Softphone Redesign Inspired by Dieter Rams

The softphone redesign was a passion project where I sought to combine the timeless elegance of Dieter Rams’ “less is better” philosophy with a fresh take on modern UI design. The result was an interface that balanced the simplicity of flat design with subtle skeuomorphic elements, creating a clean, intuitive user experience that stood out in our ecosystem.

The Challenge

During a conversation with Alex Villafranca, the CEO, he shared his vision of replacing third-party softphone applications with an in-house solution integrated into our existing platform. At the time, I was focused on a texting feature for the “One” desktop platform, and shifting priorities seemed unlikely.

However, with a clear opportunity in mind, I used a rare moment of downtime to mock up a concept for the softphone. Inspired by the vertical slice methodology—a product demo approach I had recently discussed with a coworker—I pitched the idea to Alex. My concept combined the softphone with the texting functionality already under development, creating a seamless vision for the product. This approach excited stakeholders, and within a week, priorities shifted to bring this vision to life.

Design Philosophy

I wanted the softphone to feel fresh and approachable while maintaining clarity and function. To achieve this, I designed a system that emphasized hierarchy, precision, and subtle depth. The muted palette, paired with gentle shadows and soft gradients, created an experience that was both tactile and modern.

Breaking free from the constraints of Angular Material components used in “One,” I developed a brand-new set of components tailored to the softphone. This decision enabled a level of design freedom that not only elevated the softphone but also laid the groundwork for future projects. A year later, these components became the foundation for an Atomic Design Library, revolutionizing the “One” platform’s visual and functional design.

Project Execution

As the sole designer, I led the project through research, ideation, and prototyping phases in just six weeks. My coworker then translated the design into a functional demo over the next six weeks. The final demo, which showcased both the softphone and integrated texting features, was presented to users and received overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Impact and Legacy

Though the project was paused due to shifting priorities during COVID-19, the design principles and components I developed left a lasting impact. They served as a benchmark for future work, proving the value of bold ideas, thoughtful design, and proactive problem-solving.