Overview

Fertig is designed for freelancers, combining legal services with project management tools to streamline work and protect their rights. Features include customizable workflows, smart contract management with multilingual support, and simplified legal guidance.

With its user-friendly design, the app empowers freelancers to focus on their creative work confidently.

Problem

Freelancers often struggle to manage both legal and project-related tasks.

Most legal tools aren't built for individuals, leaving independent creatives confused and at risk when handling contracts, rights, and workflows.

Goal

Design an all-in-one platform that fills this gap by combining legal support with project management.

The app should provide smart contracts, clear legal guidance, and flexible workflows to help freelancers protect their rights and work confidently

FERTIG

Legal Service Design | UX/UI Case Study

Design Process

Empathize

1

Define

2

Ideate

3

Style Guide &

Branding

4

Prototype &

Test

5

Our platform makes it easy to set up contract preferences, allowing users to automatically filter out agreements that include clauses beyond their scope of services. This ensures a smoother, more efficient contracting experience while reinforcing trust and control over professional agreements.

Problem

Freelancers often struggle to manage both legal and project-related tasks.

Most legal tools aren't built for individuals, leaving independent creatives confused and at risk when handling contracts, rights, and workflows.

Goal

Design an all-in-one platform that fills this gap by combining legal support with project management.

The app should provide smart contracts, clear legal guidance, and flexible workflows to help freelancers protect their rights and work confidently

Design Process

Empathize

1

2

Define

Ideate

3

Style Guide &

Branding

4

Prototype

&Test

5

Design Strategies

Strengten Benefits

Guide Decision Making

Make it Hassle Free

Increase Effiency

Save Money

Mitigate Resistance

Build Partnerships

Offer Transparency

Safeguard Data Privacy

Comply with Regulations

UI Design

We chose a clear, readable font and focused on creating a smooth, user-friendly interface. To achieve this, we incorporated pastel colors into our style guide for a clean and calming aesthetic.

Brand

VARIABLE

Brand 900

#83D0BB

Variable

Brand 800

#A8E8EB

Variable

Brand 700

#337BE2

Primary color

Variable

Brand 600

#DDF1F9

Variable

Brand 500

#D4E6F0

Variable

Brand 400

#DDF2F9

Variable

Brand 300

#DDEAF9

Neutral

VARIABLE

Neutral 900

#363247

Primary color

Variable

Neutral 700

#5C445D

Secondary color

Variable

Neutral 800

#5E5E5E

Variable

Neutral 600

#FDFCFC

Status

VARIABLE

Violet 900

#E6D4F0

VARIABLE

Yellow 50

#FEF7C8

Variable

Pink 600

#FFC1C1

Nunıto sans

Headline 1 Bold

Font-Size : 38px ・ Line-Height : 38px

Nunıto sans

Headline 2 Bold

Font-Size : 16px ・ Line-Height : 20px

Nunıto sans

Headline 3 S.Bold

Font-Size : 10px ・ Line-Height : 20px

nunıto sans

Subtitle S.Bold

Font-Size : 20px ・ Line-Height : 20px

overpass

Body 1 Regular

Font-Size : 18px ・ Line-Height : 18px

Overpass

Body 2 Bold

Font-Size : 14px ・ Line-Height : 20px

overpass

Capture Regular

Font-Size : 12px ・ Line-Height : 12px

Hi-Fi Screens

Since our design follows a simple and clean aesthetic, we wanted the logo to stand out and visually represent the product’s identity. By creating an eye-catching and distinctive logo, we aimed to establish a strong brand presence while maintaining consistency with the overall design language.

Contracts are simplified and visually structured using legal design principles, making them more accessible and easy to understand. Additionally, the auto-reply feature streamlines clause negotiations, allowing users to respond efficiently while retaining the flexibility to customize their replies.

Smart animations enhance the brand identity by creating a seamless, engaging, and dynamic user experience. They reinforce the brand’s personality while guiding users intuitively through the interface.

Our platform makes it easy to set up contract preferences, allowing users to automatically filter out agreements that include clauses beyond their scope of services. This ensures a smoother, more efficient contracting experience while reinforcing trust and control over professional agreements.

Key Learnings

Thanks for visiting! Let’s chat

CONTACT ME

a.kolgesiz@gmail.com

LET’S CONNECT

©2025 AYŞENUR KÖLGESİZ

Research

Desk Research Outcome

After completing our desk research, we identified a gap in accessible legal resources—there is no dedicated tool that helps individuals understand their rights, especially when signing important contracts. This issue is even more critical for those who cannot afford or access legal consultation.

Contract management tools are only

made for legal professionals

Existed legal support tools don’t fit

the needs for creative freelancer

AI is not reliable for legal support

if you don’t know “how to prompt”

Interviews & Survey

Contract Creation and Management

• Tools for contract drafting, redlining, and summarizing.

• Features for clause creation, template upload, and contract type search.

• Centralized clause database with AI recognition and storage.

Workflow Automation

• Automated contract follow-up tasks and reminders.

• AI notifications for deadlines and contract milestones.

Security and Compliance

• End-to-end encryption and secure cloud storage.

• Compliance with regulations and data ownership.

• Secure access rights and audit trails for contracts.

AI Contract Analysis

• AI scans for errors, risks, and advantages in documents.

• AI summarizes contracts for key information.

• AI extracts data and highlights important points.

Reporting and Customization

• Visual statistics and reporting for contract data.

• Custom playbooks and forms for client onboarding.

• Customizable contracts with automated insights and recommendations.

Heads up

AI outputs can be misleading, or even flat-out wrong.

During our primary research phase, we conducted interviews with four freelancers working in creative fields and two lawyers—one specializing in IP and copyright law for artists and the other advising freelancers. Additionally, our survey received responses from 16 participants, providing further insights into the challenges they face.

Interviews Quotes

"Contracts are essential, but I often struggle to fully

understand them. I wish there were simpler tools or guidance to make the process more accessible."

"Navigating the legal side of freelancing can be overwhelming, which is why I rely on platforms like Upwork — they provide the security and structure

I need to focus on my work."

"When disputes arise, the complexities of litigation discourage me from pursuing solutions. I prefer tools that help avoid such conflicts from the start."

User Persona

"I just want to focus on my art, not get bogged down in contracts, invoices, or chasing payments. I need tools that make managing clients and paperwork simple, secure, and efficient, so I can grow my business on my own terms."

Florian Sommer

Profession: Visual Designer
Age: 30
Location: Berlin, Germany

Experience: 3-5 years


He initially started working through Upwork but is now transitioning to working directly with his own clients and professional network..

He needs support in navigating bureaucracy and legal complexities when creating contracts.

How Might We?

Based on our ideation process and analysis of the data gathered during the research phase, we formulated our key How Might We (HMW) questions to guide the design process.

create a tool that helps freelancers to manage their projects and workflow?

help freelancers to understand their rights when they sign a contract?

avoid any litigation process or reduce risks which arised from the contracts?

protect freelancers from untrustworthy clients and secure their payments once the project is completed?

Style Guide & Branding

We aimed to keep the design as clean and simple as possible, drawing inspiration from the KISS principle ("Keep It Simple, Stupid"), a design strategy originally developed by the U.S. Navy.


Keep It Stupid Simple

Keep It Simple, Stupid

This approach emphasizes simplicity and efficiency,

ensuring the design is both intuitive and effective.

Ton of Voice

Empathetic

Empowering

Professional

For our branding approach, we aimed for a balance between confidence and friendliness.


The brand tone is approachable and supportive, ensuring users feel welcomed while also conveying reliability and professionalism.

UI Design

We chose a clear, readable font and focused on creating a smooth, user-friendly interface. To achieve this, we incorporated pastel colors into our style guide for a clean and calming aesthetic.

Brand

VARIABLE

Brand 900

Variable

Brand 800

Variable

Brand 700

Primary color

Variable

Brand 600

Variable

Brand 500

Variable

Brand 400

Variable

Brand 300

Neutral

VARIABLE

Neutral 900

Primary color

Variable

Neutral 700

Secondary color

Variable

Neutral 800

Variable

Neutral 600

Status

VARIABLE

Violet 900

VARIABLE

Yellow 50

Variable

Pink 600

Screens

Since our design follows a simple and clean aesthetic, we wanted the logo to stand out and visually represent the product’s identity. By creating an eye-catching and distinctive logo, we aimed to establish a strong brand presence while maintaining consistency with the overall design language.

Being your own boss is empowering

but juggling contracts can feel overwhelming.

“We’re here to make it easier.”

FERTIG

Legal Service Design | UX/UI Case Study

FERTIG

Legal Service Design | UX/UI Case Study

FERTIG

Legal Service Design | UX/UI Case Study

Overview

Fertig is designed for freelancers, combining legal services with project management tools to streamline work and protect their rights. Features include customizable workflows, smart contract management with multilingual support, and simplified legal guidance.

With its user-friendly design, the app empowers freelancers to focus on their creative work confidently.

Overview

Fertig is designed for freelancers, combining legal services with project management tools to streamline work and protect their rights. Features include customizable workflows, smart contract management with multilingual support, and simplified legal guidance.


With its user-friendly design, the app empowers freelancers to focus on their creative work confidently.

Problem

Freelancers often struggle to manage both legal and project-related tasks.

Most legal tools aren't built for individuals, leaving independent creatives confused and at risk when handling contracts, rights, and workflows.

Goal

Design an all-in-one platform that fills this gap by combining legal support with project management.

The app should provide smart contracts, clear legal guidance, and flexible workflows to help freelancers protect their rights and work confidently

Research

Empathize

Define

Ideate

Style Guide &

Branding

Prototype & Test

1

2

3

4

5

Design Process

Research

Desk Research Outcome

After completing our desk research, we identified a gap in accessible legal resources—there is no dedicated tool that helps individuals understand their rights, especially when signing important contracts. This issue is even more critical for those who cannot afford or access legal consultation.

Contract management tools are only made for legal professionals

Existed legal support tools don’t fit the needs for creative freelancer

AI is not reliable for legal support if you don’t know “how to prompt”

Interviews & Survey

During our primary research phase, we conducted interviews with four freelancers working in creative fields and two lawyers—one specializing in IP and copyright law for artists and the other advising freelancers. Additionally, our survey received responses from 16 participants, providing further insights into the challenges they face.

Interviews Quotes

"Contracts are essential, but I often struggle to fully understand them. I wish there were simpler tools or guidance to make the process more accessible."

"Navigating the legal side of freelancing can be overwhelming, which is why I rely on platforms like Upwork — they provide the security and structure. I need to focus on my work."

"When disputes arise, the complexities of litigation discourage me from pursuing solutions. I prefer tools that help avoid such conflicts from the start."

User Persona

"I just want to focus on my art, not get bogged down in contracts, invoices, or chasing payments. I need tools that make managing clients and paperwork simple, secure, and efficient, so I can grow my business on my own terms."

Florian Sommer

Profession: Visual Designer
Age: 30
Location: Berlin, Germany

Experience: 3-5 years



He initially started working through Upwork but is now transitioning to working directly with his own clients and professional network..

He needs support in navigating bureaucracy and legal complexities when creating contracts.

After completing our desk research, we identified a gap in accessible legal resources—there is no dedicated tool that helps individuals understand their rights, especially when signing important contracts. This issue is even more critical for those who cannot afford or access legal consultation.

Desk Research Outcome

Contract management tools are only made for legal professionals

Existed legal support tools don’t fit the needs for creative freelancer

AI is not reliable for legal support if you don’t know “how to prompt”

Interviews & Survey

During our primary research phase, we conducted interviews with four freelancers working in creative fields and two lawyers—one specializing in IP and copyright law for artists and the other advising freelancers. Additionally, our survey received responses from 16 participants, providing further insights into the challenges they face.

Interviews Quotes

"Navigating the legal side of freelancing

can be overwhelming, which is why I rely

on platforms like Upwork — they

provide the security and structure

I need to focus on my work."

"Contracts are essential, but I often struggle to fully understand them. I wish there were simpler tools or guidance to make the process more accessible."

"When disputes arise, the complexities of litigation discourage me from pursuing solutions. I prefer tools that help avoid such conflicts from the start."

What the Users Need?

What the Users Need?

Reporting and Customization

• Visual statistics and reporting for contract data.

• Custom playbooks and forms for client onboarding.

• Customizable contracts with automated insights and recommendations.

Reporting and Customization

• Visual statistics and reporting for contract data.

• Custom playbooks and forms for client onboarding.

• Customizable contracts with automated insights and recommendations.

Contract Creation and Management

• Tools for contract drafting, redlining, and summarizing.

• Features for clause creation, template upload, and contract type search.

• Centralized clause database with AI recognition and storage.

Contract Creation and Management

• Tools for contract drafting, redlining, and summarizing.

• Features for clause creation, template upload, and contract type search.

• Centralized clause database with AI recognition and storage.

Heads up!

AI outputs can be misleading, or even flat-out wrong.

Heads up!

AI outputs can be misleading, or even flat-out wrong.

AI Contract Analysis

• AI scans for errors, risks, and advantages in documents.

• AI summarizes contracts for key information.

• AI extracts data and highlights important points.

AI Contract Analysis

• AI scans for errors, risks, and advantages in documents.

• AI summarizes contracts for key information.

• AI extracts data and highlights important points.

Security and Compliance

• End-to-end encryption and secure cloud storage.

• Compliance with regulations and data ownership.

• Secure access rights and audit trails for contracts.

Security and Compliance

• End-to-end encryption and secure cloud storage.

• Compliance with regulations and data ownership.

• Secure access rights and audit trails for contracts.

Workflow Automation

• Automated contract follow-up tasks and reminders.

• AI notifications for deadlines and contract milestones.

Workflow Automation

• Automated contract follow-up tasks and reminders.

• AI notifications for deadlines and contract milestones.

User Persona

Florian Sommer

Profession: Visual Designer
Age: 30
Location: Berlin, Germany

Experience: 3-5 years


"I just want to focus on my art, not get bogged down in contracts, invoices, or chasing payments. I need tools that make managing clients and paperwork simple, secure, and efficient, so I can grow my business on my own terms."

He initially started working through Upwork but is now transitioning to working directly with his own clients and professional network..

He needs support in navigating bureaucracy and legal complexities when creating contracts.

User Journey

Actions

1

Overwhelmed by Legal Documents

Discovering Fertig

3

Editing & Managing with Confidence

4

Confident Workflow, Work&Life Balance

Doing

Starts a new freelance job and receives a long, complex contract, opens the PDF, tries to read it, highlights confusing sections, and Googles legal terms.

Finds Fertig, signs up, uploads her contract, and selects “Revise", follows the app’s guided steps: reading simplified clauses, using suggested edits, and activating smart negotiation tools.

Edits legal terms with one click, tracks milestones, uploads deliverables, and refers back to the signed contract.

The project ends smoothly, Freelancer gets paid, keeps their rights, and starts using Fertig for all future gigs.

Thinking

“What does this even mean?”
“Am I giving away my rights?”
“I can’t afford a lawyer.”

“Finally, this makes sense.”
“Wait—I didn’t know that clause meant I’d lose usage rights.”
“This app is actually protecting me.”

“This is how I should’ve worked all along.”
“Everything’s clear—and in one place.”
“I feel professional.”

“No more guessing.”
“Fertig just became part of my creative toolkit.”

Feeling

Good

Bad

User Flow

We prioritized intuitive, user-centered navigation to ensure that users feel confident using a legal support app without being overwhelmed by complex legal concepts.

How Might We?

Based on our ideation process and analysis of the data gathered during the research phase, we formulated our key How Might We (HMW) questions to guide the design process.

create a tool that helps freelancers to manage their projects and workflow?

help freelancers to understand their rights when they sign a contract?

avoid any litigation process or reduce risks which arised from the contracts?

protect freelancers from untrustworthy clients and secure their payments once the project is completed?

User Flow

We prioritized intuitive, user-centered navigation to ensure that users feel confident using a legal support app without being overwhelmed by complex legal concepts.

Nunıto sans

Headline 1 Bold

Nunıto sans

Headline 2 Bold

Nunıto sans

Headline 3 S.Bold

nunıto sans

Subtitle S.Bold

overpass

Body 1 Regular

Overpass

Body 2 Bold

overpass

Capture Regular

How Might We?

How did we use Legal Service Design to improve the user journey?

Treated legal design as a service design extension tailored to legal pain points: fear, confusion, time pressure, language gaps.

  • Mapped user journeys from discovering the app to completing bureaucratic steps

  • Designed both frontstage (UI, forms) and backstage (deadline sync, doc generation, notifications) elements.

  • Recognized that users feel overwhelmed and emotionally isolated in legal processes.

  • Designed the interface and content to feel human, warm, and non-Kafkaesque, ensuring transparency about process steps and what’s happening “behind the curtain.”

  • Used plain language and visual cues to open the black box of legal workflows.

Based on our ideation process and analysis of the data gathered during the research phase, we formulated our key How Might We (HMW) questions to guide the design process.

create a tool that helps freelancers to manage their projects and workflow?

help freelancers to understand their rights when they sign a contract?

avoid any litigation process or reduce risks which arised from the contracts?

protect freelancers from untrustworthy clients and secure their payments once the project is completed?

Actions

1

Overwhelmed by Legal Documents

Discovering Fertig

3

Editing & Managing with Confidence

4

Confident Workflow, Work&Life Balance

Doing

Starts a new freelance job and receives a long, complex contract, opens the PDF, tries to read it, highlights confusing sections, and Googles legal terms.

Finds Fertig, signs up, uploads her contract, and selects “Revise", follows the app’s guided steps: reading simplified clauses, using suggested edits, and activating smart negotiation tools.

Edits legal terms with one click, tracks milestones, uploads deliverables, and refers back to the signed contract.

The project ends smoothly, Freelancer gets paid, keeps their rights, and starts using Fertig for all future gigs.

Thinking

“What does this even mean?”
“Am I giving away my rights?”
“I can’t afford a lawyer.”

“Finally, this makes sense.”
“Wait—I didn’t know that clause meant I’d lose usage rights.”
“This app is actually protecting me.”

“This is how I should’ve worked all along.”
“Everything’s clear—and in one place.”
“I feel professional.”

“No more guessing.”
“Fertig just became part of my creative toolkit.”

Feeling

Good

Bad

User Flow

We prioritized intuitive, user-centered navigation to ensure that users feel confident using a legal support app without being overwhelmed by complex legal concepts.

Style Guide & Branding

We aimed to keep the design as clean and simple as possible, drawing inspiration from the KISS principle ("Keep It Simple, Stupid"), a design strategy originally developed by the U.S. Navy.


Keep It Stupid Simple

Keep It Simple, Stupid

This approach emphasizes simplicity and efficiency,

ensuring the design is both intuitive and effective.

Ton of Voice

Empathetic

Empowering

Professional

For our branding approach, we aimed for a balance between confidence and friendliness.


The brand tone is approachable and supportive, ensuring users feel welcomed while also conveying reliability and professionalism.

Dashboard

Finish

Scan a Contract

Upload a Contract

Choose a Contract

Create a Contract

Search Contract

Review Page

Review Page

Overview Page

Confirmation

Overview Page

YES

NO

Confirm

Sign

Negoiate

Send

Reject

Confirm

NO

Send

How did we use Legal Service Design to improve the user journey?

Treated legal design as a service design extension tailored to legal pain points: fear, confusion, time pressure, language gaps.

  • Mapped user journeys from discovering the app to completing bureaucratic steps

  • Designed both frontstage (UI, forms) and backstage (deadline sync, doc generation, notifications) elements.

  • Recognized that users feel overwhelmed and emotionally isolated in legal processes.

  • Designed the interface and content to feel human, warm, and non-Kafkaesque, ensuring transparency about process steps and what’s happening “behind the curtain.”

  • Used plain language and visual cues to open the black box of legal workflows.

Contracts are simplified and visually structured using legal design principles, making them more accessible and easy to understand. Additionally, the auto-reply feature streamlines clause negotiations, allowing users to respond efficiently while retaining the flexibility to customize their replies.

Smart animations enhance the brand identity by creating a seamless, engaging, and dynamic user experience. They reinforce the brand’s personality while guiding users intuitively through the interface.

We aimed to keep the design as clean and simple as possible, drawing inspiration from the KISS principle ("Keep It Simple, Stupid"), a design strategy originally developed by the U.S. Navy.


Keep It Stupid Simple

Keep It Simple, Stupid

This approach emphasizes simplicity and efficiency, ensuring the design is both intuitive and effective.

Ton of Voice

Empathetic
Professional
Empowering

Style Guide & Branding

Design Strategies

Mitigate Resistance

Build Partnerships

Offer Transparency

Safeguard Data Privacy

Comply with Regulations

Strengten Benefits

Guide Decision Making

Make it Hassle Free

Increase Effiency

Save Money

Review

Draft

Simplify

Mail

Ask

How will Fertig help users?

Screens

Design Strategies

Strengten Benefits

Guide Decision Making

Make it Hassle Free

Increase Effiency

Save Money

Mitigate Resistance

Build Partnerships

Offer Transparency

Safeguard Data Privacy

Comply with Regulations

We chose a clear, readable font and focused on creating a smooth, user-friendly interface. To achieve this, we incorporated pastel colors into our style guide for a clean and calming aesthetic.

Since our design follows a simple and clean aesthetic, we wanted the logo to stand out and visually represent the product’s identity. By creating an eye-catching and distinctive logo, we aimed to establish a strong brand presence while maintaining consistency with the overall design language.

Our platform makes it easy to set up contract preferences, allowing users to automatically filter out agreements that include clauses beyond their scope of services. This ensures a smoother, more efficient contracting experience while reinforcing trust and control over professional agreements.

Smart animations enhance the brand identity by creating a seamless, engaging, and dynamic user experience. They reinforce the brand’s personality while guiding users intuitively through the interface.

Contracts are simplified and visually structured using legal design principles, making them more accessible and easy to understand. Additionally, the auto-reply feature streamlines clause negotiations, allowing users to respond efficiently while retaining the flexibility to customize their replies.

Key Learnings

Thanks for visiting! Let’s chat

CONTACT ME

a.kolgesiz@gmail.com

LET’S CONNECT

©2025 AYŞENUR KÖLGESİZ

Thanks for visiting! Let’s chat

CONTACT ME

a.kolgesiz@gmail.com

LET’S CONNECT

©2025 AYŞENUR KÖLGESİZ