When Vivo-Boerebemarkingsdag, South Africa’s largest agricultural expo, approached Edge Communications with a challenging request, it was clear that this project would require exceptional technical expertise and creative thinking. The client wanted the website to be more than just a one-stop platform for exhibitors, sponsors, and visitors; it also needed to be user-friendly and fully automated. This task pushed the skill and innovation of Edge’s web developer to the limit.

The Beginning: Understanding the client’s needs
The project began with thorough research and consultation. Understanding the client’s unique needs was essential. Vivo-Boerebemarkingsdag’s vision was to create a website that served as a digital hub for all stakeholders. Exhibitors needed to easily book their stalls, sponsors needed to purchase advertising space, and the general public needed seamless access to schedules and ticket purchases.
To achieve these goals, Edge’s developer conducted extensive research on similar platforms, as well as the specific technical requirements of the project. This included writing custom code, as existing plug-ins and templates did not meet Vivo’s specific needs.

User-friendliness as a core focus
Maximising user-friendliness meant prioritising the user experience (UX) in every aspect of the design. Every feature on the website was developed with the end-user in mind. Here are some of the key features that enhanced usability:

Automating the booking process
An interactive site plan was designed, enabling exhibitors to select specific stalls directly on the map. Once a stall was selected, information such as size and cost was immediately displayed. After purchase, the stall would automatically change color to indicate that it was no longer available.

Optimised payment process
Edge’s developer created an integrated payment gateway that eliminated third parties, leading to faster and more secure transactions. Payment options such as Payflex, EFT, and automated invoicing provided users with a variety of choices.

Automated ticket sales
Tickets were sent electronically to buyers, each with a unique QR code to facilitate entry at the event. This fully automated process played a significant role in the smooth handling of ticket sales.

Technical innovation
The website was developed using a combination of HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, ensuring a responsive design and intuitive navigation for all users. A “trial-and-error” approach was used to continuously refine the system for flawless operation.

Testing was a critical aspect of the development process. Each feature underwent rigorous testing to ensure it functioned as intended. Edge’s developer analysed user interactions with the website to implement improvements where necessary. This helped identify and resolve bottlenecks in the user experience.

Future enhancements
While the website has already been a great success, Edge Communications is planning further expansions for the 2025 Vivo-Boerebemarkingsdag. Future improvements will focus on integrating more data-driven functionalities to create an even more personalised user experience.

The development of Vivo-Boerebemarkingsdag’s website showcases how thorough research, technical expertise, and a focus on user-friendliness can come together to create an exceptional platform. Edge Communications’ developer didn’t just complete a project, she created a valuable solution that exceeded the client’s goals. This project highlights how user-centric design and technical innovation go hand in hand to achieve digital success.