Case Study: Consilio

During early 2024, I worked with a cross-functional team to develop Consilio, an innovative online platform addressing the unique challenges faced by freelance designers and design students. The platform was conceived as a solution to the isolation and feedback gaps experienced by independent designers, while simultaneously creating opportunities for employment connections.

This project focused on creating a vibrant ecosystem where artists could collaborate, receive structured critique, and participate in paid challenges from potential employers. By identifying key pain points in the existing freelance design landscape, we delivered a platform that supports both creative development and professional advancement.

To position Consilio effectively, we analyzed existing platforms like Behance, Dribbble, and Fiverr to identify gaps in their offerings. We found that while portfolio showcases were abundant, structured critique systems and direct employer challenge opportunities were lacking.

Through surveys and interviews with over 40 freelance designers and design students, we uncovered several critical pain points:

• Difficulty receiving constructive, actionable feedback
• Limited opportunities to connect directly with potential employers
• Challenges in building a portfolio that stands out

Based on our research, we developed a primary persona representing our core user:

For Consilio, we developed a minimalist design system that prioritized content visibility and user productivity. The color palette features muted backgrounds with bold accents to highlight important actions and information. Typography focuses on readability, with clear hierarchies to guide users through the interface.

The platform was built using Tailwind CSS for the frontend, with a PHP backend connected to store user data. This technology stack enabled us to create a responsive, performant experience while maintaining development efficiency.