Redesigning a learning platform into a modular workspace

The first innovative prototype after my arrival organized business development into a digital canvas with 7 structured learning phases. This brought a lot more clarity to users, who quickly understood what the tool was capable of.

However, the problem lied elsewhere: it still wasn't what the market truly needed. After organizing a startup bootcamp and testing with dozens of users, we realized it was time for a change: we needed to move away from learning asap.

After weeks of ideation, because we wanted to harness the power of AI and to apply it to business development, we came up with a solution to the main weakness of other tools: the lack of context.

To build the most accurate and reliable AI, we designed a custom data model built around small, structured company data, which connect to each other to form a living knowledge graph of the user's business.

Because of how much data-driven the product had become, it was important to update the visuals for the next prototype. On top of that, since we really believed in the power of the knowledge graph, I kept the canvas in this iteration.

We also added extra features such as pitch deck export, data room view and AI-driven analysis. However, after a second bootcamp with founders, we discovered a major pitfall in our product: it was way too restrictive.

At that point, months had already passed, and we were pressed for time. Instead of building a complex prototype again, I took more time to engage in user interviews, and thoroughly re-built the main user flow.

What came out was critical for how the platform should work: the data model was still a great idea, but users needed freedom, not a treadmill asking them to fill data. In a way, we were still an e-learning product.

I then realized the branding felt off, and that we never took enough time to fix it. Because the next step would be to try and convince investors and early adopters, now was a great time to take a week to rebrand Naviri.

This massive overhaul included brand guidelines and a whole website redesign. The reasoning was to reflect how safe, reassuring and modular Naviri really was: all great qualities for your guide in the arduous startup journey.

Times were frustrating. We knew how efficient our data model was, and how accurate the AI would be... if only users took time to fill in their data. But we were all aware of how no one in their right mind would do that. Also, not everyone had the same questions or needs, and we weren't covering every startup stage.

It turns out the solution was right in front of our eyes: whenever the user asks something, AI can break it down into simple, small tasks and fill the relevant company data itself—no matter the question. After designing an advisor view to sell to incubators, we finally reached our goal: guided freedom.