Brand & E-commerceShipped

Kiln Studio

A calm, editorial direct-to-consumer digital flagship for an artisanal ceramics workshop.

Context
Artisanal Studio & Workshop
Role
Creative Direction, Identity System, Next.js Storefront
Timeline
4 weeks · 2023
Key Stack
Next.js 14, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS
4.2x
Conversion rate increase over previous site
100/100
Lighthouse performance score
< 350ms
Average page transition speed
01 The Problem

Why this needed to be built.

Kiln Studio creates handcrafted stoneware and porcelain tableware. They needed an online presence that mirrored the contemplative craft and tactility of their workshop, rejecting the noisy countdown timers and pop-up banners typical of modern e-commerce.

The studio produces limited batches that sell out in hours. They needed an e-commerce platform that felt like an art catalog rather than a discount warehouse, while comfortably handling server traffic spikes during batch drop releases.
02 The Solution

Approach and execution.

Engineered a serene, typography-forward web storefront utilizing Instrument Serif and generous whitespace. Developed a static-first Next.js architecture deployed on the edge, coupled with a lightweight waitlist and SMS notification drop system.

Deliverables

  • Bespoke editorial e-commerce experience
  • Inventory drop notification engine
  • Interactive ceramic glazes and clay material guide
  • High-conversion frictionless checkout integration
03 Highlights

Key functional details.

Quiet Commerce Layout

Uncluttered product presentation prioritizing material photography, tactile details, and glaze recipes.

Drop Notification Engine

Allows collectors to subscribe to specific ceramic collections with automatic early-access links.

Sub-second Edge Speed

Static prerendering guarantees lightning-fast loading even during high-traffic drop moments.

04 Technical Retrospective

What this project proved

E-commerce does not need to be loud to convert. Customers responded enthusiastically to transparent storytelling, detailed glaze notes, and a tranquil purchasing experience.

Tech stack:Next.js 14TypeScriptTailwind CSSShopify Storefront APIEdge MiddlewareStripe