Aromaversum

Redesigning an essential oil brand for a cleaner, more user-friendly online experience

  • Conducted detailed UX research to understand user needs and pain points
  • Performed competitive analysis to identify gaps and usability opportunities
  • Translated insights into a full rebrand and visual refresh of the webshop
  • Improved usability and shopping experience through research-driven design
  • Built customer trust with a modernized, authentic brand identity
  • Established a scalable design foundation for future growth

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Aromaversum is a Hungarian online store specializing in essential oils and aroma diffusers. The goal of the project was to modernize the webshop and refresh the brand identity — creating a more authentic representation of quality, supporting revenue growth and preparing the brand for international expansion.

Previously operating under the name thescentimeter.hu, both the brand and the webshop had outgrown their original concept. The owner’s vision was to build a fresher, more contemporary identity that aligns better with today’s customer expectations and positions the brand for long-term success.

Aromaversum is a Hungarian online store specializing in essential oils and aroma diffusers.
The goal of the project was to modernize the webshop and refresh the brand identity — creating a more authentic representation of quality, supporting revenue growth and preparing the brand for international expansion.

Previously operating under the name thescentimeter.hu, both the brand and the webshop had outgrown their original concept. The owner’s vision was to build a fresher, more contemporary identity that aligns better with today’s customer expectations and positions the brand for long-term success.

From the Users’ Perspective

Customers struggled to find products relevant to their needs. The webshop lacked effect-based filtering, the interface didn’t inspire trust and the webshop was missing detailed product descriptions and practical usage guides.

From the Business Perspective

The webshop lacked proper ERP integration, which made inventory and logistics management heavily manual and time-consuming. In addition, the outdated brand identity was no longer competitive, limiting both customer trust and potential revenue growth.

From the Users’ Perspective

Customers struggled to find products relevant to their needs. The webshop lacked effect-based filtering, the interface didn’t inspire trust and the webshop was missing detailed product descriptions and practical usage guides.

From the Business Perspective

The webshop lacked proper ERP integration, which made inventory and logistics management heavily manual and time-consuming. In addition, the outdated brand identity was no longer competitive, limiting both customer trust and potential revenue growth.

Research

As part of a campaign, we sent a detailed survey to 5,000 subscribers, and nearly 100 responses helped uncover valuable insights about product usage habits, new product needs and pain points experienced while using the webshop.

The survey not only validated our initial assumptions, but also revealed new insights that will help support future growth and strengthen customer trust.

Key User Insights
Lack of effect-based filtering

Users wanted to search by specific needs (e.g., “headache relief” or “sleep support”) instead of browsing products one by one.

Concerns about product quality and safety

Many users were unsure which oils are truly pure and reliable, expressing a need for clearer quality assurance and transparency.

Need for educational content

Respondents wanted more guidance on safe and effective use of essential oils — including dosage, combinations and health benefits.

Practicality and product options

Participants mentioned a desire for larger packaging and additional related products such as candles, measuring cups, and pipettes.

Additional Key Findings
Missing Gift Packaging

Customers love giving essential oils as presents, but the webshop didn’t offer any dedicated gift packaging. As a result, they often handed them over in simple pouches, which lacked the premium, thoughtful feel expected from a gift.

Smudging Labels
Labels on the bottles easily get smudged when touched with oily hands. Customers recommended for stronger, oil-resistant labels.

As part of a campaign, we sent a detailed survey to 5,000 subscribers, and nearly 100 responses helped uncover valuable insights about product usage habits, new product needs and pain points experienced while using the webshop.

The survey not only validated our initial assumptions, but also revealed new insights that will help support future growth and strengthen customer trust.

Key User Insights
Lack of effect-based filtering

Users wanted to search by specific needs (e.g., “headache relief” or “sleep support”) instead of browsing products one by one.

Concerns about product quality and safety

Many users were unsure which oils are truly pure and reliable, expressing a need for clearer quality assurance and transparency.

Need for educational content

Respondents wanted more guidance on safe and effective use of essential oils — including dosage, combinations and health benefits.

Practicality and product options

Participants mentioned a desire for larger packaging and additional related products such as candles, measuring cups, and pipettes.

Additional Key Findings
Missing Gift Packaging
Customers love giving essential oils as presents, but the webshop didn’t offer any dedicated gift packaging. As a result, they often handed them over in simple pouches, which lacked the premium, thoughtful feel expected from a gift.
Smudging Labels
Labels on the bottles easily get smudged when touched with oily hands. Customers recommended for stronger, oil-resistant labels.

Anna

36, Office Assistant

A health-conscious mother who enjoys using essential oils but often feels uncertain about how safe they are for her children.

Erika

42, HR Manager

A busy professional who frequently buys essential oils as gifts but misses the availability of high-quality, aesthetically pleasing packaging.

Anna

36, Office Assistant

A health-conscious mother who enjoys using essential oils but often feels uncertain about how safe they are for her children.

Erika
42, HR Manager

A busy professional who frequently buys essential oils as gifts but misses the availability of high-quality, aesthetically pleasing packaging.

As part of the analysis, I compared Aromaversum with three direct competitors — examining financial performance, sales channels, product portfolio, price positioning, and the overall webshop user experience.
The goal was to identify where Aromaversum already has strong foundations and where there is room for improvement, helping the brand become more competitive in both domestic and international markets.

.

Revenue and Growth → A Dynamic Development Path

The overall market growth shows that more and more people are seeking natural and safe alternatives, especially in the field of essential oils. This trend positively supports Aromaversum’s potential for future growth.

Sales Channels → Online Focus, Cost-Efficient Operation

While competitors operate both online and offline, Aromaversum relies exclusively on digital sales channels. This results in narrower reach, yet enables a highly efficient and scalable online growth strategy.

Product Portfolio → New Directions and Expansion Opportunities

The analysis identified opportunities to expand the product range — including new essential oils, accessories, samples and curated gift sets.

Pricing → Value-Based Strategy

The analysis showed that previous prices didn’t reflect the true value of the products. Based on this, a 40–60% price adjustment was implemented to better align with quality and market standards.

Online Presence and Social Media → Areas to Develop, Strong Growth Potential

Competitors are active on social media and run consistent email and advertising campaigns. In contrast, Aromaversum’s channels are still in early stages, but they offer significant potential for brand awareness and community building in the near future.

As part of the analysis, I compared Aromaversum with three direct competitors — examining financial performance, sales channels, product portfolio, price positioning, and the overall webshop user experience.
The goal was to identify where Aromaversum already has strong foundations and where there is room for improvement, helping the brand become more competitive in both domestic and international markets.

.

Revenue and Growth → A Dynamic Development Path

The overall market growth shows that more and more people are seeking natural and safe alternatives, especially in the field of essential oils. This trend positively supports Aromaversum’s potential for future growth.

Sales Channels → Online Focus, Cost-Efficient Operation

While competitors operate both online and offline, Aromaversum relies exclusively on digital sales channels. This results in narrower reach, yet enables a highly efficient and scalable online growth strategy.

Product Portfolio → New Directions and Expansion Opportunities

The analysis identified opportunities to expand the product range — including new essential oils, accessories, samples and curated gift sets.

Pricing → Value-Based Strategy

The analysis showed that previous prices didn’t reflect the true value of the products. Based on this, a 40–60% price adjustment was implemented to better align with quality and market standards.

Online Presence and Social Media → Areas to Develop, Strong Growth Potential

Competitors are active on social media and run consistent email and advertising campaigns. In contrast, Aromaversum’s channels are still in early stages, but they offer significant potential for brand awareness and community building in the near future.

Solutions and Improvements

I designed a clean, modern visual identity that reflects Aromaversum’s core values — naturalness, reliability and simplicity — helping the brand build trust and connect with customers online.

To address the lack of educational content mentioned by users,
I designed a downloadable product guide that provides clear information on each oil’s benefits, safe use and practical applications.

Each essential oil underwent gas chromatography testing to ensure 100% purity and safe use.
To increase transparency, all lab reports are publicly available on the webshop for every product.

I redesigned the labels to create a cleaner, more cohesive look. The new full-color design makes each oil easier to recognize, while the waterproof material ensures long-lasting durability and resistance to oily contact.

A new effect-based filtering feature was introduced to help customers easily find oils for their specific needs. This update makes browsing more intuitive and supports a more user-focused shopping experience.

The system was completely rebuilt on a more stable technical foundation, simplifying administration and streamlining logistics.
These updates also enabled future integrations, ensuring smooth and reliable operation in the long term.

Designing for people means listening first

This project reminded me that good design starts with empathy — understanding what users truly need before shaping how a brand should look or behave. By grounding every decision in research, Aromaversum became more than a rebrand; it turned into a bridge between authenticity, clarity and everyday usability.

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