Designing a suite of platforms for an expert network.
Creating a suite of platforms for an expert network SaaS which achieved a 9-figure valuation.
As the founding designer for Arbolus, I collaborated with founders Will and Sam to reimagine a digital-first expert insights business.
Arbolus is pioneering the future of expert insights and deep research by creating a unified suite of digital products and services that prioritise user experience in a fragmented, old-school industry.
My expertise in UX and SaaS platforms played a significant role in helping Arbolus realise their vision and successfully disrupt a $2b niche industry.
Today, the Arbolus platform is used by thousands of companies and major consultancies to accelerate their insights and has achieved a 9-figure valuation.
Challenge
The primary challenge was to create a suite of intuitive, connected platforms which seamlessly handled complex process flows and business-to-expert interactions.
This required a deep understanding of both UI design principles and complex technical requirements of multi-platform architecture and data flows.
Solution
Leveraging our expertise in UX and SaaS design, we implemented a multi-faceted approach:
Developed the product strategy and roadmap
Architected a complex ecosystem of platforms, apps and integrations
Designed platforms for internal admin, clients and experts
Turned complex processes into intuitive user flows
Created a modular, responsive UX/UI components
Engineered custom web and native mobile applications
Integrated cutting-edge chat, video and transcription technologies
Facilitated a test-and-learn prototyping approach for MVPs
Rapid feature iteration based on user insights
Results
Went on to raise over $40mil
Achieved staggering 7x year-on-year growth
Established as a major player in the $2b expert network niche
Created a foundation for continuous product innovation
Demonstrated the vital role of design in SaaS adoption and growth
Reuben played a critical role in defining the product, its design, and the overall user experience we aimed to deliver – helping us navigate the complexities of turning a vision into a functional product. I consider Reuben not just an essential part of our early success but also a trusted business partner whose advice I deeply value.
Will Leeming, Co-Founder.
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Posted Mar 25, 2025
As the founding designer for Arbolus, I collaborated with the founders to reimagine a digital-first expert insights platform which went on to raise over $40m.
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