SVRN: Biotech Network Platform

Building an MVP in Biotech R&D: From Zero to Aligned

I led product strategy and UX design for SVRN, a zero-to-one biotech R&D portal. In a domain defined by complexity and ambiguity, I translated a scientific vision into a tangible MVP and mid-fidelity prototype—aligning founders, scientists, and investors around a shared direction and unlocking early validation, partner interest, and momentum.

Role: UX Lead
Team: Co Founders, Research Scientists, Investors, & Project Manager
Timeline:  Ongoing
Deliverable: MVP Prototype, Website
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UX Process Success Metrics

9 Stakeholders

Aligned around concept of how the network and marketplace might function

8 Weeks

To alignment from Concept to testing, to MVP Interaction launch

19 Early Adopters

& pilot partners engaged post-prototype

The Project

Meeting Attendee Screenshot with Vanilla Team

SVRN’s founders had a high-level concept for transforming molecular discovery in biotech, but no clear path to execution. The domain was highly technical and unfamiliar, with multiple user types (scientists, technical leads, investors), few precedents, and no clarity around workflows, architecture, or core features. The stakes were high: we needed a story, prototype, and product vision that could rally stakeholders and secure early buy-in.

What I did: 

  • Defined the product concept from a highly complex and ambiguous domain.
  • Ran interviews with founders, scientific advisors, and investors.
  • Designed user flows for 3 key personas: scientists, CTOs, and execs.
  • Delivered foundational design assets for product and fundraising strategy.
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Challenge #1: Aligning Stakeholders around product concept in a highly specialized, complex domain

Defined and validated a product concept in a highly specialized, complex domain (biopharma R&D)

Transformed a vague vision into a tangible, testable prototype—bridging the gap between business goals, scientific complexity, and user needs

Created an MVP experience that aligned cross-functional stakeholders (founders, scientists, investors) around a shared product direction

VIEW FEATURE PRIoRITIZATION MATRIX
Lighting Fixture Solution Composite Image

Challenge #2: Systems Thinking, Informal Validations, & Novel Concept Mapping

Quickly ramped up in a scientific/technical domain with high ambiguity and minimal precedent

Demonstrated cross-industry adaptability—translating complex subject matter into usable interfaces without prior pharma/biotech experience

Low Fidelity Prototype Pages for Client Review

Challenge #3: Building and expanding a scalable digital design system from minimal brand guidelines

Starting from minimal brand guidelines, the goal was to establish a scalable, cohesive, and accessible design system to support current and future digital product needs. One of the core goals was to elevate the existing brand’s visual impact to support the client’s evolving mission. With limited brand assets in place, I aimed to design a UI that communicated professionalism, intentionality, and credibility—crucial for attracting highly educated scientific collaborators, strategic partners, and potential investors.

Low Fidelity Prototype Pages for Client ReviewLow Fidelity Prototype Pages for Client Review

The Outcome

This project is a great example of my ability to thrive in high-ambiguity, high-complexity spaces. I combined strategic product thinking, UX leadership, and fast execution to align stakeholders, prioritize what mattered, and create a fundable product story. I didn’t just design a UI—I designed a path forward.

Low Fidelity Prototype Pages for Client Review