Background

Fluidra's legacy Aqualink RS app couldn't scale with its expanding product ecosystem, fragmenting the experience across devices and stalling digital growth.

I led full UX ownership of the new Fluidra Pool App, driving product strategy, designing a responsive multi-device system (5" to desktop), and building a tokenized design system that cut handoff time by 40%. The redesign increased user engagement by 35% and unlocked support for a 3x expansion of connected device integrations.

Although Aqualink maintained a 4.7 App Store rating, negative feedback began increasing as the product ecosystem expanded and key features became harder to navigate.

The Business & User Pain Points

The challenge was systemic, not cosmetic. Fluidra's legacy platform couldn't support a growing product portfolio. Creating design debt, inconsistent navigation, and no scalable framework for future integrations. Users experienced the fallout through confusing flows and unreliable cross-device experiences, reflected in negative App Store sentiment. The product needed a structural rethink, not a reskin.

How it works?

My Role

Led end-to-end UX strategy for the Aqualink-to-Fluidra Pool migration, redefining the consumer ecosystem from the ground up.

Conducted qualitative research to surface systemic usability gaps, then re-architected core MVP flows such as Scheduling, Scenes, and Favorites, into scalable, goal-driven experiences.

Built a tokenized, component-first design system spanning embedded displays to desktop, and partnered with a 60+ person cross-functional team across USA, India, Spain, and Colombia  to align vision, technical constraints, and long-term scalability.

Turning user frustrations into actionable solutions

The Redesign Journey

Once the insights were clear, the real transformation began. Redesigning the app wasn’t just about improving its appearance. It’s about creating an experience that works with the brain, not against it.

01 Reduce Cognitive Load

- Simplified the interface by reducing visual clutter and organizing related information into clear sections.

- Used status-aware tiles and color indicators to help users understand system health instantly.

- Prioritized key actions and controls, making important tasks easier to find and access.

- Reduced mental effort with a more scannable layout that improved usability and decision-making.

02 Respect Mental Model

Users naturally rely on familiar patterns. By designing navigation with clear entry points and predictable flows, the experience became more intuitive, helping users move through the app with less effort and confusion.

03 Trigger Delight

Smooth animations, responsive micro-interactions, and intentional visuals do more than enhance aesthetics. They create moments of delight that trigger small dopamine boosts.

04 Simplify for Users

Fluidra pool users didn’t need technical knowledge to manage their pool.

The experience was simplified with clear language, guided actions, smart defaults, and easy-to-understand controls. Every interaction was designed to feel effortless and intuitive.

05 Test-Refine-Repeat

rewrite

Final Designs

Glimpse of new Fluidra Pool app