The situation
GFD Trading wanted to bring a new roof-window product line online. Customers faced thousands of possible combinations, with interdependent choices such as size, finish and opening method. The business needed a practical way to help people select, understand and order the right configuration.
As the primary engineer, I contributed across the interface, visual renderer, compatibility rules, pricing, APIs, ordering and internal integration. Other developers supported the work, particularly where they had deeper knowledge of the existing systems.
The decisions that mattered
Put product knowledge into the journey
We translated product and compatibility rules into guided choices. Contextual guidance helped customers understand which options suited their circumstances. For example, a coastal installation could call for a finish appropriate to salt exposure.
Build the visual from reusable layers
The manufacturer supplied separate visual layers instead of a complete image for every configuration. I built the Vue.js logic that selected and assembled those layers as the customer changed options.
The preview needed to remain consistent with the rules and pricing. Customers were making a considered purchase, so the visual representation had to support an accurate understanding of what they were ordering.
Carry the same configuration all the way through
The selected product details passed into ordering and the internal CMS. Sales and fulfilment staff could work from the same configuration the customer had seen.
I also built an importer for the manufacturer’s recurring CSV price updates. This kept the catalogue maintainable within the supplier’s existing workflow.
How we worked together
I worked in a three-person engineering team and stayed close to the business problem. The work required decisions across customer experience and internal operations, with support from colleagues who knew the surrounding systems.
Ownership meant following the product through to launch and making sure the people receiving an order had what they needed to fulfil it.
What changed
The configurator enabled the new product line to launch online in approximately two months. Customers could configure, visualise, price and order from thousands of valid combinations within one journey.
The business gained a structured sales route, a connected fulfilment workflow and a practical way to maintain supplier pricing.
What I take forward
A useful product makes the underlying complexity manageable. I enjoy understanding the real-world rules, bringing the right people into the conversation, and carrying that understanding through every part of the experience.