Lane: One Platform to Replace Three Apps
The Problem
Modern teams and freelancers suffer from "app fatigue." To manage a typical workday, they are forced to jump between a time-tracking app, a project management tool, and complex calendar systems to book desks for hybrid work.
The Goal
To design a single workspace where switching between Time, Tasks, and Space feels like switching tabs — not switching tools.
The Solution
Lane is an all-in-one digital workspace featuring three interconnected modules: Tracker, Tasks, and Desks. My challenge was to design a unified UI that allowed users to seamlessly navigate between these distinct functions without feeling overwhelmed. The interface needed to feel compact, highly functional, and visually aligned with a modern, trustworthy brand.
The Core Modules
Tracker (Time Tracking)
To make time tracking a daily habit, the process had to be effortless. The clean interface allows users to start, pause, and log time across projects with just a few clicks. It also includes helpful system feedback — for instance, if there is a syncing error with an HR tool like Personio, an inline alert appears right in the tracker view, helping users fix issues quickly without interrupting their actual work.
Tasks (Task Management & Prioritization)
Moving teams away from messy email chains required a highly structured task environment. The design uses clear typography and simple tags to build a strong visual hierarchy. To make daily planning easier, the sidebar organises tasks by immediate status — Today, Overdue, Unprioritised — reducing mental effort and helping users focus on exactly what needs attention first.
Desks (Hybrid Office Planning)
Traditional calendar booking can be frustrating. To fix this, the app uses a visual layout with one simple booking model. Options like "Vacation" and "Home-Office" are booked the exact same way as a physical desk, meaning users only have to learn one process. Paired with interactive floor plans, checking who is in the office is instant, and booking a space takes just two clicks.
Design System
The design uses a professional dark and light palette, balanced with a vibrant "Lane Green" for primary actions. This creates a modern yet trustworthy B2B feel that scales across the platform's components and states.
Impact
Merging three distinct productivity tools into a single platform highlighted the value of shared mental models. Treating "Home-Office" logs and physical desk bookings as the exact same user flow reduces cognitive load and makes complex features feel instantly familiar. This approach resulted in a developer-ready design system and a polished MVP that successfully cures "app fatigue." By transforming scattered daily tasks into one unified experience, the final design directly delivers on Lane's core promise: better team efficiency through a clearer overview.
