01 | Solutions

Turning UX strategy into tangible product outcomes

Based on the defined core flow, I translated the product logic into concrete, user-facing solutions that simplify job discovery and build trust.

Solution 1 Unified Search Experience

Three complementary modes designed for different user behaviors:

• AI Profile-Based Recommendations (default): delivers instant, relevant opportunities based on core profile data, ideal for fast browsing and low-effort job discovery

• AI PRO Match (Behavior-Driven): a premium, adaptive matching engine that learns from user actions, searches, and preferences. Produces compatibility scores and highly precise recommendations

• Manual Filters: a fully controlled search mode for freelancers who prefer explicit filtering and granular decision-making

  This system ensures that every user from beginners to experienced freelancers can choose the level of automation and transparency they are comfortable with.

  Solution 2 Transparent Recommendation Logic

  To rebuild trust, each job card clearly explains why it appears:

  • “Why this job?” micro-explanations

  • Key matching criteria surfaced upfront

  • Consistent clarity around role fit, safety, and payment

  This transparency removes guesswork, reduces skepticism, and supports informed decisions.

Solution 3 Focused, High-Clarity Job Cards

Job cards were restructured to reduce cognitive load and highlight only what freelancers actually use to evaluate credibility:

• Role fit indicators

• Payment clarity

• Legal/safety information

• Expected time commitment

• Key requirements in a scannable layout

This design enables faster triage and reduces the typical “information overload” associated with job platforms.

Solution 4 Streamlined 3-Step Application Flow

Following the optimized core path, the job-application journey was simplified to three predictable steps:

• View job details (Modal)

• Apply

• Receive confirmation → Dashboard

This reduces friction, prevents navigation loss, and guides freelancers through a calm, confident decision-making process.

Solution 5 A Consistent, Trust-Oriented Visual Language

The interface uses:

• Minimal cognitive noise

• Predictable structure

• Soft hierarchy

• Supportive micro-interactions

Together, these elements form a visual environment that feels calm, transparent, and trustworthy, aligning with the emotional needs identified during research.

02 | Visual System & Branding

The visual identity of FreeFlow was shaped by the emotional state of the user.

Freelancers facing chaotic platforms, unclear filters, and trust issues need a space that feels calm and supportive — not noisy or salesy. The color system is soft and neutral, creating a sense of clarity and psychological comfort.

Typography prioritizes readability, and all components follow a clear hierarchy with generous spacing. The brand tone is friendly, mature, and empathetic — designed to feel like a steady companion, not a loud marketplace.

Final Screens and Prototype

Based on user interviews and competitor research, it became clear that freelancers frequently switch between devices — browsing jobs on the go and managing applications in focused desktop sessions.

To support this behavior, I designed both a responsive web platform for full control and a mobile app for fast access, communication, and tracking.

The final prototype brings together everything defined through user research, prioritization, and interaction logic. It reflects a calm, intelligent interface that guides users through the job search process — with AI-driven suggestions, real-time filtering feedback, and lightweight interactions.

Key features visible here include:

– AI clever filtering - quick smart suggestion powered by AI

– AI Match PRO - advanced matching tailored to the user's full profile

– Manual Filtering, including Job relating filters section and Client relating filters section

The UI structure aims to feel intuitive and non-intrusive, respecting the user’s pace and preferred level of autonomy

Testing & Iteration

To validate the direction of the user flow, I conducted a moderated 1:1 usability test with a real freelance professional. I observed how they interacted with the prototype in real time, focusing on the job search flow.

Key insights from the session:

→ Job cards felt overloaded with too much information at first glance

I iterated by stripping the cards down to only the most essential data, moving details to the job description page.

→ Job search flow felt intuitive and self-guided

The user was able to complete the main path without help, confirming the strength of the chosen structure.

Changes made after testing:

• Simplified job cards for better scanability

• Emphasized core job-seeking flow as the platform’s central experience

• Added clear CTA and reduced clutter in the AI suggestions screen

This session confirmed that focusing on one core flow — AI-powered job suggestions — was the right UX decision, both in terms of UX and user emotional experience.

Next Steps

Building on the initial user flow and core AI recommendations, the next phase of FreeFlow would focus on deeping trust and long-term value for cross-border freelancers.

Planned future enhancements include:

→ Localized onboarding guidance

Tailor the onboarding flow based on user's location and legal context, making setup feel more relevant and reassuring

→ Legal & Tax Resource Hub

Provide region-specific content and tools that help freelancers navigate complex compliance questions

→ Expert access

Offer on-demand consultations with verified professionals in cross-border legal and tax fields

→ Community and mentorship Layer

Create a support space for freelancers to share experience, ask questions, and grow through connection

Takeaways

Empathy guided every design decision — not just research. As someone who’s lived the experience of a relocating freelancer, I knew that emotional safety is just as important as clean UX. I didn’t just follow the data — I asked myself:

“What would make me feel calm, in control, and welcome here?”

That question shaped every decision — from flow to tone to layout spacing.