Website Renewal and Improve User Experience: Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan

About SCCIJ

SCCIJ stands for The Swiss Chamber and Commerce and Industry in Japan, founded in 1981. They’re an NPO of Swiss business association in Japan. Their main focus is on nurturing the business community, connect and grow the network between Swiss and Japanese people. To reach this goal, there are many activities which needed to taken place such as, holding events, introduction to people, using online platforms…etc. One of the most important thing for SCCIJ is to organize events in the most efficient way possible.

Project Overview

When the client contacted us, they had a functional website that matches their needs but it was not sustainable, difficult to maintain and required lots of technical support. mgn recommended WordPress as an easier option to maintain the site.

Our goals for this renewal:

  • Modern and innovative design
  • Able to to adjust based on user experience and feedback
  • Reduce SCCIJ work load
  • Easy to maintain and manage by themselves

First, we organized the site’s original structure and content to make sure we got all the necessary information to import to WordPress. Since the client main focus is to set up and manage online events and voucher system, we went straight to confirming back and fourth about each requirements and the functions needed for setting up events.

After that, the client also had a testing phase where they can actually check how each functions work. This ensures all the necessary parts were implemented and the event can be carried out in successfully.

Client Interview

Background

Q
What problems did you have with the site before contacting us?
A

Our previous website was built with Scala, a coding language with decreasing market demand, making it challenging to find a vendor who could manage the website at a reasonable price. Additionally, we have an interesting “voucher system” that allows our members to sign up for events, but we were told it required heavy customization. As a result, it was crucial for us to find a trusted partner who could help us establish the infrastructure needed to serve our members effectively, ensuring peace of mind for all involved.

Q
How did you hear about mgn? What made you choose our service? 
A

mgn was recommended by a friend of our Executive Director. As a networking organization, we know how useful a good referral can be! After reaching out, we quickly recognized mgn’s friendly approach and clear, smooth communication, which made us feel comfortable from the very beginning. Additionally, as WordPress professionals, mgn reassured us that transitioning from Scala to WordPress would be handled safely and efficiently. This transition also ensures that our website will be more accessible to a broader range of IT providers in the future, reducing the reliance on a single vendor.

Expectations and Result

Q
What did you expect to gain from this project?
A

It was important for us to have a stable website with the flexibility to improve or customize it based on customer experience. We also aimed to reduce our workload while achieving a more modern design and better functionality for seamless navigation.

Customized based on member’s feedback for a clearer visual & navigation.
Warning confirmation message and a Cart icon with numbers notification.
Q
Were you able to accomplish what you initially wanted to solve or achieve?
A

Yes, we received a lot of positive feedback from our internal members. Initially, it took some time to adjust and get familiar with WordPress, but once we did, everything went smoothly. Our user experience has significantly improved, and our members now less need for support on how to navigate the site. The interface is much clearer and easier to understand, allowing users to find everything they need on their own.

We had many specific requests that required complex customizations. However, mgn consistently provided us with alternatives, clearly outlining the pros and cons of each option to align with our budget. This approach enabled us to find effective solutions for the website.

Customization for the display of a checkout page – also to display a login form depending on the user login conditions.

Project flow & working with mgn

Q
How was your experience with mgn in terms of communication and progression of the work?
A

Very good! We were very impressed by mgn’s availability and responsiveness to our questions and requests. You always replied promptly, either to confirm that you were looking into the matter or to provide a solution. This level of support was extremely helpful for our office, since we also had to regularly report to our Executive Committee.  

Q
What aspects of mgn do you appreciate the most throughout this project?
A

The clear communication and friendly yet professional interactions made it feel like we were truly working as a team on this project, which worked exceptionally well for us and was greatly appreciated. Furthermore, your willingness to grow and communicate with us in English ensured everything went smoothly. To summarize, the overall output was excellent, and mgn’s consistent presence throughout the project made the entire process seamless and efficient.

Maintenance Service

Q
What made you decide to use our service? 
A

We felt the progress of the work was smooth, and mgn proved to be a vendor we could trust for managing our event system and enhancing the user experience. As we continue to manage our website based on member feedback, it is crucial to have a reliable partner who can negotiate the addition of new functions or adjustments to the website. Consulting with mgn is always comfortable, as they thoroughly assess any issues and propose a variety of solutions. Their services offer an excellent cost-to-quality ratio.

Q
What do you want to achieve during the operation/maintenance phase? 
A

As the chamber experiences a period of growth, with more members joining our network and increased attention on the community, it became essential to have a stable and reliable website. This allows us to focus on delivering valuable content to our members without worrying about technical issues.

Satisfaction and Areas to Improve

Q
On a scale of 1~5, how satisfied are you with mgn service? Please let us know if there is something in which we could have done better.
A
Design & Overall Structure of the Site:
5.0

The collaboration felt like a true business partnership, with mutual benefits for both sides rather than a one-sided relationship. Everything went smoothly, and we are very satisfied with the outcome.

Since the maintenance phase has just begun, we cannot provide a full assessment yet. However, we are glad to know mgn is by our side as our office is undergoing staff changes – this will greatly help in the transition process.

Cost, service and support

Q
What was your impression of the total cost at the beginning of the project? Has your impression changed now that the project is over?
A

At the beginning, we felt the cost was reasonable. Looking back now and comparing it with other vendors, we realize it was truly a fair offer. The quality of work and level of support provided struck a great balance, making it a worthwhile investment.

Consult with us in English!
We’re open to foreign work in or outside Japan

  • We focus on communications and working together with you to create a website that fulfill your needs.
  • Don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re happy to discuss your requests and any questions regarding your website.