by Totally Rad! · Desktop & Mobile
PixelSugar
PixelSugar is an editing software targeted to photographers who want all the effects without all the effort.
My challenge was to design a stand-alone application which offers non-destructive photo editing capabilities that would make professionals feel right at home, while also providing a welcoming experience for beginners.
The product needed to differentiate itself from main competitors like Adobe, offering a faster, more accessible editing tool without sacrificing creative power. Early prototypes suffered from unclear navigation and an overly technical feel.
I was highly inspired by high-contrast, minimal black-and-white aesthetics, taking cues from fashion editorials, architecture, and designer kitchenware.. Moving away from the traditional dark-gray "editing room" look common in creative software.
Built a UI that emphasized "invisible design." The interface recedes to let the image dominate the workspace. Used floating, semi-transparent tool panels anchored to consistent positions, allowing instant access without covering the image.
The top navigation toolbar is hidden, creating maximum vertical space for photo editing.
Color exists only in the photo, the interface remains monochromatic to reinforce focus and reduce visual fatigue.
Designed micro-interactions that were tactile and responsive without drawing attention. File selection uses an animated image carousel. Panel transitions, recipe saves, and sliders were enhanced with subtle easing.
This direction gave it an Illustration-driven system that combines stylized graphics, motion, and interactive design.
A fully responsive photo editing tool that felt luxurious, clean, and effortless. Web and mobile-ready with a unified UI model and interaction logic across all platforms.
The mobile version of PixelSugar. Incorporating all new editing features from PixelSugar on the go. Designed for iOS and Android with full feature parity.
Cohesive art direction across interface, animation, and visual storytelling
Elevated brand perception vs. conventional editing tools
Scalable component library shipped efficiently across releases
Positive adoption among creators seeking simplicity without sacrificing quality
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©2026 Juan Montes Design
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