Overview
Lyriem is a next-generation freelancer marketplace built around transparency, trust, and autonomy. Designed for both Makers (freelancers) and Initiators (clients), it replaces platform fees and hidden costs with blockchain-secured contracts and escrow protection—empowering users to work directly, without intermediaries taking a cut.
My role was to define the user experience strategy, lead UI/UX design, and craft a design system that could scale with Lyriem’s growth while staying approachable and credible to users unfamiliar with blockchain technology.
The Problem
Freelancers lose up to 20–30% of their income to traditional gig platforms, while clients pay inflated fees and navigate cumbersome hiring workflows.
Lyriem needed to solve three key UX challenges:
1. Simplify blockchain-based contracts for non-technical users.
2. Build trust and clarity into every interaction—from signup to payment.
3. Design a frictionless onboarding flow that appeals to both sides of the marketplace.
The Solution
I designed Lyriem’s UX around transparency and empowerment, focusing on clarity, credibility, and conversion.
Key UX Decisions
Dual-path onboarding: Separate entry points for Makers and Initiators, each with tailored onboarding copy and visual hierarchy to immediately convey relevance.
Simplified wallet onboarding: Instead of forcing users through complex crypto setup, a soft-intro “Join the Waitlist” flow collected intent and feedback early.
Value-driven homepage: Messaging like “Skip the Gatekeepers. Hire Direct.” clearly articulates Lyriem’s differentiator in one line.
Trust through design: Neutral color palette, accessible typography, and visual cues (badges, protection icons, testimonials) reinforce credibility.
Escrow visualization: Clear infographics and comparison tables demystify how Lyriem protects both parties—without tech jargon.
Impact
Developed a cohesive design system (grids, buttons, form states, brand colors, and typography) to ensure scalability.
Reduced estimated onboarding time by 40%, based on usability testing with early beta users.
Created a framework for blockchain transparency UX, translating complex smart contract logic into understandable user flows.