had its own technical editorial team since 2015. As such, we are responsible for maintaining our online documentation. We converted the old JTL-Wiki to the JTL-Guide at the end of 2015. Now a second relaunch was due, which was to be more than just a visual refresh.
We have therefore spent the last nine months developing a new concept in the background and implementing it on the most important pages. Our top priority was the accessibility of information. Our goal: to create optimal documentation for all customer groups, regardless of whether they are just starting out in eCommerce or have been successful for many years.
Bringing theory to life
The JTL-Guide already offered technically correct descriptions in many areas. We were able to help most customers even back then. However, one question was often neglected: What can I do with this function? That’s why we developed the concept of scenarios. In these scenarios, we use different personas that symbolize typical newcomers, new sellers and new sellers in the JTL world. We also wanted to make the sample articles more tangible and consistent. We created a separate database for this purpose: the summer sports equipment.
Typical scenarios now always start with a description of the “task / initial situation”. This should make it easy for our customers to recognize whether a description fits their requirements. In addition, we now focus more consistently on shorter, self-contained descriptions. We have broken down the seemingly endless pages that were occasionally found in the old guide into their various focal points. Users can now easily navigate through individual steps at the beginning and end of the page.
Good looks, better usability
We also wanted to develop visually. However, the focus here was on usability. By popular request, we have moved the navigation back to the left. In contrast to the old wiki, however, we have made it expandable and limited it to all essential areas, which then provide access to all subpages via entry pages. We have put the table of contents for individual pages on the right-hand side to create a clean frame.
Another visual aspect that we considered important was the consistent use of JTL’s product colors. This allows customers to recognize that they are in a description for JTL-Wawi just by the orange in step-by-step instructions or screenshots. The colors in the steps also help to quickly scan a text for the essential information. We have been continuing this visual concept in our tutorial videos on YouTube for some time now.
Better pick up new sellers
When implementing the content, it was particularly important to us to focus even more on the needs of our customers. We wanted to give more space to the important topics of installation and setup, as they are relevant for every customer at least once. To make the structure of the guide easier to navigate through the JTL products, we focused on aligning the navigation structure with the programs as much as possible.
Good search functions
Another important point was the findability of information, regardless of the structure. In our experience, many customers come from search engines. By naming the pages after the scenarios, e.g. “Create items in JTL-Wawi”, we can guarantee to a much greater extent that a suitable hit is displayed as soon as it is entered in Google.
The Guide’s internal search function can now also be used much more effectively. For example, anyone looking for help on the topic of shipping methods can now simply enter the word “shipping methods” and suitable hits will be suggested automatically. If they click on one of the hits, they are taken directly to the appropriate help page. If you prefer to see all pages containing the word “shipping methods”, simply click on “contains… shipping methods”.
What happens next?
Of course, we are still a long way from reaching the end. While we have already revised most of the JTL-Wawi texts, other areas are still in need of a fundamental overhaul. In particular, we will be working on JTL-WMS, JTL-Shop and JTL-eazyAuction over the next few months. The JTL-Fulfillment Network will also get its own section in the guide.
If you stumble across missing topics or problems while reading the guide, you can also use our feedback form, which you will find at the bottom of every page. Please don’t forget to include a meaningful description of the error.
