WeTransfer

A new vision for WeTransfer

Introduction

WeTransfer is an Amsterdam-based company that helps send big files. In recent years WeTransfer has grown into a collection of tools designed for and inspired by the creative process. With now over 80 million monthly users in over 187 countries it is one of the world’s most beloved digital brands.

In 2011 I started there as its first designer, joining a 7 person startup. Over the years I worked on several projects, including launching WeTransfer Plus (now called ‘Pro’) to help make the platform profitable. Four years later I was asked as a freelancer to work on an experiment to reimagine the platform.

Responsibilities

UX design • Visual design • Motion design

Challenge

In 2015, WeTransfer had already solved the problem of making it easy to send big files. However, there was an ongoing discussion about where to place the panel on the page as it would block parts of the beautiful wallpapers behind it, which advertisers needed to be shown as much as possible.

Strategy

The main goal was to try and solve the problem of the panel blocking the wallpaper and make sending files even easier at the same time. One experiment was to try to make the panel smaller and more compact, but to also try experiments that would break convention and explore the boundaries of the platform.

Solution

The most radical departure from the conventional interface was replacing the panel with a circle as a key element of the platform, at the centre bottom of the screen. The circle would be multifunctional as it would serve as an upload button whilst also displaying the file capacity, loading progress and transfer status.

The panel was only there when it’s needed. When visiting WeTransfer.com visitors were greeted by a small upload panel that enabled users to browse their files or drag and drop files. When files were added the panel would then enable users to add email addresses, messages and start the transfer. If users would select the circle during a transfer, the panel would show cancel or pause options.

Results

Although the experiment gave us valuable insights we were careful to stay loyal to our core users and not move too far away from what they were already used to. We decided to further improve the original panel layout as WeTransfer went on to grow at stunning rates and become the brand millions of people today know and love.