Dendro
Streamlining medical education with AI-driven study tools for 300+ trainees at Brown University Health.
Overview: Streamlining Medical Education
Dendro is an AI-powered study platform that turns medical lecture video into accurate study materials (Anki flashcards, practice exams, and medical-grade note guides).
As the Founding Designer, I led the end-to-end creation of the platform—from the core product interface to the brand identity and launch website used to secure institutional clients. My goal was to make a complex AI workflow feel simple, intuitive, and professional for the 300+ trainees at Brown University Health.
Role: Founding Product Designer (Solo)
Timeline: May 2025 – Present
Team: Hossam Zaki (Founder), Jay Khurana (Founder), Usman Khan (Founding Engineer)
Disciplines: 0→1 Product Strategy, UX/UI Design, AI Workflow Automation
Tools: Figma, Linear (for dev handoff), FigJam
The Problem: Simplifying Complex AI for Exhausted Residents
Medical residents are overworked and have no patience for complicated software. The manual process of turning lectures into study sets is a major source of burnout. My challenge was to design a "one-click" experience that makes a sophisticated AI pipeline feel effortless, ensuring the tool actually fits into a resident’s hectic schedule.
Strategy: Balancing Institutional Trust with Functional Speed
I focused on building a professional identity that would secure partnerships while designing a product centered on utility. As the solo designer, I maintained visual consistency across every touchpoint, from investor pitch decks to the core platform, ensuring the company felt established and reliable to medical stakeholders.
Execution: Designing a Linear Upload and Output Workflow
I designed a direct interface that removes unnecessary steps to accommodate a resident's limited time. By prioritizing a drag-and-drop upload system and a modular results dashboard, I organized AI-generated flashcards, exams, and notes into a single, scannable view. This transformed a complex AI process into a simplified experience that generates study materials in seconds.
Outcome: Validating an Unmet Need in Medical Education
Growth: Successfully launched at Brown University Health, Brown Neurology, and Brown Cardiology; currently expanding to Yale New Haven Health and Tufts.
Engagement: Supporting 300+ medical trainees in their daily clinical study workflows.
Capital: Provided the design system and assets used to secure $10,000+ in initial revenue/funding.
Retrospective: Design Simple Solutions to Complex Issues
Utility First: Optimize for high-stress users by prioritizing speed and minimal friction.
Holistic Design: Maintained a consistent brand language from investor decks to the core product.
Scalability: Currently designing mobile-first review tools and collaborative cohort features.
