04
Data Union
Client
Client
Various
Various
Type
Type
Product & Visual Design
Product & Visual Design
,
,
Branding
Branding
Year
Year
2022 - 2024
2022 - 2024
Subject
Subject
Accelerating Web3 Ventures: From Concept to MVP for the Dataunion Portfolio
Accelerating Web3 Ventures: From Concept to MVP for the Dataunion Portfolio
the challenge
Dataunion required a flexible design partner to bring "blue sky opportunities" to life for a diverse cohort of early-stage startups. The challenge was to guide these companies through their very first digital product launches. We needed to translate complex Web3 and AI technologies into "human-centered" experiences, moving from abstract concepts to tangible, market-ready applications in record time.
the insight
The platform was becoming "technologically incompatible" with the needs of modern makers. Our research revealed a disconnect: while the content was valuable, the "legacy platform" prevented intuitive interaction on mobile devices and newer screens.
To reach a new target demographic, we couldn't just patch the UI; we had to "reinvent" the visual language and create a responsive experience that felt native to the next generation of creators.
the insight
While each startup operated in a different sector—from Swiss hockey to circular recycling—they shared a common friction point: the technology was "technologically incompatible" with mainstream user expectations. The insight was that successful adoption relied on hiding the complexity of the underlying tech (Blockchain, AI) behind familiar, "digital-native" interfaces that focused on immediate user value rather than technical architecture.
the solution
01. Health & Wellness (ReflexDAO/Brainstem): I designed a holistic mobile platform where users can monitor health metrics and access professional care. The focus was on an "empathetic" UI that simplified medical data, creating a bridge between personal tracking and clinical support. 02. Circular Economy Ecosystem (Recycling Project): I constructed a robust "omnichannel ecosystem" connecting three distinct user roles: Collector, Storer, and Recycler. By defining clear goals and initiatives set by companies, I ensured the "logic" of the waste-recovery loop was seamless, gamifying the process to ensure a full recycling cycle is completed. 03. Sports Analytics (Swiss Hockey League): For the desktop experience, I focused on high-density "data visualization". The design translated raw match statistics into actionable insights for coaches and fans, organizing complex datasets into a clear "visual language". 04. AI Training Tool: I developed a "playful personality" for an in-house mobile tool. By utilizing gamification mechanics, we turned routine AI training tasks into an engaging loop, increasing user participation and data quality
the impact
This partnership enabled multiple startups to achieve "speed to market" with their first digital products. By "building from the ground up", we moved these ventures from theoretical whitepapers to functioning MVPs. The work established "scalable brand toolkits" for each startup, positioning them to secure funding and user adoption in the competitive Web3 landscape.
the solution
01. Extending the System (The Node): I branched and extended the core Ultimaker software products design system to establish the specific "Thingiverse Node." This wasn't just a visual update; it was a "scalable brand toolkit" that ensured the platform shared DNA with the parent ecosystem while maintaining its own unique identity.
02. Responsive Experience Overhaul: I designed and refined critical "human-centered" flows including Search, Ecommerce, Login, and the complex SCAD customizer. By focusing on a "build-first approach", we transitioned these features to be fully responsive, ensuring a seamless experience across all devices.
03. Visual Rebirth & Community Workbench: To appeal to a new demographic, I completed a total rebranding, defining a fresh "visual language" and asset library.
Crucially, we "partnered with" the community by launching "Thingiverse Workbench." Using tools like Figma Make, we created an "immersive environment" for rapid testing and feedback, allowing users to validate features before full deployment.
the impact
This partnership enabled multiple startups to achieve "speed to market" with their first digital products. By "building from the ground up", we moved these ventures from theoretical whitepapers to functioning MVPs. The work established "scalable brand toolkits" for each startup, positioning them to secure funding and user adoption in the competitive Web3 landscape.
the challenge
Thingiverse is a pillar of the 3D printing community, but it faced a critical "paradigm shift". The challenge was to integrate this massive platform into the broader Ultimaker ecosystem without alienating its loyal user base.
We needed to evolve it from a standalone repository into a connected "Thingiverse Node," requiring a "digital transformation" that balanced "historic legacy" with modern functionality for a new demographic.
