Collabra
Calabra is an early AI collaboration platform reimagined by R4Dev through a clean, modern brand identity and a streamlined MVP design system. Designed before the AI boom, Calabra needed a user-friendly, non-intimidating interface that introduced AI concepts to industries still unfamiliar with the technology. The project included end-to-end branding, UX/UI foundations, and a lightweight design system that made advanced AI workflows feel simple, accessible, and ready for real-world teams.
(Client)
Collabra
(TIMELINE)
2 months
(SERVICES)
Branding & Identity
UI/UX Design
(challenges)
Designing Collabra came with a unique set of challenges shaped by timing, audience, and a rapidly evolving technology landscape.
1. Creating a brand for an AI product before the AI boom
When Collabra was conceived, AI wasn’t mainstream. Users weren’t AI-native, and the market hadn’t yet embraced AI-first workflows. The challenge was designing a brand that hinted at AI sophistication without overwhelming non-technical users.
2. Making advanced AI interactions feel simple and universal
We needed to create a visual identity and UX approach that felt approachable across multiple industries from technical teams to non-technical operational staff. Complexity had to be hidden, not highlighted.
3. Balancing a “tech-forward” identity with mainstream usability
The brand needed to feel modern, intelligent, and future-proof without falling into the trap of over-engineering the aesthetic. It needed credibility, not complexity.
4. Designing a lightweight MVP design system on a short timeline
We were tasked with producing a complete, ready-to-build design system quickly typography, spacing, components, patterns, and interaction guidelines all while ensuring the system could scale with future releases.
5. Translating a broad vision into a clear initial product direction
The founder’s vision was ambitious. The challenge was distilling it into a concise visual foundation and UX structure that could evolve alongside the product.
(SOLUTION)
1. A minimal, modern brand identity that felt tech-forward without being intimidating
We designed a clean, crisp visual system balanced typography, soft colour palettes, controlled spacingconveying intelligence and modernity without alienating new AI users.
2. A UX foundation built on clarity and accessibility
Every interaction was simplified. We removed unnecessary friction, reduced cognitive load, and created screens that explained themselves, helping non-technical audiences feel comfortable with AI features.
3. A scalable MVP design system built quickly yet thoughtfully
We delivered a complete component library including buttons, fields, cards, navigation patterns, and layout rules all designed to be easy for developers to implement and extend.
4. A narrative-first approach to the product direction
We refined the brand story and UX principles to communicate what Collabra is, who it serves, and why it matters grounding the product’s identity and future roadmap.
5. A future-proof visual foundation that aged gracefully into the AI era
By avoiding overly futuristic aesthetics and focusing on clarity, Collabra now feels even more relevant in the post-AI-boom world.
