Pledgr (SaaS Goal Platform)

Behavioral design and engagement for pledge/goal completion

  • Role: UX Researcher
  • Timeline: 2019–2020
  • Methods: Mixed Methods, Journey Mapping, Blueprinting, Usability
  • Tools: Figma, UserZoom, Survey tools
  • +30% session time
  • +45% feature engagement
  • +25% early adoption
  • -20% usability issues (beta)

Home Screen Redesign & Engagement

Problem

Users weren’t discovering pledge tools; session times were short; retention lagged.

My Role

Led UX research and partnered with design/engineering to rework the home experience.

Process
  • Interviews & usability tests on pledge creation/tracking
  • Iterative prototypes in Figma
  • Comparative tests to validate layout
Solutions
  • Dynamic progress indicators & CTAs
  • Simplified navigation and 'next steps' prompts
  • Contextual reminders to drive return visits
Outcomes
  • Session time ↑ 30%
  • Feature engagement ↑ 45%
  • Higher repeat interaction with pledge tools
Reflection

Data-driven improvements to the entry screen compound downstream engagement.

Comprehensive UX & Market Research Strategy

Problem

Needed a deep understanding of motivations and friction to shape roadmap and MVP.

My Role

Designed and executed mixed-methods research; synthesized into personas and frameworks.

Process
  • Interviews, surveys, usability testing
  • Competitive/landscape analysis
  • Behavioral models for goal-setting
Solutions
  • Onboarding & pledge creation guided by intrinsic motivation
  • Prioritized features that support habit formation
Outcomes
  • Early adoption ↑ 25% after changes
  • Reduced activation friction and abandonment
Reflection

Balanced speed with rigor to land a user-aligned MVP.

Journey Mapping & Service Blueprinting

Problem

Feature-focused design lacked a cohesive pledge-to-completion journey.

My Role

Mapped the full lifecycle from setup to completion, across product and ops.

Process
  • In-depth interviews; task analysis
  • Journey maps of decision points & motivation dips
  • Blueprints aligning notifications/support
Solutions
  • Milestone-based progress features
  • Feedback loops at key moments
  • Refined onboarding for achievable pledges
Outcomes
  • Usability issues ↓ 20% in beta
  • Higher completion likelihood after pledge start
Reflection

A holistic view prevents ‘feature islands’ and reduces drop-off.

Human-Centered Design in a Lean SaaS Startup

Problem

Needed rapid iteration without losing user alignment for habit-forming tools.

My Role

Embedded lightweight research in sprints; facilitated co-design and metrics-first decisions.

Process
  • Usability checkpoints each sprint
  • Rapid feedback sessions
  • Evidence-based prioritization
Solutions
  • User-first mindset over feature-first
  • Continuous learning loops in development
Outcomes
  • Faster cycles without sacrificing insight
  • Improved product-market fit and satisfaction
Reflection

Human-centered design scales even in lean environments.