Design Strategy for Launch
As digital identity and AI-driven experiences become global trends, early-stage startups in the metaverse space face the challenge of delivering visually engaging products while operating without structured design processes. MetaverseME, a Malta-based startup with team members also in the UK, was preparing to launch its first product: an app that turns selfies into 3D avatars using artificial intelligence. With development already underway and no product or design team in place, I was brought in for a focused, time-bound contribution to create the visual foundation and set the strategic direction.
MetaverseME!
-
Project
Art direction, visual identity and design system for the Avatar ME! App (2024) - 2 months
-
My Role
Figma, Illustrator, Photoshop, Miro, ClickUp, GPT, Layer.ai
-
Tools
Figma, Illustrator, Photoshop, Miro, ClickUp, GPT, Layer.ai
-
Team
Direct collaboration with the CEO, Leadership,and developers (no formal product team)
About the Company
MetaverseME is a European startup based in Malta, with collaborators in the UK, focused on creating immersive digital self-expression experiences. Their core product, the Avatar ME! App, allows users to generate realistic digital avatars from selfies using AI, and connects them to gamified and augmented reality environments.
My Contribution
I was hired for a specific and time-limited role to define the visual and strategic foundations of the Avatar ME! App. At the time of my arrival, there were no existing design processes or standards in place, and the app’s development had already begun without any design involvement.
I prioritised building a distinct art direction and scalable visual identity. Given the short timeframe and the advanced stage of development, we deliberately avoided altering user flows or core interactions. Instead, I focused on crafting a strong and memorable visual language that would serve as a backbone for current and future products. The UX strategy was planned as a second-phase initiative, to be developed with user feedback post-launch.
I introduced the visual concept Adaptive Neo-Neon, blending high-contrast aesthetics and contemporary digital culture. I also created a brand-new design system with token-based foundations optimised for Unity, structured visual catalogues, and clear documentation to support future scalability.
Deliverables
Custom art direction, Competitive benchmarking and functionality matrix, Design system foundation, Key redesigned screens
Design Process
Empathise
I carried out an in-depth competitor analysis, reviewing over 100 screens from platforms like Zepeto, Genies, and Ready Player Me to understand design trends and user expectations.
Ideate
I proposed the Adaptive Neo-Neon style, a flexible and emotionally resonant visual direction that could be scaled across multiple products without losing its identity.
Prototype
I designed visually polished core screens using a Neo-Flat approach: bold color palettes, structured spacing, and a strong visual hierarchy. I also created scalable design tokens.
Test
Due to the fast-paced timeline, no user testing was conducted. Instead, I worked in short validation cycles with the CEO and the technical team.
Challenges
-
Development had already started without any design input
-
No design processes, tools or documentation in place
-
Tight deadline (2 months) for a complete visual overhaul
-
Strategic decision to avoid changes to UX flows pre-launch
-
Solo design work, in direct collaboration with the CEO
Insights
-
In early-stage startups, it is more effective to lay strong foundations than to attempt a full experience redesign under time pressure
-
Responsible use of AI (Layer.ai) can accelerate visual creation, but always requires human direction and ethical oversight
-
A well-articulated art direction serves as a navigational tool for future design efforts
-
Clear documentation is critical when design is not yet institutionalised, ensuring consistency and alignment later on
Impact
This project established the visual and structural foundation of the Avatar ME! App. The custom art direction gave the product a distinctive identity in a competitive and visually saturated market. The design system and token structure created during my engagement provided the necessary groundwork for developers and future designers to scale the product with consistency and clarity.
Although I did not participate in the launch or in the UX iteration phase, my work enabled the company to move forward with a clear visual language and a modular system capable of adapting to future products and user feedback.