Custom build
Launching the world's first home AI chess robot
A fast custom Shopify site that explains the product and keeps interest high.
The problem
SenseRobot makes AI chess robots for home use. They needed a store that could launch a new product category.
The hard part was explaining AI in plain language, showing the robot with lots of video, and keeping the site very fast. All with a custom build.
The challenge
- A new product category with no existing playbook
- AI technology that is easy to make confusing
- Heavy video content that usually kills performance
- Need to balance storytelling with fast load times
What Studio Elephant changed
1. Custom code from scratch
- Built the site with Shopify Liquid and Tailwind CSS
- Every part coded for speed
- No heavy third-party theme
Why this worked. Full control made under-2-second desktop loads possible.
2. Speed-first build
- Videos load only when needed
- Desktop loads in under 2 seconds with rich media
- Mobile loads around 2.1 seconds
Why this worked. Visitors could watch and explore without waiting.
3. Easy-to-understand content
- Sections that explain how the robot works
- Proof points and wins in plain language
- A clear path from curiosity to understanding
Why this worked. The tech became accessible instead of abstract.
The results
Period: At launch (6-week custom build)
Under-2-second desktop speed
Even with lots of video and interactive parts. Mobile loads around 2.1 seconds.
- Baseline: N/A (new custom build)
- Timeframe: At launch
- Measurement: Page load timing on desktop and mobile at launch
6-week launch timeline
From idea to live site on a full custom build.
- Timeframe: 6 weeks
- Measurement: Project delivery timeline
100% custom code
Every line written for SenseRobot, not a bloated theme stack.
- Timeframe: At launch
- Measurement: Custom Liquid + Tailwind build
What this project taught
1. Speed and lots of video can work together
Loading videos on demand kept desktop under 2 seconds.
2. Explaining things leads to sales
The job was explaining new technology to everyday people, not just building a catalogue.
3. Custom build beats heavy themes
When performance and storytelling both matter, starting clean wins.
Common questions
How fast is the SenseRobot Shopify store?
Studio Elephant built SenseRobot to load in under 2 seconds on desktop, even with heavy video. Mobile loads around 2.1 seconds.
How long did the SenseRobot custom build take?
Studio Elephant launched the SenseRobot custom Shopify store in six weeks, built in Liquid and Tailwind without a heavy third-party theme.
Was SenseRobot a theme setup or a custom build?
It was a 100% custom build. Studio Elephant wrote the store for SenseRobot so video storytelling and performance could both ship without theme bloat.
What does SenseRobot sell?
SenseRobot makes AI chess robots for home use. The store had to explain a new product category in plain language while staying fast enough to keep interest.
Want a store built to convert like this?
Custom Shopify builds from $5,000 AUD. If a premium theme can do the job, Studio Elephant theme setups start from $2,400 AUD. Or start with a $699 AUD conversion audit for a clear fix list first.
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