Launch date: October 2022

Live at: https://calculator.platformstud.io/

Role: Lead developer, UX/UI designer, system architect

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CONTEXT

The tool was designed for Platform Venture Studio's portfolio companies to use for investor pitches and to help track their relevant metrics. This was the first project I was given at the studio to handle entirely on my own. As an ambitious designer and developer, I was more than willing to take on this challenge. It was certainly way more challenging than I had anticipated, but I am so grateful that I was trusted with this tool so early in my career.

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CHALLENGES

The unit economics tool existed only as a financial model in excel before I was handed the project. I was tasked with reverse-engineering the excel formula to create an accurate calculator while simultaneously creating an experience that was extremely intuitive for users. I thought the hard part was the math (as a designer you can imagine that isn't my strength), but creating the app around the calculations proved to be the most difficult.

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Regarding ease of use, creating simple tooltips was a surprisingly difficult task. I simultaneously wanted users to understand the concepts without overwhelming them with information. Since CAC Recovery and CAD Doubling are not universal concepts, this was a great lesson in UX writing.

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LEARNINGS

This tool is one of my proudest individual achievements, both technically and mentally. I typically thrive when I get to solve complex problems, but normally I have some form of a solution before I tackle the project. With this one, I had absolutely no idea how I was going to build this when I accepted the challenge. At the end of the day, it is a simple tool; but for me, it was an incredible learning experience. I also learned so much about the value of Unit Economics in context with early-stage venture; these lessons have made me a better UX researcher and product leader when working with founders.

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