OVERVIEW
Forlanso is a SaaS platform that connects freelancers with clients and provides tools to manage projects efficiently. The platform offers a marketplace for freelancers to find work and a workspace to promote communication and project management.
PROBLEM
Marketplace
It was outdated, unclear, and inaccessible. Users struggled to navigate the platform efficiently, which affected engagement and retention.
Workspace
Need to create a space where freelancers could easily communicate with clients, manage projects, track progress, and handle payments.
MY ROLE
I was responsible for the complete redesign with another fellow UX/UI designer.
IMPACT
Improved Search and Booking: Redesigned the search function and booking flow, making it easier for users to navigate and reducing drop-off during payments.
Better Workspace: Introduced new, intuitive screens for managing projects, invoices, and contracts, making it more straightforward for freelancers to use the platform.
Cleaner Design: Updated the layout with more white space, larger images, and a new colour palette to create a modern and visually appealing interface.
Enhanced Accessibility: Reorganised menus and features to ensure freelancers could easily find tools and resources, improving overall usability.
DESIGN PROCESS
Given the tight deadline, we prioritised comprehensive research over extensive testing to start the design process. This approach allowed us to quickly implement impactful changes while still ensuring that the designs met user needs.
RESEARCH
We began the project by conducting user interviews and surveys to understand pain points within the existing platform. To create the Workspace, we also did a competitor analysis. Key findings from our research included:
Marketplace
Users experienced difficulty navigating the Marketplace due to insufficient filters and a cluttered interface. This led to frustration and an inability to efficiently find relevant jobs or freelancers.
Workspace
Freelancers often lacked a dedicated workspace where they could manage their projects, communicate with clients, and track deliverables, which could lead to missing documents, untracked work hours, and other issues.
TESTING & ALTERATION
Throughout the design process, we conducted usability testing with real users. Based on their feedback, we iterated on the initial designs, improving the interface and functionalities.
DESIGN
As Forlanso has two colours in their logo, we decided to assign those colours to two platforms. Blue to Marketplace, and green to Workspace.
Marketplace redesign
We have improved filters and categories to help companies find the right freelancers.
Enhanced the user interface to ensure that information was presented clearly.
Reduced visual clutter and optimised the flow to ensure a smoother experience.
Freelancer Workspace
We designed a new workspace that allowed freelancers to:
Communicate with clients through a built-in messaging system.
Manage projects by tracking hours and tasks and keeping all deliverables organised.
Track payments and invoices directly within the platform.
This new feature streamlined the freelance workflow, making it easier for users to navigate multiple projects and communicate clearly with their clients.
RESULTS
Increase in user satisfaction
Users cited better navigation and clarity in finding relevant projects.
Reduction in users time
Users would find the right freelancer way faster, thanks to improved filters.
improved communicatoin
Following the redesign, users in the interviews agreed that communication is now much easier and faster through the platform.
REFLECTIONS
It was the first time that I could easily be a user (as I work a lot as a Freelancer). I found it challenging at the beginning not to suggest design changes based on my experience and research. Luckily, having another designer next to me made it easier to distance myself.
The entire research process was rushed within the company, as stakeholders wanted to see the designs as quickly as possible. Next time, I would place more emphasis on explaining why research is essential for a long-term vision.