A New Architecture for E-Commerce: A User-Centered System Blueprint

Why do e-commerce users still struggle despite advanced technology? This article argues that persistent difficulties in digital commerce arise not from individual usability or merchant behavior, but from the underlying Marketplace Architecture. By synthesizing perspectives from Platform Economics, Information Systems, and User-Centered Design, the study reframes e-commerce from a mere transactional environment into a Problem-solving Infrastructure. The paper proposes a comprehensive System Blueprint designed to bridge the gaps in current e-commerce ecosystems. This framework integrates seven core dimensions to enhance the commerce experience: Trust & Decision Support: Mechanisms to reduce information asymmetry and support multi-criteria decision-making. Intelligence & Discovery: Logistics analytics and technical product discovery for more informed purchasing. Knowledge & Community: Integration of community knowledge and service layers into the shopping journey. Lifecycle Management: Shifting the focus toward long-term product use and the circular economy. Key Contributions: Structural Diagnosis: Identifies how current platform architectures limit user agency and transparency. Strategic Redesign: Offers a blueprint for "Knowledge-Integrated Commerce" that prioritizes user needs over simple transactions. Sustainability & Lifecycle: Establishes a foundation for lifecycle commerce and improved system-wide transparency. This work serves as a foundational lens for researchers, platform designers, and policy-makers aiming to transition toward more transparent, efficient, and user-centered digital commerce ecosystems. KeywordsE-commerce Architecture, Platform Economy, Digital Commerce Ecosystems, Marketplace Redesign, Problem-solving Infrastructure, Decision Support Systems (DSS), Multi-criteria Decision Making (MCDM), Information Transparency, Information Asymmetry, Logistics Analytics, User-Centered Commerce, Knowledge-Integrated Commerce, Community Knowledge, Technical Product Discovery, Product Lifecycle, Circular Economy, Trust and Reputation, Lifecycle Commerce