UX of Temu: It’s good, but it’s not enough.

Kai Zhang
Marketing in the Age of Digital
4 min readOct 2, 2023

With the advancement of technology, people’s lifestyles have become steadily more convenient. For instance, with internet shopping, we can get anything we require from clothing to daily necessities without ever leaving the comfort of our homes. Online retailers like Amazon, Newegg, and StockX as well as grocery store giants Walmart, Costco, and Target all provide online purchasing options. And one of these is Temu, the brand I prefer.

Temu aims to keep prices low to attract more customers to buy the items they need by having sellers constantly entering the market and competing with each other for customers and customer group buys. It emphasizes the concept of “buy more for less” through group buys, discounts and special sales. The message is clear: by teaming up with others, users can save money and get high quality products. On the other hand, Temu encourages users to create or join groups, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. When customers use Temu, they not only experience the joy of making a purchase, but they also enjoy the experience of sharing it with friends and family. This social aspect sets it apart from traditional e-commerce platforms.

Although Temu includes versions for desktop and mobile devices, users appear to prefer using mobile devices to access Temu, and its user interface is mobile device focused. Users will find it simple to explore, conduct product searches, and take part in group purchases thanks to the interface’s user-friendly and intuitive design for mobile devices. When a consumer visits Temu, the homepage includes vibrant visuals and photos that make it easier for the user to understand the product’s features and pricing. This helps to successfully showcase the product and makes the buying experience more enjoyable. In order to draw consumers, the site also prominently displays deals and discounts as the customer enters the product page. Naturally, Temu also offers an easy-to-use search and navigation engine so that customers may find things relatively quickly. Temu has a page style that is contemporary and ideal for mobile devices. It makes use of adaptable design components that adjust to different screen sizes with ease, guaranteeing a consistent and aesthetically pleasing experience on mobile devices. Additionally, the platform uses an effective visual hierarchy to make sure that key information and call-to-action phrases are highlighted. Users are incited to take part in group purchases and the buying experience is aided by this.Temu concentrates on mobile users and is aware of the prevalence of smartphones. The “mobile-first” design methodology was used to construct the platform, giving the mobile user experience priority throughout the design and development phases.

Temu generally permits merchants to offer product descriptions, specifications, and information. Temu also invites customers to post product photographs, ratings, and reviews on the items they buy. This user-generated content can offer insightful information about the caliber of the products and assist prospective customers in making wise judgments. Temu frequently offers customer service and user support in order to raise the caliber of the material. Temu provides a range of payment alternatives, including credit/debit card and mobile payment methods, to meet user preferences and convenience when a consumer picks a product and moves to the checkout screen. Users also receive an order confirmation message and a receipt after completing a purchase, which helps reassure them that the transaction was accomplished. Naturally, Temu will also offer customer service and support channels in case users run into issues with the conversion process or have inquiries regarding their order. When a consumer places an order, the platform proactively informs them of the return and refund procedures, which increases overall conversion process transparency and trust.

The ability to speak directly with the seller when unsure about a product’s specifications, such as size, weight, etc., is, in my opinion, what sets Temu apart from other e-commerce platforms in terms of the user experience. The user’s ability to contact with the vendor directly when purchasing the product enhances both the user’s experience and the authenticity of the product. After placing an order, if customers have any questions about a specific item, Temu offers chatbots to help them with frequent enquiries like order tracking, refunds, and product questions. I do believe Temu may be improved, though. For instance, when customers are buying furniture or apparel, Amazon offers an augmented reality function that enables consumers to virtually try on things like clothing and accessories using their smartphone camera. Users can so make more intelligent purchasing decisions. I believe Temu will include this feature in later releases to enhance users’ shopping experiences.

Finally, expanding its user base and acquiring new users is one of Temu’s primary commercial objectives. It provides incentives including discounts, referral programs, and gamification elements that entice users to invite friends and family to use the platform in order to accomplish this aim. Additionally, Temu supports sustainable agriculture and lowers waste in its supply chain to achieve its sustainability and social responsibility objectives. Temu’s business strategy is distinct in that it prioritizes community development, social shopping, and value-conscious customers. Its quick expansion and popularity in the e-commerce business are a result of its success in fulfilling these objectives.

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