A multi-user interface that makes discovering, managing, and interacting with AI tools clear, flexible, and scalable.
Context
From concept to multi-user AI tools search platform
SearchTools.ai is a search engine for AI tools, letting users find tools by task and interact with upvotes, follows, trending, and featured sections. The project came from a client I had worked with before, who provided clear instructions for each section, so I could start designing right away.
Key needs
The platform needed to provide a simple, intuitive search experience that allowed users to find tools easily and see personalized results.
Support for premium paid features, such as tool uploads, dashboards, analytics, and subscription management
A dedicated NSFW section with clear differentiation
Easy-to-use tools for tool owners to track performance and manage their content
Challenges
With a growing number of ideas in the pipeline, I had to tackle a few key challenges:
👩🏽💻 Catering to two user types: searchers and tool owners
✨ Keeping the interface clear as features expanded
🛠️ Making designs practical for rotating developers
💸 No budget for dedicated UX research or testing, so I relied on benchmarking and iterative design to anticipate user needs
UI System
The UI system was designed to scale with new features, supporting the platform’s evolution through multiple versions.
Design Decisions
3 major versions, one growing platform
Shaping the Search and Browsing Experience (1.0)
I designed the visual and branding system, including the logo and color palette. Created the main screens and basic user flows, from onboarding onward, with a focus on the primary function: the AI tools search process.
Say hello to the Premium Features (2.0)
Expanded the interface and updated the header menu to accommodate new functionalities, ensuring the visual system could scale with these additions:
✅ Premium Features: Designed tool upload flows, dashboards, analytics, and subscription management.
✅ NSFW Section: Applied a distinct color system for clear content differentiation.
✅ Free Mode: Added header toggles to simplify search options.
Adding a Personalized Feed (3.0)
Designed the new “For You” page, featuring personalized recommendations and updates from followed apps.
Outcome
The platform is functional and visually consistent for both searchers and tool owners, with a flexible system ready to accommodate future growth.
While still in development, it already demonstrates clear, scalable solutions for multiple user types and features.