During 2022–2023, at the startup I co-founded with 4 friends, I was responsible for building Gikslab’s digital products from scratch. Gikslab connects businesses with professional freelancers in Creative Design, IT, and Finance through a remote working system.
As the sole product designer, I owned three products end-to-end: the company profile website, the talent dashboard, and the time tracking tool.
Approach
Company Profile Website
Designed a compelling and professional company profile reflecting Gikslab’s core values and service offering. Multi-page structure with clear CTAs for both clients and freelancers.
Talent Dashboard
Designed the core platform interface for talents to showcase skills, manage jobs, and access opportunities. Built around the insight that freelancers need clarity and structure — not just a job board.
Time Tracking Tool
Designed a task-based time tracking tool enabling talents to monitor active tasks, duration, and real-time progress data. Built with a responsive web app interface.
Design System
Built a Design System from scratch — component library, design tokens, and style guides — adopted across all internal products to ensure visual and behavioral consistency.
User Research Methods Used
User interviews → User personas → Empathy maps → Site maps → Wireframes → High-fidelity mockups → Prototypes
The Problem
Research revealed a clear insight: freelancers highly value certainty in their work. They seek projects that provide clarity regarding time, schedules, compensation, and task descriptions. Existing platforms didn't adequately address this — creating mistrust and friction between freelancers and clients.
Key Outcomes
3 internal products built from 0 to launch
Platform supporting 500+ active talents
Design System adopted across all products
Successful positioning of Gikslab as a credible remote talent connector for clients
Key Takeaways & Reflection
"Building products as a co-founder taught me that design decisions have real business consequences. When you're the one building the company, there's no client to hide behind — every design choice is a bet on what you believe your users need. That accountability sharpened my thinking in ways client work alone never could."