PICKING UP ON THE SMALL THINGS
A lot of good UX lies in the finer details—small but mighty cogs that hold up a giant, perfectly functioning system. These details have a tangible impact and often become the invisible edge that sets a product apart from its competitors. Identifying and refining these is where design makes the difference between a product that simply works and one that feels exceptional—and that’s where I come in.
A lot of good UX lies in the finer details - small but mighty cogs that hold up a giant, perfectly functioning system. These details have a tangible impact and often become the invisible edge that sets a product apart from its competitors. Identifying and refining these is where design makes the difference between a product that simply works and one that feels exceptional - and that’s where I come in.
Documented below are a few examples of those small but mighty design decisions - moments where subtle UX improvements led to outsized impact, turning everyday interactions into experiences that feel seamless, supportive, and memorable.
01
RESOURCE CENTER
Describe the service and how customers or clients can benefit from it.
02
FEATURE BANNER
Describe the service and how customers or clients can benefit from it.
03
RESOURCE CENTER
Describe the service and how customers or clients can benefit from it.
THE CHALLENGE
BUILDING A SINGLE SOURCE OF TRUTH FOR ADVSORS TO RELY ON TO ACCESS THE LATEST VERSION OF IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS & RESOURCES
The previous dashboard offered information, but not insight. Advisors were spending more time searching for data than acting on it—navigating multiple tabs, redundant widgets, and scattered workflows to complete everyday tasks.
Advisors usually had to search multiple locations to source the right documrnt and often lost precious time making sure they had the most updated forms for important paperwork.
This case study documents the efforts to truly understand the needs of advisors and design a platform that truly functions as an extension of the advisors themselves.
MY ROLE
As the sole designer behind Localiv, I led the project from concept to completion, defining not only how the product looks and functions, but also what it stands for. This meant wearing multiple hats: researcher, strategist, experience designer, and storyteller.
product strategy & concept development
Defined the vision and purpose of Localiv, identifying the gap in how local artists and patrons connect, and shaping the app’s core value proposition by transforming an idea into a cohesive product vision.
branding &
storytelling
Built a compelling narrative around Localiv’s mission and identity by developing the brand story, logo concept, and tone of voice. Positioned Localiv as both a platform and a movement — a space where creativity ripples outward.
design synthesis &
presentation
Framed Localiv as a potential real-world solution grounded in empathy and cultural impact. Synthesized research, process, and outcomes into a cohesive case study and vision pitch formed around design rationale and evolution.
WHY WAS THIS NECESSARY
This project emerged while I was working on digitizing the advisor onboarding flow, which relied heavily on multiple forms and templates. Gathering all the relevant documents turned out to be the most time-consuming part of the process - there was simply no single place to find them.
This was an important step and could not be overlooked as a majority for financial documentation is heavily dependant on having the right paperwork.
This mattered because advisors often operate under time pressure, juggling multiple client needs. Searching through old emails or folders for the “right” document was a source of daily frustration.
Describe the service and how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description with relevant details, like pricing, duration and how to book.
Intelligent Filtering
Intelligent Filtering
BASIC DOCUMENT LIBRARY
INTELLIGENT FILTERING
& SORTING
WELL-ROUNDED
RESOURCE CENTER
IMPLEMENTING SCALING STARTEGIES
Why does it matter?
This effort went beyond simply having documents in one place.
A dedicated Resource Center isn’t just a convenience — it’s a productivity multiplier. The shift from scattered, informal file sharing to a structured, evolving hub ensures advisors always have the most accurate information at hand, builds trust in the platform, and creates space for continued feature growth.
Cut search time for important documents significantly through centralized access and smart filtering.
Improved accuracy and compliance by ensuring everyone used the latest version of each file.
Enhanced platform value by expanding from a file library into a multifunctional advisor support hub.
Early Insights from User Research
Advisors had to search multiple locations to find frequently used documents, leading to frustration and time lost.
Many relied on downloaded copies or reached out to support instead of navigating the site.
"Certain documents were being accessed repeatedly, but always through inefficient or roundabout paths. It was clear that a centralized, easily navigable space was needed."
What we developed
Giving them one dependable place to find what they need removed friction from their workflow and freed them to focus on what truly matters—serving their clients.
Certain documents were being accessed repeatedly — but always through inefficient or roundabout paths. It was clear that a centralized, easily navigable space was needed.
What started as a document library evolved into a well-equipped resource center for advisors
Feature Banner for the Lab
During a redesign of the advisor dashboard at PCS Retirement, several new features were introduced — including goal tracking, data visualizations, and priority alerts. While the interface was more robust, it risked overwhelming returning users who were unfamiliar with the changes.
After launching an updated advisor dashboard, I designed a contextual intro banner that walked users through key changes — reducing confusion and support tickets.
PROBLEM
The legacy dashboard, lifted directly from the old system, was outdated and cluttered, slowing financial advisors down and making it difficult to access essential tools, client insights, and track progress.
PROBLEM
The legacy dashboard, lifted directly from the old system, was outdated and cluttered, slowing financial advisors down and making it difficult to access essential tools, client insights, and track progress.
PROBLEM
The legacy dashboard, lifted directly from the old system, was outdated and cluttered, slowing financial advisors down and making it difficult to access essential tools, client insights, and track progress.
Why does it matter?
This banner went beyond simply announcing “what’s new.”
By showing them exactly where important actions had moved and why the changes mattered, it reduced uncertainty and encouraged exploration.
Significantly reduce document search time through centralized access and intelligent filtering.
Significantly reduce document search time through centralized access and intelligent filtering.
Why does it matter?
This banner went beyond simply announcing “what’s new.”
By showing them exactly where important actions had moved and why the changes mattered, it reduced uncertainty and encouraged exploration.
35%
REDUCTION IN SUPPORT QUERIES
2x
BOOST IN TASK COMPLETION TIMES
85%
USERS FEEL MORE CONFIDENT USING THE LAB
What about the
numbers?
What this helped achieve
Single-click report posting
Annual review reports are a core compliance requirement for advisors, yet the posting process had long been a point of friction. This case study focuses on bringing that process front and center, turning a tedious obligation into a quick, one-click task.
The Solution
Describe the service and how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description with relevant details, like pricing, duration and how to book.
The Insight
Describe the service and how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description with relevant details, like pricing, duration and how to book.
Describe the service and how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description with relevant details, like pricing, duration and how to book.
Resource
Center
The Problem
Describe the service and how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description with relevant details, like pricing, duration and how to book.
Design Strategy
Describe the service and how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description with relevant details, like pricing, duration and how to book.
Intelligent Filtering
Intelligent Filtering
In addition to documents, it now includes guides, best practices, FAQs, and links to related tools — creating a one-stop hub for both operational and educational needs.
To improve usability, I introduced search and filtering options — enabling advisors to locate resources by type, category, or purpose quickly. This reduced browsing time and improved efficiency.
The first version was a simple, centralized page containing all relevant documents in one place. This eliminated the need for ad-hoc sharing and served as an initial “single source of truth.”
Why does it matter?
This banner went beyond simply announcing “what’s new.”
By showing them exactly where important actions had moved and why the changes mattered, it reduced uncertainty and encouraged exploration.
Significantly reduce document search time through centralized access and intelligent filtering.