CLIENT:
Embrace
INDUSTRY:
UX/UI Design
ROLE:
UX/UI, Motion, Research
YEAR:
2026
Embrace
the shift.
problem.
Reducing friction and cognitive load for employees when creating and sharing internal posts within a complex, mature enterprise software suite.
outcome.
A highly accessible, data-driven interface that seamlessly balances intuitive guidance for novices with streamlined efficiency for power users.
The Embrace Social Composer required a strategic UX overhaul to minimize user friction. Through competitive benchmarking, expert interviews, and A/B testing, I translated raw data into targeted, micro-level optimizations grounded in UX laws. The redesigned composer proactively guides users, significantly reducing cognitive load for a frictionless communication experience.
the solution.
A Frictionless Communication Experience
AI-Powered Writing Assistant & Autocomplete
Intuitive & Frictionless Poll Creation
The final redesign of the Embrace Social Composer encompasses 15 targeted UX interventions designed to completely eliminate user friction. While this comprehensive overhaul optimizes the entire posting flow, the screens above highlight two prime examples of this transformation: an AI-driven writing assistant that accelerates content creation, and a highly intuitive interface for generating polls. Together with the rest of the optimized suite, these features drastically reduce cognitive load and empower seamless internal communication.
research.
Defining User Value
I mapped the core functionalities of the Social Composer to fully understand its impact on internal communication. By aligning specific features with underlying user needs, this analysis clarifies how the tool actively drives team collaboration, workflow efficiency, and overall engagement.
Explore the detailed breakdown: [Content Analysis]
Strategic Competitor Audit
To identify strategic opportunities, I audited key competitors like Facebook, LinkedIn, Viva Engage, and A&M Impact against the 10 Usability Heuristics and 21 UX Laws. I synthesized these findings into a comprehensive comparison matrix, evaluating core functionalities side-by-side. This one-page visual benchmark clearly highlights exactly where the Embrace composer can improve to match or outpace industry standards.
Explore the detailed audit: [Competitive Analysis]
Jesse has very strong research skills and a great ability to quickly dive deep into complex challenges. He truly knows the details of his research inside out.
Max van IJsselmuiden
Senior Product Designer @sandfield
Internal Stakeholder Insights
To uncover deep insights, I conducted qualitative interviews with 5 veteran Embrace experts from diverse disciplines. By asking strategic, open-ended questions, I gathered rich perspectives on the composer’s historical challenges and user needs. I synthesized these conversations using a thematic analysis to systematically code and group raw qualitative data into recurring core patterns. This process translated complex, diverse opinions into clear, actionable design priorities.
Explore the interview insights: [Thematic Analysis]
design.
Feature Prioritization
Translating research into action, I distilled all qualitative and quantitative data into 24 evidence-based design recommendations. To establish a realistic roadmap, I collaborated closely with the team to plot these features on an Impact/Effort Matrix. By systematically weighing user value against technical feasibility, we successfully separated the high-value 'Quick Wins' from the long-term 'Big Projects.' This alignment ensured our design and development efforts were strictly focused on delivering maximum impact from day one.
Explore the proposed features: [Recommendations & Matrix]
Collaborative Ideation
While generating concepts independently is effective, leveraging the collective brainpower of a design team acts as a true force multiplier. To translate the prioritized recommendations into tangible solutions, I facilitated a Round Robin session and participated in a rapid Crazy 8s workshop. These collaborative frameworks eliminated dominant voices and encouraged rapid iteration. By cross-pollinating ideas and continuously building upon each other's concepts, we dramatically accelerated the ideation phase and unlocked far more innovative UI directions.
Micro-Level Optimization
Because the Embrace Suite is a mature, established platform, its core foundation is already rock-solid. Therefore, my focus shifted toward micro-level optimizations. As a UX designer, my approach was to generate a wide range of UI variations and interaction patterns, evaluating them to identify clear 'winners.' By continuously refining these successful variations, we crafted a highly accessible and polished experience, embracing the core design philosophy that a digital product is never truly finished.
The Continuous Feedback Loop
A/B Test Comparison: Free Flow (A) vs. Guided Flow (B)
To ensure decisions were rooted in real user behavior, I continuously conducted A/B testing across UI variations. In one instance, users strongly favored Option B because it proactively guided group selection, reducing cognitive load and preventing errors before they occurred. This objective data fueled a continuous feedback loop of isolating these winning concepts, optimizing them further on a micro-level, and re-testing to guarantee a frictionless experience.
Jesse is a visually strong designer who consistently produces high-level UI work. He excels at backing up his designs with solid UX foundations and takes full ownership of his projects.
Isaï Aerts
Senior Product Designer @embrace
15 Strategic Interventions
Design Proposal #2 De psychologie achter de nieuwe flow
"To ensure a seamless experience for both novice and advanced users, I optimized the social composer with 15 strategic design enhancements. Every single decision was fully prototyped and rigorously backed by established UX heuristics and psychological laws. This approach successfully bridged the gap between cognitive theory and practical execution."
Explore all 15 decisions: [Interactive Design Rationale]
