First Layer Studio
01 / Product design

Design support for the product decisions that matter now.

For teams shaping an early product, improving a critical experience, or adding design capacity during a focused period of change.

Start a product project
Who it's for

Start where you are.

(01)

Founders

You have product conviction and need experienced design support to turn it into something people trust.

(02)

Product leads

You're navigating a critical chapter and need hands-on design capacity without a full-time hire.

(03)

Teams without a system yet

You need a design foundation that keeps decisions consistent as the product and team grow.

What's included

Where product design can help

Whether the work is a product engagement, a design search, or coaching, the process stays clear and close to the people doing the work.

  1. 01

    Product direction

    Turn an early idea or unclear roadmap into a focused product direction.

  2. 02

    Experience design

    Design and test the key flows your customers need to complete.

  3. 03

    Product improvement

    Find usability gaps and strengthen the product before they slow growth.

  4. 04

    Fractional support

    Add hands-on design support and execution without making a full-time hire.

Process
01

Align

Define the need, constraints, scope, and what a strong outcome looks like.

02

Work together

Review progress in short cycles and make decisions with the reasoning visible.

03

Move forward

Leave with stronger product work, a clearer hiring process, or practical next steps for growth.

Case Studies

A selection of products and experiences shaped through Jacki’s design practice.

SideNook

Consumer · Workflow automation

Deliverables

  • UX research
  • Code-based design system
Waldo

Healthtech · E-commerce

Deliverables

  • UX market fit research
  • Mobile app design
XY.AI Labs

Healthtech · Workflow automation

Deliverables

  • AI chat self-serve experience
  • Code-based design system
Fundr

Fintech · AI tools

Deliverables

  • UX research
  • Homepage redesign
  • Paywall design
Ways to work together

Focused project

A defined product challenge with a clear outcome and concentrated timeline.

Best for · New flows, MVPs, audits

Fractional partner

Hands-on design support and execution integrated with your existing team.

Best for · Ongoing momentum

Before you reach out

Common questions.

How do engagements typically start?

With a short conversation about your product, stage, and the outcome you're working toward. From there, we scope the right shape of support.

Do you work with early-stage teams without a design system yet?

Yes — that's often where this work starts. The direction and the system get built together as the product takes shape.

Can this be ongoing support rather than a single project?

Yes. Fractional support is one of the ways we work together, integrated with your team on an ongoing basis.

What if we're not sure what we need yet?

That's a normal starting point. The first conversation is about identifying where design support would help most.