zenVPN
Leading the end-to-end product design for zenVPN, a modern business-focused VPN platform. I designed the intuitive admin panel and dashboard, streamlining complex corporate management into a cohesive experience across web and desktop platforms.
Overview
zenVPN is a comprehensive business-focused security platform designed to provide teams with seamless access control, secure tunnel management, and granular policy workflows. Built from the ground up, the product translates complex infrastructure requirements into a simple, high-performance interface for modern teams.
Challenges
Building zenVPN from the ground up required establishing a robust foundation for a modern business-security platform, focusing on scalability and operational efficiency.
Defining a scalable foundation
Starting from scratch meant we had to architect a flexible structure capable of supporting complex B2B features while maintaining a lightweight feel.
Establishing information priority
The challenge was to design a hierarchy that instantly surfaces critical security data for IT admins without cluttering the workspace.
Creating a unified UI language
We had to build a consistent design system from day one to ensure a seamless transition between the web dashboard and the desktop tray widget.
Optimizing complex operational flows
Transforming technical tasks - like tunnel configuration - into simple, intuitive UX flows was essential for driving early product adoption.
Process
Collaborating closely with the CEO, I acted as a strategic design partner to translate business vision into a market-ready product.
Throughout the design phase we constantly produced wireframes to pressure-test navigation, depth, and edge cases before moving into high fidelity.
Strategic collaboration
Worked in tight cycles with the CEO to define product requirements. We used rapid prototyping in Figma and Cursor to bridge the gap between idea and code.
Core module development
Translated high-level goals into interactive wireframes and high-fidelity layouts for web, mobile, and the specialized desktop top-menu widget.
Iterative validation
We moved fast: designing, coding, and testing in live environments. This allowed us to gather immediate feedback and pivot or refine features in real-time.
Billing
The billing dashboard brings subscription status, payment method, upcoming invoice line items, and invoice history into one clear surface for admins and finance.
Gateways
My Gates surfaces shared, dedicated, and bring-your-own IP options in one table, with clear pricing and status. Advanced setup adds a failover country so the client can fall back automatically when the primary data center is unavailable.
Traffic filtering
This flow helps teams lock down admin surfaces by routing access through zenVPN tunnels and applying stack-specific rules for WordPress, Apache, AWS, and nftables.
Your tunnels
This module lets teams route specific destinations through selected gates and assign access by team, with clear controls for tunnel priorities and catch-all behavior.
Desktop menu bar app
The desktop menu bar app I've designed recently provides users convenient access to specific features by enabling them to swiftly reach the application from the menu bar.
Key accomplishments
Successful market entry
Launched a comprehensive B2B suite from zero, delivering a professional-grade product that effectively communicates trust and security.
Modular design system
Built a reusable component library that enabled the team to ship subsequent features and updates twice as fast.
Cross-functional efficiency
Streamlined the hand-off process by maintaining direct alignment between design vision and technical implementation.
Streamlined user onboarding
Reduced friction in the initial setup, allowing corporate users to configure secure connections with minimal cognitive load.
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