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Rediscovering Emotion and Accessibility in Design
A redesign project that redefined how I see the connection between aesthetics and usability.
Every 6–12 months, I revisit my previous designs to refine them and push my visual craft further. After 1.5 years of growth and feedback, I wanted to challenge myself to revisit some of Calyptus’s most complex interfaces the user profile, job pool, and onboarding flow, and see how I could push them visually and structurally. My goal was simple: bring more clarity, hierarchy, and accessibility into spaces filled with information and actions.
Main Challenges
The original designs worked functionally but suffered from visual noise and cognitive overload. Too many competing elements made it harder for users to focus on what mattered most. Some of the biggest challenges included:
Visual clutter and lack of whitespace
Weak hierarchy between key sections
Accessibility and contrast issues
Use of color without purpose or rhythm
What I Did
My goal was to simplify perception and reduce cognitive load, so users could get value faster without losing functionality.
Checked all colors and typography against APCA (WCAG 3.0) standards
Reduced color noise, used the brand color only for primary actions and highlights
Established a clearer hierarchy through consistent typography, spacing, and alignment
Built a stronger visual rhythm across layouts for a more cohesive flow
User Profile
The profile is the core of Calyptus - a space where engineers present themselves and where every detail shapes how they’re matched to jobs. The old version felt heavy and dense. Too much information fought for attention, and the page lacked a clear visual rhythm.
I wanted to make it feel calm and structured, like a professional dashboard, not a spreadsheet. I worked on giving information more breathing room, creating visual flow through typography and spacing, and bringing attention to what truly matters for candidates and recruiters alike.
Job Pool
The Job Pool is where candidates discover opportunities and see their matches. I reorganized the layout to create stronger visual anchors: clear groups, more consistent spacing, and visual rhythm that guides the eye naturally.
Onboarding
Onboarding is where new candidates start shaping their identity within Calyptus. The original version felt cluttered and overwhelming, so I focused on guidance and motivation, simplifying steps, adding progress feedback, and reducing visual noise.
It turned from a tiring checklist into a guided experience that made users feel confident and in control.
Summary
This redesign was about reducing friction and creating visual clarity that helps people move through complex information with ease. I focused on making every screen feel lighter, more structured, and purposeful, so users can focus on what truly matters, not just what’s on screen.
My Lessons
Accessibility sharpens design thinking
Revisiting my old work reminded me how much clarity and inclusivity elevate good design into great design. Designing with accessibility in mind — checking color contrast, rhythm, and typography against updated WCAG standards — not only improves usability but also trains the eye to see balance, structure, and meaning in every pixel.
Emotion is a function, not decoration
I used to view beauty as a finishing touch, now I see it as a strategic tool. Emotionally engaging visuals guide focus, build trust, and make experiences memorable. A well-crafted interface doesn’t just look good; it makes users feel good, and that feeling drives real engagement and better UX outcomes.
Get in touch
I’m always interested in exploring new opportunities, collaborating, or exchanging ideas with like-minded individuals. Feel free to email me or connect on LinkedIn if you'd like to discuss an open product designer or ux/ui designer position or a potential project.