Overview

Cosign is a financial service that connects individuals in need of a guarantor for their lease with those willing to cosign. The platform serves both guarantors and lease applicants, simplifying the process. Francois Labs was brought in to enhance the startup’s design assets, including a refreshed landing page, graphics, a revenue-share flyer, a geographic one-pager, and a pitch deck.

The Problem

Cosign initially approached Francois Labs for a landing page, flyer, and geographic one-pager. The challenge was to create a visually cohesive flyer that clearly communicated the company's mission—helping individuals secure a lease by connecting them with guarantors. The design needed to be approachable, informative, and easy to understand while maintaining a professional and trustworthy feel.

A key issue was balancing the amount of information presented. The flyer and one-pager had to include essential details without overwhelming the reader, while also providing a clear call to action that directed users toward the application process. The Francois Labs design team focused on crafting a layout that was both engaging and effective in guiding users toward the next steps.

The Solution

To effectively present a large amount of information without overwhelming users, the Francois Labs team implemented a structured design system using consistent icons, clear layouts, and well-spaced typography. By incorporating visual elements such as icons, shapes, and background sections, we were able to break up dense text, making the flyer and one-pager more digestible and visually engaging. This approach not only improved readability but also reinforced Cosign’s mission of empathy, care, and accessibility.

Additionally, strategic user flow enhancements—including **QR codes, concise explanations, and well-placed images—**helped guide users seamlessly toward the application process. Early iterations faced challenges with inconsistencies, but through multiple refinements and close collaboration with the founder, we arrived at a polished, cohesive design that effectively communicates Cosign’s purpose while ensuring an intuitive user experience.

The Design Process

1. Discovery & Research

• Conducted an in-depth analysis of Cosign’s mission, target audience, and key messaging.

• Reviewed existing branding and user pain points to identify areas for improvement.

• Researched industry standards and effective visual communication strategies for financial services.

1. Concept Development

   • Brainstormed layout structures to balance information density with readability.

   • Explored different visual hierarchies, typography choices, and iconography styles.

   • Developed initial wireframes for the flyer, one-pager, and landing page.

2. Iterative Design & Prototyping

   • Created multiple design variations, incorporating consistent iconography, structured text placement, and strategic use of whitespace for improved clarity.

   • Integrated QR codes, images, and concise copywriting to streamline user flow and navigation.

   • Conducted internal reviews and feedback sessions with both the Francois Labs team and Cosign stakeholders.

3. Refinement & Testing

   • Addressed inconsistencies in early iterations and refined the design system for visual cohesion and brand alignment.

   • Ensured accessibility through proper text contrast, spacing, and readability enhancements.

   • Tested the final designs for usability, ensuring information was easy to absorb and the call-to-action was clear.

4. Finalization & Delivery

   • Delivered a polished, user-friendly design system that effectively communicates Cosign’s mission.

   • Provided final assets, including high-resolution flyers, a structured one-pager, and an optimized landing page.

   • Ensured that all elements maintained a professional, approachable, and trustworthy aesthetic, reinforcing Cosign’s brand values.

This structured approach enabled Francois Labs to create a seamless, visually engaging design that enhances user experience and effectively guides potential users through Cosign’s application process.

Conclusion & Results

Through multiple iterations, refinements, and team collaboration, Francois Labs developed a design system that effectively communicates Cosign’s mission while maintaining a clean, accessible, and professional aesthetic. Early versions faced challenges with information overload, inconsistent design elements, and user flow inefficiencies, but through continuous feedback loops with both the design team and the founder, we fine-tuned every detail to align with the startup’s vision. By prioritizing consistency, accessibility, and collaboration, Francois Labs delivered a highly polished design framework that sets the stage for Cosign’s success in the financial services space.