Project: Product-Match AI Agent Development
Role: Designer and Developer of AI-Powered Shopping Assistant
Years: 2023–Present
Sector: E-Commerce, Fiber Optics, Technology
Technology: AI agents, Shopify integration, Conversational UX
Introduction
TenFour Optics specializes in fiber-optic equipment and components, catering to a technically sophisticated customer base that often faces complexity in choosing the right products. To simplify the shopping experience and improve conversion, I developed an AI-powered product-match agent designed to guide shoppers through a tailored discovery process.
The Challenge
Fiber-optic products involve detailed technical specifications that can overwhelm buyers, especially those who are less experienced or need quick recommendations. Shoppers needed:
- A friendly, intelligent assistant to help match products with precise technical requirements.
- Integration with the existing Shopify platform to ensure seamless cart and checkout experience.
- An accessible, conversational interface that reduces the friction of product research.
The Solution
The product-match agent was built as an AI assistant embedded within the TenFour Optics online store, delivering:
Intelligent Product Matching
- Uses a guided Q&A workflow to elicit shopper needs, technical parameters, and constraints.
- Leverages expert knowledge encoded in the AI to recommend suitable fiber-optic components.
- Provides justifications and explanations to build customer confidence.
Seamless Shopify Integration
- Directly links recommendations to Shopify product listings.
- Enables add-to-cart functionality and smooth checkout from the chat interface.
Conversational User Experience
- Friendly, responsive dialogue that adapts based on user input.
- Handles follow-up questions and alternative suggestions.
- Designed to reduce the cognitive load on shoppers.
The Approach
- Developed product matching logic based on extensive domain knowledge and customer input.
- Built the conversational agent using modern AI frameworks that integrate with Shopify front-end.
- Iterated on user experience based on shopper feedback and analytics to optimize engagement.
Impact
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through personalized guidance.
- Increased conversion rates and reduced support requests.
- Positioned TenFour Optics as a tech-forward retailer leveraging AI for better service.
Reflections & Lessons Learned
This project underlines how AI agents can bridge the gap between technical product complexity and customer understanding. By embedding an intelligent assistant directly into the shopping journey, TenFour Optics transformed a potentially frustrating process into an approachable, confidence-building experience.
