SaaS teams don't usually have a product problem—they have a UX and system evolution problem. I help teams modernize their product UX and design systems without slowing down engineering or requiring a full-time hire.
Through a flexible, embedded model, I work directly with product and engineering teams to simplify workflows, improve usability, and evolve the product experience in a way that compounds over time.
Many SaaS products reach a point where the product is strong—but the user experience starts to lag behind. As features are added over time, teams often run into the same challenges.
Workflows become more complex and harder to navigate
Information architecture becomes fragmented across the product
UI patterns drift and become inconsistent
The overall look and feel starts to feel outdated
Design systems exist, but are not actively evolving
The product continues to grow—but usability, clarity, and consistency begin to erode.
Instead of a full redesign or heavy process, I work in a lightweight, embedded model alongside product and engineering teams. The focus is on identifying high-impact improvements and implementing them incrementally.
Identify friction and inefficiencies in core user paths
Reduce cognitive load through clearer task flows
Improve information clarity across the product
This approach prioritizes progress over perfection—small improvements that compound into meaningful change.
Overview of active cases and metrics
| Case ID | Subject |
|---|---|
| IG5-2847 | Compliance review Q4 |
| IG5-2846 | Audit trail verification |
| IG5-2845 | Policy update notification |
| IG5-2844 | Access control remediation |
| IG5-2843 | Quarterly risk assessment |
This approach was applied in partnership with Agate Software, a SaaS company building government-focused products, including the IG5 platform. The product had strong functionality and domain depth, but the experience had become more complex and less cohesive over time.
ImpactImprovement in overall user experience
More intuitive task completion
Navigation and reduced user friction
Alignment between design and business goals
Just as importantly, the product established a stronger foundation for continued evolution.
Complex multi-step processes were analyzed, consolidated, and redesigned to reduce cognitive load while maintaining the depth required for compliance workflows.
Simplified 4-step process (previously 9 steps)
A key part of this work is evolving the existing design system rather than replacing it. This avoids the cost and disruption of a full system rebuild while still moving the product forward.
Standardized components and patterns
I operate as a fractional, embedded product design partner. This model works well for teams that need senior design support without committing to a full-time hire.
Aligned to team capacity and priorities
Work side-by-side with product and engineering
Minimal overhead, maximum output
Fits within existing workflows and timelines
Targeted improvements, not broad redesigns
Systems thinking applied to product decisions
Depending on where the product is, I draw on these services to improve experience, consistency, and velocity—without disrupting what's already working.
Standardize patterns and modernize components without a full rebuild
Rethink high-friction workflows end-to-end for clarity and speed
Identify and resolve pattern drift across the product
Update the look and feel to match current SaaS expectations
Bridge the gap between design intent and implementation
Restructure how content and features are organized across the product
Beyond immediate improvements, the work positioned the product for what's next. The focus was on practical decisions that support long-term product growth.
A more scalable foundation that adapts as the product evolves
Aligned with current SaaS expectations and interaction patterns
A structure that can support AI-assisted features where appropriate
For SaaS teams where the product is strong but UX and systems need to catch up, this type of embedded, incremental approach provides a clear path forward.