Overview
SpendSmart Mobile Banking
Traditional mobile banking apps often fail to resonate with younger users accustomed to simple, intuitive social interfaces, creating friction around financial independence and education. This concept reimagines core banking features within a more approachable, social-inspired UI to better engage and empower younger audiences.
Fast & secure sign-in
Users begin by logging into a previous account or registering for a new account. Fingerprint support enables users to quickly log in with an additional security measure.
All your information at your fingertips
The savings account screen mimics the interface of the debit card screen, and is accessed from a simple swipe. The wallet is expandable and can contain an infinite number of cards or accounts. Transferring funds is similar to traditional banking apps which provides a familiar experience.
Saving can be easy and accessible
The savings account screen mimics the interface of the debit card screen, and is accessed from a simple swipe. The wallet is expandable and can contain an infinite number of cards or accounts. Transferring funds is similar to traditional banking apps which provides a familiar experience.
The first banking app with message support
SpendSmart reimagines the traditional structure of banking apps. Social support allows for a reassuring and safe experience when sending funds to friends through Zelle, and a social network encourages users to invite their friends to SpendSmart and expand the app userbase.
Set budgets with in-app tools
Users can view data provided directly within the app to learn and evaluate their spending habits. A drop down menu allows the comparison of previous months to keep track of budgeting progress and building healthy habits.
The most features out of any banking app
SpendSmart organizes features in a structured menu called categories, which encourages exploration and allows for easy expansion and updates. Users can access any feature in only two clicks, without being overwhelmed by content. All the traditional banking features, such as checks and credit score, are here.
User Testing
In testing, SpendSmart was up to five times faster to use.
I recreated a prototype of Bank of America to conduct user testing. During testing, users were able to complete tasks up to five times faster in SpendSmart, and noted decreased confusion and increased ease of use. Below is a visualization of this testing.
User Research
Banking apps and money-sharing apps often have exclusive features.
I analyzed the interfaces of three mobile banking apps and three money-transfer apps. Bank of America and Chase both had most financial features available, so I referenced them the most during my user research.
Most people prefer their money-transfer app interface.
I surveyed 24 college students to learn about their preferences and aversions to features in both traditional banking apps and money transfer apps. While conducting interviews, I learned that users strongly prefer their money-transfer apps due to their intuitive, clean interfaces and simplistic design. Conversely, users are frustrated by the difficulty of finding features they need, having poor information hierarchy, and a lack of features.
Young adults would be a potential audience for a new banking app.
I created a user persona of a college student that would test the new banking app. I referenced this persona throughout building the app to approach the problem with a user-first mindset.
The app would benefit from a simple, hierarchical user flow.
I looked at the most important user flows within traditional banking apps based on my survey results. Most surveyed users primarily use features such as debit cards, savings accounts, budgeting, and exchanging funds with friends. I charted out these flows with the least number of clicks possible, because these features are often used daily and should be streamlined for users.
Clean, straight-forward branding is most accessible and familiar to users.
I created a simplistic brand identity that would quickly align with user expectations for a banking application.
Wireframing
I created low fidelity frames of each feature I wanted in the app. I built the app around the visual, tangible experience of a debit card, as well as creating a modular features page.
Impact
If developed, this app could compete with major institutions like Bank of America and Wells Fargo by offering a more accessible, all-in-one banking experience tailored to college students. Its streamlined user experience and minimal interface position it as a highly marketable solution to common financial challenges faced by young adults.