As an in-house UX/UI designer at Solidaris, I noticed our platform was functionally robust but lacked the warmth our brand stands for. I launched a self-directed creative exercise to develop a visual identifier that could transform our digital touchpoints from merely functional to genuinely engaging. The challenge? Finding the sweet spot between professional healthcare software and approachable human experience.

I began with extensive brainstorming, exploring various character concepts that could serve as Solidaris ambassadors. My iterations ranged widely – some influenced by Duolingo's playful mascot approach, others featuring more hand-drawn, organic styles. After multiple design rounds, "Pim The Plectrum" was born – a personification of the Solidaris plectrum logo with a distinct personality and charm. This character maintained brand recognition while introducing a friendly face to our digital ecosystem. To test Pim's viability, I integrated our new ambassador into existing UI mockups, including a playful avatar selection screen where users could choose their own representation within the platform.

This character maintained brand recognition while introducing a friendly face to our digital ecosystem.

Though ultimately Pim wasn't implemented in our production environment, the exercise proved invaluable. I discovered firsthand how a character like Pim could transform serious healthcare software into something more approachable without sacrificing professionalism. This eventually led to our design system embracing illustrations down the line. The project showcased the potential of visual storytelling and character design to create emotional connections in enterprise settings – a lesson I've carried forward into subsequent work. Sometimes the most valuable designs are the ones that challenge us to rethink the boundaries between professional utility and human engagement.