Built a supportive platform for neurodiverse families that increased signups and engagement
Overview
SmartCourse is a mission-driven EdTech and HealthTech startup focused on helping children with special needs - and their caregivers - reach social, behavioral, and academic goals. I helped design and launch their very first website, connecting caregivers and parents with support professionals, content, and community tools to improve care and confidence.
Introduction
Helping Caregivers Starts with Clarity and Compassion
Families dealing with ADHD, anxiety, or learning disabilities often feel lost, overwhelmed, and unsupported. SmartCourse wanted to change that. The website needed to do more than explain services - it needed to be welcoming, helpful, and easy to use for people who may also be managing their own neurodiversity. This was about empowering parents to get help, book consultations, and feel less alone.
Problems & Challenges
Supporting Families Through a Sensitive, Complex Journey
Parents of kids with ADHD, depression, or anxiety are often balancing care, stress, and work - all while possibly managing similar challenges themselves. Existing platforms often feel clinical, confusing, or emotionally distant.
How might we create a space that feels supportive, not overwhelming?
How might we help users quickly book the right kind of help?
How might we design for users who may be neurodivergent themselves?
How might we grow brand awareness while staying true to the mission?
Project Goals
Supporting the Mission and the Metrics
Help caregivers access the support they need
Design an experience that feels calm, understandable, and trustworthy - especially during high-stress moments.
Enable fast, confident consultations
Make it easy for parents to connect with assistants and get matched with the right specialists through simple booking flows.
Build a brand that balances care and sustainability
Support SmartCourse’s growth goals by improving MRR, LTV, and churn through stronger UX and clearer communication.
Solution
A Modular, Human-Centered Website
SmartCourse was a fast-moving startup with no defined design process. I adapted quickly: using secondary research, testing assumptions through feedback loops, and iterating on wireframes in real time. The project required constant adjustment - but also gave me full ownership to shape a product from zero.
Color System Designed for Calm and Clarity
I adjusted the visual language to be gentle, accessible, and neurodiversity-friendly - striking a balance between energy and emotional safety.
Booking Consultations Made Simple
The core user task - booking support - was built into the navigation and designed to feel as low-pressure and step-by-step as possible.
Modular Design System and Webflow Build
I created a flexible design system and built the site in Webflow, which allowed for faster iteration and future content expansion by the client team.
Results
Helping More Parents Reach out for Help
After launch, SmartCourse saw increased signups and stronger user engagement. While I left the project shortly after, the early feedback was positive and the site became a foundation for their expanding content and services.
Learnings
What This Taught me
Startups move fast - and not everything will be perfect. I learned how to work within uncertainty, adapt to feedback, and still deliver something strong. I also saw firsthand how product design is a constant negotiation between user needs, business goals, and technical reality.