WAGAS Group
Product development for a technology start-up that delivers measurable business value
UI/UX Design, Application Design & Development
Role: Designer & Developer
Context: Start-up Investment Platform
Duration: Jun 2020 - present
My individual contribution
I was hired as the only designer on the team, working under the product team, while also assisting in marketing design efforts. I reported directly to the VP of product and the CEO (who was a design advocate). Being a part of a team where leadership was built on the understanding that great design is important, allowed me to create my best work. I was originally hired to work on the marketing landing pages, banner ads and social media collateral, but quickly moved into a product design role. I worked closely with a team of three software engineers to build the best cross-platform product possible that was not only aesthetically pleasing, but also feasible with our tight deadlines.Research
Interactive Design
Visual Design
CLIENT DETAILS
Understanding the company.
WAGAS creates business growth hacking programs, creating a win-win scheme for corporates & start-ups, using globalisation to nurture & boost international innovation cooperation.
When I was hired, the company was pivoting from an investment team of deep tech specialists, richly experienced, multi-functional across similar sectors over the last two decades. WAGAS believes in empowering enterprises by creating collaborations between startups, corporates and investors. Our programs will allow innovators to develop concepts, seek expert’s advice, get funded and outperform expectations. WAGAS has a unique ecosystem to nurture & accelerate developments for international commercialisation of talented experts’ ideas, projects & start-ups in cybernetics or emerging technologies.
When I was hired, the company was pivoting from an investment team of deep tech specialists, richly experienced, multi-functional across similar sectors over the last two decades. WAGAS believes in empowering enterprises by creating collaborations between startups, corporates and investors. Our programs will allow innovators to develop concepts, seek expert’s advice, get funded and outperform expectations. WAGAS has a unique ecosystem to nurture & accelerate developments for international commercialisation of talented experts’ ideas, projects & start-ups in cybernetics or emerging technologies.
1
Project Manager
1
Product Designer
3
Software engineers
75 +
Users
01 /
CHAPTER
RESEARCH
KEY ASSUMPTIONS
Target audience.
Companies that could benefit most from WAGAS investment assistance.
The ideal target audience for a company specializing in helping start-ups expand into international markets, particularly focusing on China, would include ambitious and innovative start-up founders seeking to tap into the immense growth potential of the Chinese market. This group is characterized by a desire to scale their business beyond domestic borders and is open to strategic partnerships and guidance to navigate the complexities of entering a new market. Start-ups with products or services that align with the unique needs and preferences of the Chinese consumer base, such as technology, e-commerce, and innovative solutions, would find significant value in the expertise provided by the expansion assistance company.
Additionally, venture capitalists and angel investors who are actively supporting start-ups and portfolio companies could be another crucial target audience. These investors are often keen on maximizing the return on their investments and recognize the strategic importance of entering the Chinese market. By offering tailored solutions and insights into the regulatory landscape, cultural nuances, and market trends in China, the expansion assistance company can appeal to the investment community looking to enhance the global reach and profitability of their start-up portfolios. This target audience would value the company’s ability to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities, ultimately contributing to the success and growth of their investment portfolios in the dynamic Chinese market.
The ideal target audience for a company specializing in helping start-ups expand into international markets, particularly focusing on China, would include ambitious and innovative start-up founders seeking to tap into the immense growth potential of the Chinese market. This group is characterized by a desire to scale their business beyond domestic borders and is open to strategic partnerships and guidance to navigate the complexities of entering a new market. Start-ups with products or services that align with the unique needs and preferences of the Chinese consumer base, such as technology, e-commerce, and innovative solutions, would find significant value in the expertise provided by the expansion assistance company.
Additionally, venture capitalists and angel investors who are actively supporting start-ups and portfolio companies could be another crucial target audience. These investors are often keen on maximizing the return on their investments and recognize the strategic importance of entering the Chinese market. By offering tailored solutions and insights into the regulatory landscape, cultural nuances, and market trends in China, the expansion assistance company can appeal to the investment community looking to enhance the global reach and profitability of their start-up portfolios. This target audience would value the company’s ability to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities, ultimately contributing to the success and growth of their investment portfolios in the dynamic Chinese market.
HR
Design
Management
Engineering
Sales
Marketing
PERSONAL DETAILS
Synthesising User Research.
Companies
Have trouble collaborating with foreign businesses overseas.
Start-ups
Struggle to find new investment opportunities to expand their business.
Owners
Aren’t engaged enough with their
Chosen specialist when looking for grants and funding.
Employees
Don’t end of finishing funding applications due to the high level of data required.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
Feature prioritisation.
MUST HAVE
High Impact
Data input form selection
Create Start-ups
Start-up services
Find investment funds
Project information sheets
Removal rights
Investment priorities
Contribution rights
Pipeline deal flow
Data input form selection
Create Start-ups
Start-up services
Find investment funds
Project information sheets
Removal rights
Investment priorities
Contribution rights
Pipeline deal flow
NICE TO HAVE
High Impact
Start-up services
Events
Collaboration
Help guides
Video tutorials
Accelarators
Product/Service overview
Contribution rights
Advanced technologies hub
Start-up services
Events
Collaboration
Help guides
Video tutorials
Accelarators
Product/Service overview
Contribution rights
Advanced technologies hub
EXPECTED
High Impact
Dashboard overview
Browse contacts
Opportunities tab
Reports
Guidelines
WAGAS Contracts
Dataroom
Business objectives
Business guidelines
Dashboard overview
Browse contacts
Opportunities tab
Reports
Guidelines
WAGAS Contracts
Dataroom
Business objectives
Business guidelines
UNEXPECTED
High Impact
Basics
Pro as a service
Growth technologies
Talent alignment
Marketplace
Corporate
Investors lobby
Deep tech
Team update notifications
Basics
Pro as a service
Growth technologies
Talent alignment
Marketplace
Corporate
Investors lobby
Deep tech
Team update notifications
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
Understanding the competition.
Angel Investment Network
Where great businesses and great people meet.
SFC Capital
SFC is the UK’s most active
early-stage investment firm.
Speed Invest
Hands-on support from our investors and in-house Portfolio Success team, along with access to Europe’s largest network of experienced founders, industry leaders, and operational experts.
Dealroom
Discover the world’s most promising companies, perform in-depth company research and analysis, and keep your deal pipeline full with Dealroom.
500 Global
500 Global is a venture capital firm with $2.4 billion¹ in assets under management that invests in founders building fast-growing technology companies.
Seedcamp
Seedcamp identify and invest early in world-class founders attacking large and global markets through disruptive technology.
02 /
CHAPTER
INTERACTIONS
USERFLOW
Low Fidelity interactions.
PRIMARY PERSONA TYPES
Primary persona types
The distinction between the different personas will dictate how much flexibility a user can have on WAGAS as an individual contributor.
Innovative Entrepreneurs
Description:
Tech-savvy entrepreneurs leading start-ups in cutting-edge industries such as technology, e-commerce, and innovative solutions. They are enthusiastic about leveraging their tech products or services to meet the specific needs and preferences of the Chinese consumer base.
Key Traits:
Tech-oriented, adaptable, forward-thinking, and interested in tailoring their offerings to align with the unique demands of the Chinese market.
Tech-savvy entrepreneurs leading start-ups in cutting-edge industries such as technology, e-commerce, and innovative solutions. They are enthusiastic about leveraging their tech products or services to meet the specific needs and preferences of the Chinese consumer base.
Key Traits:
Tech-oriented, adaptable, forward-thinking, and interested in tailoring their offerings to align with the unique demands of the Chinese market.
Investment
Strategists
Description:
Venture capitalists and angel investors actively supporting start-ups, aiming to maximize returns on their investments. They recognize the strategic importance of entering the Chinese market and value insights and solutions that can enhance the global reach and profitability of their investment portfolios.
Key Traits:
Results-oriented, keen on mitigating risks, and interested in opportunities that contribute to the success and growth of their investment portfolios, particularly in the dynamic and expansive Chinese market.
Venture capitalists and angel investors actively supporting start-ups, aiming to maximize returns on their investments. They recognize the strategic importance of entering the Chinese market and value insights and solutions that can enhance the global reach and profitability of their investment portfolios.
Key Traits:
Results-oriented, keen on mitigating risks, and interested in opportunities that contribute to the success and growth of their investment portfolios, particularly in the dynamic and expansive Chinese market.
Global-Minded
Tech Innovators
Description:
Tech-savvy entrepreneurs leading start-ups in cutting-edge industries such as technology, e-commerce, and innovative solutions. They are enthusiastic about leveraging their tech products or services to meet the specific needs and preferences of the Chinese consumer base.
Key Traits:
Tech-oriented, adaptable, forward-thinking, and interested in tailoring their offerings to align with the unique demands of the Chinese market.
Tech-savvy entrepreneurs leading start-ups in cutting-edge industries such as technology, e-commerce, and innovative solutions. They are enthusiastic about leveraging their tech products or services to meet the specific needs and preferences of the Chinese consumer base.
Key Traits:
Tech-oriented, adaptable, forward-thinking, and interested in tailoring their offerings to align with the unique demands of the Chinese market.
Strategic Market
Entry Enthusiasts
Description:
Seasoned professionals or business leaders exploring opportunities for market entry into China. They understand the potential benefits of expanding into this dynamic market and are seeking a partner with expertise in regulatory compliance, cultural understanding, and market trends.
Key Traits:
Strategic thinkers, experienced in business, open to new opportunities, and looking for a comprehensive approach to entering the Chinese market successfully.
Seasoned professionals or business leaders exploring opportunities for market entry into China. They understand the potential benefits of expanding into this dynamic market and are seeking a partner with expertise in regulatory compliance, cultural understanding, and market trends.
Key Traits:
Strategic thinkers, experienced in business, open to new opportunities, and looking for a comprehensive approach to entering the Chinese market successfully.
03 /
CHAPTER
EXECUTION
HIGH FIDELITY DESIGNS
Anatomy of a library.
Library colour swatches
Library colour swatches
Libraries come with multiple customisable components.
One of the main customisation options is the ability to change the primary library color. The primary colour will be reflected when users view the library card and further more, when the user clicks into the library card to view the content within.
#70DEDE
#ffffff
#051D47
#3EC3C0
#3FAAB0
#3CE2EB
Business objectives
High-fidelity mockups for the WAGAS CRM platform epitomize a meticulous synthesis, aligning features with the precise needs and preferences of its users.
Design Process
This intricate process involves a thorough analysis of user requirements, preferences, and objectives, followed by the integration of corresponding features that adeptly address these aspects.
Mockup Results
The result is a visually refined interface that not only enhances the platform’s aesthetic appeal but also ensures a harmonious fusion of design and functionality tailored to the unique requirements of CRM users.
USER INTERFACE 01
Mobile Friendly Application
I was entirely responsible for the development of the website other than the word content. I worked as the lead software developer on the CRM platform. I was helped by some members of the team and directed instructions for them.
Links, notes, lists
Notification
Customisation
Collaboration
The collaboration feature was strategized, researched, designed and developed for iOS, Android and responsive web.
Mobile Friendly Application
I was entirely responsible for the development of the website other than the word content. I worked as the lead software developer on the CRM platform. I was helped by some members of the team and directed instructions for them.
Links, notes, lists
Notification
Customisation
Collaboration
The collaboration feature was strategized, researched, designed and developed for iOS, Android and responsive web.
USER INTERFACE 02
WAGAS Ventures Dashboard
This application helped investors and start-up owners under the WAGAS soft landing program keep track of R&D grants, sales, task management and upcoming events. Its primary function was to obtain company data as a means to obtain R&D grants entitled to a specific profile of start-up.
View expenses and profit
Review Task Management
Make financial projections
Manage R&D Grants
When a WAGAS user receives access to a library as a collaborator, they will get a push notification on WAGAS if they are an existing user or a SMS message if they are not a member.
WAGAS Ventures Dashboard
This application helped investors and start-up owners under the WAGAS soft landing program keep track of R&D grants, sales, task management and upcoming events. Its primary function was to obtain company data as a means to obtain R&D grants entitled to a specific profile of start-up.
View expenses and profit
Review Task Management
Make financial projections
Manage R&D Grants
When a WAGAS user receives access to a library as a collaborator, they will get a push notification on WAGAS if they are an existing user or a SMS message if they are not a member.
USER INTERFACE 03
Official Website
I was entirely responsible for the development of the website other than the word content. I worked as the lead software developer on the CRM platform. I was helped by some members of the team and directed instructions for them.
Accelerators
Pros as a service
Business Growth
Basics
However, the most important part about a team’s success is their privacy. Library settings allow teams to remain unseen by the public eye while keeping their internal stakeholders involved.
Official Website
I was entirely responsible for the development of the website other than the word content. I worked as the lead software developer on the CRM platform. I was helped by some members of the team and directed instructions for them.
Accelerators
Pros as a service
Business Growth
Basics
However, the most important part about a team’s success is their privacy. Library settings allow teams to remain unseen by the public eye while keeping their internal stakeholders involved.
HIGH FIDELITY DESIGNS
Android material design reskin.
KEY FINDINGS
Measuring success.
“Building a meaningful collaboration product required more than talent and skill. It meant putting complete trust in the team while also identifying ways to add value in areas other than design”.
What I did well
At WAGAS Ventures, our journey has been nothing short of a rapid evolution, and this narrative echoes particularly true for my role as the sole designer on the team. Unlike many startups, the pace of innovation at WAGAS Ventures, fuelled by our platform, has been exceptional. As the design maestro, I played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identity across diverse channels – from marketing materials and landing pages to the iOS, Android, and web applications.
In this dynamic environment, meticulous attention to detail was paramount. Effective communication was the linchpin, and the daily stand-ups became our ritual. Each morning, the entire team converged to sync on daily tasks and update on weekly goals. This practice fostered transparency, revealing overlaps and dependencies across departments. The stand-ups also provided an inclusive space for every team member to voice their thoughts.
One distinctive practice that set us apart was our commitment to “eating our own dog food.” Internally using our product allowed us to deeply understand its strengths and pinpoint pain points. This internal feedback loop, coupled with data from tools like appsee.com, became the compass guiding frequent iterations. By aligning with the experiences of our team, we not only enhanced our product but also cultivated a collective investment in the success of WAGAS Ventures.
In this dynamic environment, meticulous attention to detail was paramount. Effective communication was the linchpin, and the daily stand-ups became our ritual. Each morning, the entire team converged to sync on daily tasks and update on weekly goals. This practice fostered transparency, revealing overlaps and dependencies across departments. The stand-ups also provided an inclusive space for every team member to voice their thoughts.
One distinctive practice that set us apart was our commitment to “eating our own dog food.” Internally using our product allowed us to deeply understand its strengths and pinpoint pain points. This internal feedback loop, coupled with data from tools like appsee.com, became the compass guiding frequent iterations. By aligning with the experiences of our team, we not only enhanced our product but also cultivated a collective investment in the success of WAGAS Ventures.
What I would do differently
In the early stages of my involvement with the WAGAS Ventures platform, I recognised a crucial lesson that has shaped my approach: the importance of asking strategic questions during product meetings. Beyond gaining insights into the product roadmap, scope, and potential roadblocks, these inquiries helped me pinpoint where to allocate my efforts most effectively. As the sole designer juggling responsibilities across three different platforms, I quickly realized the necessity of making informed decisions, supported by rational reasoning, especially when faced with challenging choices.
Understanding that sacrifices were inevitable, I embraced the power of asking the right questions to unravel the core challenges. This approach allowed me to reverse engineer viable solutions based on considerations of time and scope. Looking back, I acknowledge the value of incorporating more prototyping during the exploration phase.
Despite having an exceptional engineering team, the time invested in building certain features could have been significantly reduced by early validation through high-fidelity prototypes. Not only would this have saved considerable engineering resources, but it would have also ensured that our efforts were focused on constructing features validated and well-received by our user base.
Understanding that sacrifices were inevitable, I embraced the power of asking the right questions to unravel the core challenges. This approach allowed me to reverse engineer viable solutions based on considerations of time and scope. Looking back, I acknowledge the value of incorporating more prototyping during the exploration phase.
Despite having an exceptional engineering team, the time invested in building certain features could have been significantly reduced by early validation through high-fidelity prototypes. Not only would this have saved considerable engineering resources, but it would have also ensured that our efforts were focused on constructing features validated and well-received by our user base.
