PUGPIG

Streamlining App Customization that Improved Onboarding and Retention
Streamlining App Customization that Improved Onboarding and Retention
Streamlining App Customization that Improved Onboarding and Retention
  • Product Workshop

  • Design System

  • Mobile App

  • Features Enhancement

  • Documentation

  • Kit Maintenance

MY ROLE

UX Lead - Interaction Design, Visual Design, Usability Testing, Rapid Prototyping

DELIVERABLES

User Research

Component Libraries

High Fidelity Designs

TEAM

Product Managers

Developers ( Web & Android)

Web Developers

YEAR

2023

Overview

Overview

Pugpig is the publishing platform behind the world's top media brands, powering websites, digital editions, and mobile apps.


Before the 'Pugpig Design Kit,' customizing apps on our platform was a complex, slow process, relying heavily on our support engineers. Achieving a unique app design was a daunting task for many.


The introduction of the 'Pugpig Design Kit,' created in Figma by Pugpig, revolutionized this process. This toolkit made app customization straightforward and accessible for everyone, regardless of their technical know-how. Accompanied by user-friendly documentation, it guided users through the customization process in a familiar interface, making app design both fun and simple.


This streamlined process not only democratizes app development but also ensures a swift transition from design to deployment, making it possible for anyone to bring their vision to life and share it with the world.

Complexity and Dependency

Complexity and Dependency

Customizing apps was a daunting task. Users struggled with limited flexibility, and the heavy reliance on our engineering team created bottlenecks. It was clear we needed a solution that removed these barriers, empowering users to take control of their app designs without technical assistance.

The Solution: A Collaborative Effort

The Solution: A Collaborative Effort

The idea was ambitious: develop a Figma-based Pugpig Design Kit that would make customization intuitive, flexible, and accessible.


Collaboration was critical to achieving this. I worked closely with the product manager to align on business goals and user needs. Together, we identified what could be customized and what should remain fixed, ensuring the tool balanced flexibility with feasibility.


We also engaged our engineering team to tackle the technical challenge of integrating user-created designs directly into the platform. Their expertise ensured that customizations could flow seamlessly from design to fully functional apps.

Validating Ideas and Collecting Data

Validating Ideas and Collecting Data

To ground the project in real user needs, I conducted thorough research. This included:

  • Auditing the platform: Mapping out customization capabilities to identify pain points and opportunities.

  • Stakeholder interviews: Gathering insights from internal teams to align on priorities.

  • User feedback: Listening to customer frustrations and their wish lists for app design.


This data revealed a key insight: users wanted deep customization options—like adjusting colors, fonts, and layouts—but in a way that felt simple and familiar.

Armed with this information, I validated my approach by creating a prototype of the Figma Design Kit and testing it with select users. Their feedback helped refine the toolkit and ensured it met their needs.

Observations

Observations

85%

Of customers expressed a desire for more extensive customization options, particularly in color schemes and typography and app layout.

60%

Of users encountered difficulties with the current customisation process, citing it as overly complex.

70%

Of customers indicated a need for more comprehensive guides and tutorials

80%

Of the insights were derived from audits and stakeholder discussions.

Creating a system

Creating a system

Armed with insights, I built a Figma component library. This library housed essential design elements—cards, tabs, navigation bars—addressing the 80% of users who wanted more customization options. By making the library intuitive and easy to navigate, we tackled complaints about the complexity of the old process and encouraged broader use of customization features.


Using Figma was a deliberate choice. Its familiarity reduced technical barriers, empowering users to take charge of their designs.

Design and Documentation

Design and Documentation

Next, I designed detailed layouts for timelines, storefronts, and settings, showcasing the toolkit’s flexibility. These examples helped users visualize how they could personalize their own apps.


Simultaneously, I created step-by-step guides in Help Juice. This documentation broke down the process, making customization approachable and fostering creativity among users.

The Outcome

The Outcome

The Pugpig Design Kit has been a game-changer. By combining an intuitive Figma library with clear, actionable guides, we’ve made app customization accessible, empowering users to bring their creative visions to life.


The results? Increased customer satisfaction, stronger loyalty, and business growth. More than a tool, the kit represents a leap forward in user-centered design, proving that with the right system, anyone can create something remarkable.

Key Metrics

Key Metrics

57%

Increase in customer satisfaction due to enhanced customisation capabilities.

63%

Increase in documentation visits in help juice, indicating higher interest in customisation.

34%

Increase in new customer acquisition attracted by the ease of app customisation.

34%

Increase in new customer acquisition attracted by the ease of app customisation.

Next Project

Next Project

Testimonials From Peers & Coworkers

Here are a few kind words people have to say about collaborating and solving problems with me.

  • I have again enjoyed Jaykay's design skills over the last 6 months. PS don't ask me anywhere near as many questions as they used to, thank you and it's super helpful to get reliable opinions about what we should do to address problems in a way that's best for our users, rather than what's easiest, or best for us.

    Benji Weiser

    Product Manager (Pugpig)

  • Jaykay stands out for sure because of his passion and work ethic. I appreciate his contributions and the ‘I’ll get it done attitude.’

    His unwavering confidence in his ability to complete tasks has been invaluable, even when faced with ambiguous client expectations and moments of uncertainty.


    Clara Shushunov

    UX Researcher (Modus)

  • Jaykay seamlessly combines design talent with all-round professionalism. It was a pleasure working with him, and I highly recommend.





    Charles Dairo

    CEO CKDIGITAL

  • Jaykay's dedication to design is evident and truly inspiring. The eagerness to tackle the steep learning curve at Pugpig and adapt to feedback stands out. Embracing the Pugpig Design Kit seamlessly showcases flexibility and a commitment to excellence.



    Harry Phillips

    Head of Product (Pugpig)

  • Jaykay is a highly talented product designer, known for his remarkable creativity and ease of collaboration.






    Christian Nwamba

    Senior Advocacy Amazon

  • I want to congratulate Jaykay for his outstanding work on the Money Map Project. Jaykay, your design skills are phenomenal, and it’s evident that you’ve listened to our feedback and responded with creativity and precision.



    Elton Vecchietti

    Director UX (Modus)

  • To my design fellow Jaykay for making great designs on short notice to communicate our vision to the client and win our trust and credibility with them once again. It’s great to have control over design strategy and it’s great to impress stakeholders with our expertise again and again.


    Dmytro Kovalenko

    UX Designer (Modus)

  • Big kudos to our exceptional designer, for taking charge during today’s client call with finesse. His professionalism and meticulous note-taking ensured both teams’ seamless and productive interaction. JayKay, you’re truly a standout!



    Kristina Munderovski

    Project Manager (Modus)

  • Jaykay's work always makes me happy! I love that I can provide an idea/task and Jaykay works his magic for me.






    Sponge Fairhurst

    Head of Engineering (Pugpig)

Some brands I've worked with…

Testimonials From Peers

& Coworkers

Here are a few kind words people have to

say about collaborating and solving

problems with me.

  • I have again enjoyed Jaykay's design skills over the last 6 months. PS don't ask me anywhere near as many questions as they used to, thank you and it's super helpful to get reliable opinions about what we should do to address problems in a way that's best for our users, rather than what's easiest, or best for us.

    Benji Weiser

    Product Manager (Pugpig)

  • Jaykay stands out for sure because of his passion and work ethic. I appreciate his contributions and the ‘I’ll get it done attitude.’

    His unwavering confidence in his ability to complete tasks has been invaluable, even when faced with ambiguous client expectations and moments of uncertainty.


    Clara Shushunov

    UX Researcher (Modus)

  • Jaykay seamlessly combines design talent with all-round professionalism. It was a pleasure working with him, and I highly recommend.





    Charles Dairo

    CEO CKDIGITAL

  • Jaykay's dedication to design is evident and truly inspiring. The eagerness to tackle the steep learning curve at Pugpig and adapt to feedback stands out. Embracing the Pugpig Design Kit seamlessly showcases flexibility and a commitment to excellence.



    Harry Phillips

    Head of Product (Pugpig)

  • Jaykay is a highly talented product designer, known for his remarkable creativity and ease of collaboration.






    Christian Nwamba

    Senior Advocacy Amazon

  • I want to congratulate Jaykay for his outstanding work on the Money Map Project. Jaykay, your design skills are phenomenal, and it’s evident that you’ve listened to our feedback and responded with creativity and precision.



    Elton Vecchietti

    Director UX (Modus)

  • To my design fellow Jaykay for making great designs on short notice to communicate our vision to the client and win our trust and credibility with them once again. It’s great to have control over design strategy and it’s great to impress stakeholders with our expertise again and again.


    Dmytro Kovalenko

    UX Designer (Modus)

  • Big kudos to our exceptional designer, for taking charge during today’s client call with finesse. His professionalism and meticulous note-taking ensured both teams’ seamless and productive interaction. JayKay, you’re truly a standout!



    Kristina Munderovski

    Project Manager (Modus)

  • Jaykay's work always makes me happy! I love that I can provide an idea/task and Jaykay works his magic for me.






    Sponge Fairhurst

    Head of Engineering (Pugpig)

Some brands I've worked with…

Testimonials From Peers & Coworkers

Here are a few kind words people have to say about collaborating and solving

problems with me.

  • I have again enjoyed Jaykay's design skills over the last 6 months. PS don't ask me anywhere near as many questions as they used to, thank you and it's super helpful to get reliable opinions about what we should do to address problems in a way that's best for our users, rather than what's easiest, or best for us.

    Benji Weiser

    Product Manager (Pugpig)

  • Jaykay stands out for sure because of his passion and work ethic. I appreciate his contributions and the ‘I’ll get it done attitude.’

    His unwavering confidence in his ability to complete tasks has been invaluable, even when faced with ambiguous client expectations and moments of uncertainty.


    Clara Shushunov

    UX Researcher (Modus)

  • Jaykay seamlessly combines design talent with all-round professionalism. It was a pleasure working with him, and I highly recommend.





    Charles Dairo

    CEO CKDIGITAL

  • Jaykay's dedication to design is evident and truly inspiring. The eagerness to tackle the steep learning curve at Pugpig and adapt to feedback stands out. Embracing the Pugpig Design Kit seamlessly showcases flexibility and a commitment to excellence.



    Harry Phillips

    Head of Product (Pugpig)

  • Jaykay is a highly talented product designer, known for his remarkable creativity and ease of collaboration.






    Christian Nwamba

    Senior Advocacy Amazon

  • I want to congratulate Jaykay for his outstanding work on the Money Map Project. Jaykay, your design skills are phenomenal, and it’s evident that you’ve listened to our feedback and responded with creativity and precision.



    Elton Vecchietti

    Director UX (Modus)

  • To my design fellow Jaykay for making great designs on short notice to communicate our vision to the client and win our trust and credibility with them once again. It’s great to have control over design strategy and it’s great to impress stakeholders with our expertise again and again.


    Dmytro Kovalenko

    UX Designer (Modus)

  • Big kudos to our exceptional designer, for taking charge during today’s client call with finesse. His professionalism and meticulous note-taking ensured both teams’ seamless and productive interaction. JayKay, you’re truly a standout!



    Kristina Munderovski

    Project Manager (Modus)

  • Jaykay's work always makes me happy! I love that I can provide an idea/task and Jaykay works his magic for me.






    Sponge Fairhurst

    Head of Engineering (Pugpig)

Some brands I've worked with…

Share with me

Got an idea?

Ready for a design adventure, or need product design advice? Ping me for fun collaboration

SAY HELLO

Share with me

Got an idea?

Ready for a design adventure, or need product design advice? Ping me for fun collaboration

SAY HELLO

Share with me

Got an idea?

Ready for a design adventure, or need product design advice? Ping me for fun collaboration

SAY HELLO