Pledgecamp

A crowdfunding platform focused on increasing transparency and accountability between project creators and backers through blockchain technology.

Project type

Crowdfunding Platform

Role

Lead Product Designer

Team

PM, 4 Engineers, UX Researcher, Illustrator

The Traditional Flow

The Traditional Flow

Traditional Crowdfunding Platforms

When crowdfunding projects don't go as planned, backers often end up losing 100% of their money, while creators and platforms retain their share of the funds.

Why Projects Fail In Traditional Crowdfunding

Why Projects Fail In Traditional Crowdfunding

“I contributed $500 to back this project, and now there's no communication or progress updates from the creator. I'm worried I've been scammed!"

-24 year old James Thompson

  1. Upfront Lump Sum Funding
    Money is released before proof of execution, so risk is front loaded to backers.

  2. Unrealistic Scope and Goals
    Creators overpromise timelines, costs, and feasibility.

  3. Low Accountability and Weak Governance
    No enforced checkpoints on projects.
    Limited to no consequence for failing to deliver.

  4. Poor Transparency and Communication
    No vision on progress or claims.
    Updates are inconsistent or non-existent.

  5. Creators Overwhelmed
    Campaign setup and execution is complex

Solving For The Failed System

Solving For The Failed System

  1. Backer Protection

  1. Milestones

  1. Campaign Voting

  1. Public Updates and Discussions

  1. Guided Campaign Builder

Our Approach

Our Approach

Pledgecamp Platform

When crowdfunding projects don't go as planned, backers won't lose 100% of their funds. While they may not trust crowdfunding platforms completely, they can feel more secure trusting the Pledgecamp platform.

Tools

Tools

In Depth Analytics and Marketing Integration

As the campaign gains momentum, we want creators to always be aware of their progress and reach potential backers beyond our platform. Unlike other platforms, we offer free real-time analytics, allowing creators to pinpoint exactly when their campaign starts to lose traction and identify areas for improvement. To further support their marketing efforts, we introduced referral links that creators can share on social media or other sites to promote their campaigns. Our system tracks the pledges and income from each link, revealing which ones are the most effective. I ensured the design is straightforward, intuitive, and easy to use.

Click here to view prototype.

Revenue Opportunities

Revenue Opportunities

Storefronts

User retention is crucial, so we introduced Storefronts, a unique feature empowering creators to generate ongoing revenue, build their brand, and reach more audience. Backers can pre-order items beyond completed crowdfunding time period, supporting their favorite projects and exploring new campaigns. This ecosystem fosters continuous engagement and satisfaction within the Pledgecamp platform.

Click here to view prototype.

Metrics

45

Campaigns projects on the platform

3

Only didn't launch

100%

Campaign funding goals met

8%

In post launch scope changes

Design Systems

UI Kit for Pledgecamp

Here is the robust design system I developed to ensure consistency, efficiency, and scalability across web, tablet, and mobile platforms. It establishes a cohesive visual identity while delivering high-quality, user-centric solutions.

What I learned

Defining Design Systems help speed up the process when creating a large complex design for web, mobile and tablet. It helps to make sure I remember the rules and guides I created to act as a plug in play through out the months of working on the project.

Spending time to find design inspiration for each element on every screen before sketching can greatly benefit the wireframing process.

If you're unsure where to start with branding inspiration, begin by identifying what you want to avoid. This helps narrow down choices and clarify your desired direction.