Background
Discover
Why This Matters?
Every year in the U.S. about 400,000 ACL reconstruction surgeries are performed. only 65% of patients return to their pre-injury activity level, and fewer than 55% ever compete again
Research Approach
I began the discovery phase with secondary research, reviewing articles and papers to understand how people navigate long-term recovery and what challenges they face beyond clinical support.
Also I conducted six semi-structured interviews with four ACL recovery patients and two physiotherapists. This approach allowed flexibility to follow users’ stories while ensuring coverage of essential recovery topics
Comparing Existing Solution & Mapping the Research
I compared existing recovery and wellness apps like Kaia Health, Hinge Health, Calm, and Headspace to identify gaps.
And I mapped all qualitative insights from interviews, Reddit discussions, and app audits into an affinity map.
Finding key themes and opportunity
After organizing research data through affinity mapping, I synthesized the findings to identify patterns, pain points, and user needs from interviews, Reddit discussions, and competitive research. The goal was to uncover users' frustrations, motivations, and gaps between physical recovery, nutrition, sleep, and emotional well-being
Validated Persona & Journey Map
I shaped three personas representing different recovery rhythm from rebuilding strength to restoring peace of mind. I then mapped Daniel's complete journey to uncover critical pain points and opportunities for better support.
As I progressed further into my product development, I made sure every design choice I made exactly aligned with their needs and frustration.
Recovery is Holistic
Healing isn’t just physical — sleep, nutrition, and emotion shape recovery too.
Community Builds Motivation
Shared progress turns isolation into encouragement and accountability.
Synthesizing into Archetypes
After identifying key themes, I synthesized user insights into three behavioral archetypes that represent how people approach recovery, balance, and habit formation. These archetypes helped me design with empathy
I also explored ACL recovery groups on Reddit and other online spaces to hear real stories from people in recovery. Their posts revealed honest emotions, frustration, fear, and small wins. That helped me see what recovery really feels like beyond the clinic
After user testing, the navigation was redesigned in an iOS 16/17-style floating layout, creating a softer, more modern appearance. The new tabs Today, Explore, Ask, Circle, Me are simplified and renamed for clearer mental mapping
Recovery made simple, see the progress, stay consistent, and eat better without the guesswork.
Recovery made engaging
Detects flexion & extension angles instantly
Real-time voice & visual cues
Turns every rep into a progress game
Intelligence
Speak freely about recovery food, sleep, or pain
Voice-based journaling for emotional and physical trackingTurns
A safe, intelligent space that listens without judgment
Everything user need to recover, eat well, and stay balanced—beautifully in sync
Recover together, not alone.
A space to share progress, ask questions, and celebrate every small win
Rebuild
Feel better,
Move smarter.
Process
But How
did I get here?
HMW Statement
How might we design a experience that supports ACL patients in building consistent physical and emotional habits, connecting body, mind, and lifestyle to promote long-term recovery and balance?
How might we design a experience that supports ACL patients in building consistent physical and emotional habits, connecting body, mind, and lifestyle to promote long-term recovery and balance?
Align helps user rebuild the routine after an ACL injury not just physically, but as a whole person. With movement tracking, gentle food and sleep nudges, and daily wellness reflections, Align keeps your progress steady and your habits aligned
*Source: NIH, 2023, Aspetar Clinical Practice Guideline (2022)
Motivation & Consistency
Users begin recovery with enthusiasm but lose drive after the initial phase, especially when progress feels slow.
How might we help users stay motivated throughout long-term recovery?
Fragmented Health Tracking
Users juggle multiple apps for exercise, sleep, and nutrition.
How might we create one integrated space for physical, nutritional, and emotional recovery?
Guidance & Feedback
Generic exercises or reminders don’t adapt to user progress or pain level.
How might we tailor exercises, feedback, and nutrition to each user’s stage of recovery?
Emotional Support Gap
Recovery feels isolating, with limited empathy or human connection in current apps
How might we offer emotional reassurance and connection during solo recovery?
“Some days I feel like I’m doing everything right, but I still can’t tell if I’m actually improving. It’s frustrating not seeing progress.”
ACL Recovery Patient, 28
“I tell my patients to track their range of motion, but most give up after a week. It’s not that they don’t care, it’s just hard to stay consistent without clear feedback.”
Physiotherapist, 32
“When I can’t move properly, I lose motivation to eat well or sleep early. It all falls apart together.”
Goalkeeper Recovering from Knee Surgery, 26
Archetype #1
The Determined Tracker
Goal-oriented and structured. Tracks every rep, step, and meal. Motivated by data, visible progress, and achievement rings.
Archetype #2
The Emotional Healer
Values reassurance and self-kindness. Recovers through rest, reflection, and emotional support. Motivated by positive reinforcement and community empathy.
Archetype #3
The Guided Learner
Seeks expert-backed structure. Wants to do things right but depends on clear guidance and consistency cues
Storyboard & System
I created a system map to visualize how Align connects physical, mental, and lifestyle data across features, and a storyboard to show how users can interact with specific features in real-life recovery scenarios.
“When I can’t move properly, I lose motivation to eat well or sleep early. It all falls apart together.”
Goalkeeper Recovering from Knee Surgery, 26
Archetype #3
The Guided Learner
Seeks expert-backed structure. Wants to do things right but depends on clear guidance and consistency cues
Get the highlights
Recovery made simple. See the progress, stay consistent, and eat better without the guesswork.
Real-time motion tracking visualizes every rep, offering instant Ai feedback to support better form and smoother recovery.
Intelligence
Speak freely about your recovery—food, sleep, or how your knee feels today. This space listens without judgment.
This project began as a personal exploration into ACL recovery design. After early validation, it evolved into a collaboration with a health-tech startup to bring the concept into real-world testing and refinement.
Align
Track progress
Align is a behavior-centered recovery app designed to support users healing from ACL injuries not just physically, but holistically. Combining motion tracking, food logging, sleep insights, and mental wellness check-ins, Align helps users build daily habits that promote long-term recovery.
Results
idea to a real-world collaboration
Role
Product Design & Research
Timeline
June 2025 - Ongoing
Advisior
Arnold Mages
Testing Design
Develop
Based on the ecosystem, I structured the Information Architecture to define clear navigation patterns across five key sections Today, Explore, Ask, Circle, and Me ensuring smooth user flow and data continuity.
Testing Design
I conducted low-fidelity wireframe testing to validate the design. The goal was to ensure that users could set up their recovery phase, log progress, and navigate between physical, mental, and nutrition tracking without confusion.
Major improvements in the design
During wireframe testing, users struggled to interpret their daily recovery progress and felt less motivated to track it. The next iteration emphasized clarity, focus, and real-time feedback.
Style guide & Design System
What I Learned
What I could have done better
More Iterative Testing
Testing across all recovery phases could refine personalization further.
Broader Inclusivity
Involving users with diverse routines and lifestyles would widen insights.
The interface follows Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines, using SF Pro Display for its clean geometry and high legibility across light and dark modes.
Orange was chosen as the primary accent color to represent energy, warmth, and progress helping users associate rehabilitation with positivity rather than restraint.
Based on the ecosystem, I structured the Information Architecture to define clear navigation patterns across five key sections Today, Explore, Ask, Circle, and Me ensuring smooth user flow and data continuity.
The product
After user testing, the food screen was updated to add “Scan Food” for instant meal logging and “Change Suggestion” for flexibility. The “Ask” button was repositioned for contextual support, allowing users to get advice or alternatives while viewing a recipe
Problem Statement
Recovering athletes like Daniel need a holistic recovery tracking solution that unifies physical progress, mental readiness, and lifestyle factors because fragmented tracking across multiple apps leaves them uncertain about their true recovery status, unable to see how sleep and nutrition impact rehabilitation, and lacking the confidence to know when it's safe to return to sport.
Safe Vision
A new Experience
SafeVision is a conceptual product designed to enhance safety and navigation for public transit passengers. It leverages advanced technologies like AI, mixed reality, and wearable devices to empower users with tools for personal safety and improved transit experiences
Role
UX Design & Research
Timeline
October 2024 - Ongoing
Advisor
Tad Hirsch
Get the highlights
See others’ mood and tension levels at a glance calm, aware, and empathetic interaction.
See others’ mood and tension levels at a glance calm, aware, and empathetic interaction.
Get real-time, safer route guidance with location and context awareness.
Get real-time, safer route guidance with location and context awareness.
When tension rises, the system shifts to Danger Mode and enables one-tap emergency response.
When tension rises, the system shifts to Danger Mode and enables one-tap emergency response.
Process
But How
did I get here?
Real-time visual reassurance that reduces anxiety and enhances personal safety.
Exploratory Research and Territory Mapping
Research
I began by conducting secondary research to understand the broader challenges within the MBTA system.
Based on these insights, I created a territory map to visualize the main user groups, such as commuters, tourists, and elderly passengers, along with issues like inadequate signage, real-time information gaps, and accessibility challenges.
User Insights
surveys
I conducted a survey with 50 participants on Reddit to understand their perceptions of safety while using the MBTA, especially at night. We asked about their feelings of security and the tools they use to enhance their experience.
58%
23%
19%
Participants reported feeling unsafe while using the MBTA at night due to poor lighting, lack of visible staff, and general safety concerns.
Participants stated they feel safe, often citing busier routes and familiarity with the system.
Participants mentioned that using apps like Transit or other real-time tracking tools improves their experience and provides a sense of security.
Problem Statement
Finding
Public transit safety remains a challenge, leaving passengers feeling vulnerable to potential threats like harassment, violence, or emergencies.
HMW Statement
How might we help public transit passengers feel safer and more in control during their journeys?
Design Ideation & Sketch
A new experience
The SafeVision MBTA project leverages a user-centered design approach to enhance safety and navigation for public transit users. Through ideation sessions and sketching, several features were conceptualized to address user pain points identified during research, including safety concerns, navigation challenges, and real-time incident reporting.
Shield Mode: Real-Time Safety Insights
Shield Mode: Real-Time Safety Insights
Advance Safety
Shield Mode: Real-Time Safety Insights
Shield Mode: Real-Time Safety Insights
Advance Safety
Design Solution
A new experience
The SafeVision MBTA project applies the Three Horizons Framework to address safety challenges, balancing immediate solutions like panic buttons and SOS kiosks, mid-term enhancements like crowd heat maps with app, and future innovations like AR-enabled glasses.
“When I’m on the train late at night, I keep checking my surroundings. I just wish I knew who’s around me it would make me feel calmer.”
USER 4
“If something feels off, I don’t always know what to do. I want to feel like I have some control before things get serious.”
USER 2
“I don’t want the system to make me afraid of people. I want it to help me stay calm and safe like it’s watching out for me quietly.”
USER 3
Emergency Shield: Immediate Response
Emergency Shield: Immediate Response
In the Critic Section
Design Response
Advance Safety
How glass will get data
Data
The smart glasses collect data from public safety databases, real-time video feeds, transit system records, and crowdsourced feedback. They also use environmental data like lighting and weather and AI-trained models to analyze potential threats, enabling real-time safety alerts and proactive protection.
The smart glasses collect data from public safety databases, real-time video feeds, transit system records, and crowdsourced feedback. They also use environmental data like lighting and weather and AI-trained models to analyze potential threats, enabling real-time safety alerts and proactive protection.
Key Learning & Takeways
Through feedback and iteration, I learned that safety is also about emotional awareness and social comfort. People don’t just want to feel protected they want to understand how others around them feel. Designing the Anxiety Level feature showed how technology can build empathy, calm, and connection, not fear.
Through feedback and iteration, I learned that safety is also about emotional awareness and social comfort. People don’t just want to feel protected they want to understand how others around them feel. Designing the Anxiety Level feature showed how technology can build empathy, calm, and connection, not fear.
SafeVision scans the carriage and shows a calm Safe meter for nearby people. The green UI offers quiet reassurance so riders can stay aware without distraction.
When high-risk cues are detected, the panel escalates to Danger with a red meter and one-tap actions (e.g., Call Emergency, Alert Staff, Share Location) so riders can act quickly and safely.
During feedback, users said that feeling safe also depends on understanding people’s emotions.
They mentioned moments when someone seemed tense or distracted, making it hard to know how to interact.
Feedback showed that safety also means social awareness understanding how people feel around you. This led to the Anxiety Level feature, letting users sense others’ mood or stress levels through the glasses — knowing when it’s a good time to talk or give space.
During feedback, users said that feeling safe also depends on understanding people’s emotions.
They mentioned moments when someone seemed tense or distracted, making it hard to know how to interact.
Results
Elas
Construction Platform
Elas is a powerful platform that provides custom software solutions for enterprises, focusing on building complex ERP systems to improve efficiency and streamline operations. By combining traditional methods with modern technology, Elas helps businesses adapt to changing needs.
Role
UX Designer & Research
Timeline
May 2024 - Aug 2024
Team
Betsy, Kemi,Mark,12+
Results
Process
But How
did I get here?
HMW Statement
How might we simplify workflows and reduce cognitive load for construction teams managing complex projects?
Start with "5W and H" framework (Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How)
To better understand the challenges users faced on the old Elas platform, i applied the "5W and H" framework. This helped us focus our research by asking key questions.
With the new ELAS redesign, adding people became quick and effortless. What used to take minutes and 32 form fields now takes just a few clicks. Managers save almost 80% of their time, and the experience feels faster, clearer, and far less overwhelming.
94% faster team onboarding
Before
After
Before
After
Problem
Problem
Business goal
the manager spent nearly four hours just to add around 100 people. During this process, many users also felt confused navigating the platform, struggling to find basic functions. This not only delayed other important tasks but also highlighted how a lack of clarity and efficiency in design can slow down an entire construction workflow
WORK PROTECTED BY NDA
Due to confidentiality agreements, I’m unable to share detailed designs or the full process for this project. However, I’d be happy to discuss my role, approach of the Elas design—just reach out!
WORK PROTECTED BY NDA
Due to confidentiality agreements, I’m unable to share detailed designs or the full process for this project. However, I’d be happy to discuss my role, approach of the Elas design—just reach out!
Targer Audience
Who Uses Elas?
Primary Users: Construction Project Managers & Administrators
Manage users, assign tasks, track progress, and approve timesheets.
Secondary Users: Site Supervisors & Executives
Submit reports, approve budgets, and monitor KPIs.
Tertiary Users: Team Members (Engineers, Subcontractors
Log work hours, submit timesheets, and complete assigned tasks.
Questions
User Interviews
I conducted semi-structured interviews with 5 professionals across different roles in the construction industry.
What are your daily tasks on Elas?
What challenges do you face while managing tasks and reports?
How do you track project progress and approvals?
What features do you use the most, and which ones feel unnecessary?
What slows down your workflow or causes frustration?
I assigned users tasks such as creating new “email templates” on the settings page and adding new users to the platform from the "Manage My Org" section and record their behaviors .
Users struggled to find key actions due to cluttered top navigation.
Simple tasks like timesheet approvals required too many steps
Tracking project progress and pending reports wasn’t straightforward.
No pre-filled templates or automation slowed down task completion.
Those interviews gives me to identify four significant pain points.
Overcrowded Interface with Information Overload
Time-Consuming Workflows
Lack of Visibility
Manual Data Entry Issues
1
2
2
4
4
3
Competitive Audit
Efficiency & Usability in Construction Management Platforms
To better understand industry standards and identify opportunities for Elas, I analyzed leading construction management platforms. My research aimed to:
Identify key features that enhance usability and task efficiency.
Pinpoint gaps where existing solutions fail to meet user expectations
Competitive Audit
TAKEAWAYS
Based on the competitive audit, I analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of major platforms:
Competitive Audit
TAKEAWAYS
Based on the competitive audit, I analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of major platforms:
Gap
Identifying the Market Gap
None of the competitors offer a truly seamless experience combining efficient user onboarding, customizable workflows, and intuitive role-based controls.
After identifying this market gap, I revisited my user research and key pain points. I then began exploring how to use these insights to shape my design.
Gap
Identifying the Market Gap
None of the competitors offer a truly seamless experience combining efficient user onboarding, customizable workflows, and intuitive role-based controls.
After identifying this market gap, I revisited my user research and key pain points. I then began exploring how to use these insights to shape my design.
Ideation
Start with Rough Sketch
To address usability challenges, I explored multiple layout concepts through rough sketches. The primary focus was on streamlining navigation, improving task discoverability,
Ideation
Start with Rough Sketch
To address usability challenges, I explored multiple layout concepts through rough sketches. The primary focus was on streamlining navigation, improving task discoverability,
Start Collaborating with stakeholders to know more about their thoughts, and current user flow so how can i make better information Architecture from that
We modified the information architecture based on data, Reducing the form from 32 fields to around 12 made the process visibly simpler and less intimidating,
We modified the information architecture based on data, Reducing the form from 32 fields to around 12 made the process visibly simpler and less intimidating,
Observation
Patterns Identified:
Users prefer sidebar navigation over hide top tabs for better discoverability.
Bulk user management is expected, with CSV upload or multi-user selection.
Role labels are unclear, causing hesitation in assigning permissions.
Observation
Insight Identified:
Implement a sidebar layout for easier navigation
Add bulk user actions to streamline onboarding.
Clarify role permissions with tooltips or descriptions.
Shifting from a 12-field manual form to a 2-field invite flow drastically reduced friction for managers. Instead of filling every user detail, they now only enter an email and role — the system handles the rest.
During testing, we found that users often struggled to review or edit specific day entries within the weekly timesheet. Based on this feedback, we introduced a Day/Week toggle, allowing users to switch views easily. This small change greatly improved navigation, clarity, and overall task efficiency.
New Home
During user testing, we found that users already had an established mental model of how the platform should work. Based on this insight, we redesigned the Home page to better align with their expectations.
Final Product
Final Design
We crafted the new Elas home page to better reflect the brand's vision and enhance user engagement. Starting from scratch, the design prioritizes clarity and modern aesthetics while ensuring seamless navigation. The headline, "Automation, your way," conveys the core message, paired with visuals that resonate with the target audience.
Design
New Website from Scratch
Design
New Website from Scratch
Design
What I Learned
Ner website
Mental Models Matter
Testing showed that users already had clear mental patterns from similar tools. Aligning the design with those expectations made the experience smoother and easier to use.
User Feedback Changes Everything
Watching users interact with the prototype revealed gaps I didn’t anticipate, helping me design for real behavior instead of assumptions.
Iteration is Key
Not everything that works in wireframes works in real life — refining based on user behavior made the product more intuitive.
Long-Term Iteration
I couldn’t stay involved through multiple testing cycles. With more time, I would’ve continued refining the design to ensure lasting impact and consistency.
Reduce Friction in Daily Workflowsk
Users can quickly switch between boards, lists, and calendarsstaying productive without losing context.
Reduce Cognitive Load
The redesign of the ELAS onboarding system drastically improved efficiency and user experience. By reducing the number of input fields from 32 to just 2,
Simplify Process
Make it fast and easy for managers to add large teams without repetitive manual steps
Reduce time
Clarify navigation and workflows so users can complete tasks without hesitation.
Increase adoption
Encourage every stakeholder to use the platform confidently through a clear, intuitive experience
“I spend too much time just finding the right section to approve reports. It should be more intuitive and faster."
Project Manager
Testing Design
To validate early design decisions, I conducted usability testing with low-fidelity wireframes. The goal was to assess navigation efficiency, task discoverability, and overall usability before moving to high-fidelity designs.
Major improvements in the design
To better understand the challenges users faced on the old Elas platform, i applied the "5W and H" framework. This helped us focus our research by asking key questions.
Start with "5W and H" framework (Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How)
User Feedback Changes Everything
Watching users interact with the prototype revealed gaps I didn’t anticipate, helping me design for real behavior instead of assumptions.
Long-Term Iteration
I couldn’t stay involved through multiple testing cycles. With more time, I would’ve continued refining the design to ensure lasting impact and consistency.
Start Collaborating with stakeholders to know more about their thoughts, and current user flow so how can i make better information Architecture from that
Users struggled to find key actions due to cluttered top navigation.
Overcrowded Interface with Information Overload
Increase adoption
Encourage every stakeholder to use the platform confidently through a clear, intuitive experience
Next
