MoneyMerge

MoneyMerge is a financial app that enables users to centralize their financial accounts and streamline transactions.

MoneyMerge, an all-in-one financial app with image of a phone screen
Tools
  • Figma
  • Adobe Fresco
  • Google Forms
  • Miro
  • Optimal Workshop
  • UserCrowd
Role

Research & UI/UX Design

Timeline

November 2022 - April 2023

Problem Statement

Financial app users struggle with managing their money due to the scattered approach of accessing multiple sites for account management. Users need a centralized platform that can consolidate all their financial accounts, enabling them to simplify and efficiently manage their money.

Hypothesis

The implementation of a secure tool that enables users to link their financial accounts and cards, facilitating transactions and providing centralized financial management, will lead to improved efficiency and convenience in managing personal finances.

Features

  • View account balances & transactions
  • Create personalized budgets
  • Send & request money
  • Scan to make in-store payments
  • View recurring payments & subscriptions

Competitive Analysis

Learning from established companies already tackling the problem

I researched Intuit Mint and PayPal, creating comprehensive competitive and marketing profiles, as well as SWOT analyses. Additionally, I performed a UX-focused competitive analysis on Intuit Mint, where I identified any ineffective app elements.

Intuit Mint

Strengths
  • Robust algorithm and data security measures
  • Customizable and editable options for users
  • Web navigation is organized
Weaknesses
  • Ads are intrusive, repetitive, and reappear shortly after exiting them
  • UI on web layout looks complex
  • Mobile navigation isn't organized logically
  • Features weren't usable or functioning as described

PayPal

Strengths
  • Allows users to pay online and in-store with a QR code
  • Offers deals and discounts with retailers
  • Provides robust ways to transfer money
  • Accepts multiple forms of payment
Weaknesses
  • High fees for processing invoices and sending personal transactions
  • Can only view transactions made through PayPal
  • Information architecture needs improvement
  • Several ads to apply for their credit card

User Research

Listening to people who are actually experiencing the problem

I surveyed 46 people who manage their finances, and I interviewed three survey respondents from various backgrounds.

Key Survey Insights

Donut hole pie chart with 94%

94% have 2+ financial accounts

Donut hole pie chart with 63%

63% manage their finances at least 1x/week

Donut hole pie chart with 89%

89% currently budget or are interested in budgeting

Interview Topics

  • Their shopping habits
  • Their process of managing finances
  • Their budgeting methods
  • Their experience with digital wallets

Insights

  • Most people shop weekly
  • Security is of the most importance when using financial platforms
  • People prefer real-time account updates
  • Some make peer-to-peer transactions monthly
  • People use e-wallets because they are secure and easily accessible
  • Some people dislike when apps offer no personalization

Affinity Map

Digital sticky notes organized in labeled boxes

Ideation

Defining solutions and exploring site structure

Michael's User Flow

User Story

As a planner, I want to create a budget, so that I can achieve financial stability.

Success Criteria

Budget is created

User flow chart

Sitemap

I evaluated the architecture with an open card sort after creating the initial sitemap. Most of my findings were validated, but the banking items were inconsistent. In this revised sitemap, I renamed the Banking tab and added a transactions section to the Wallet tab.

User flow chart

Wireframe

Turning ideas into something tangible

Design

Intro Sequence

Familiarize yourself with MoneyMerge by learning about its main features and how it works.

Three introduction screens

Sign Up & Log In

As a new user, create an account and verify your phone number, or log in using biometrics.

Three sign up screens

Overview Tab

Get a quick overview of your account balances, recent transactions, and budget summary.

Three overview screens

Create a Budget

Create a personalized budget and view insights. Transactions made through linked accounts will automatically be categorized for your budget.

Three budget form screens

Wallet Tab

View your wallet to make in-store transactions by scanning the QR code. Get a calendar overview of your upcoming recurring payments.

Three screens from the wallet tab

Add an Account

Find your bank, securely log in, and get a virtual card to make payments.

Three account form screens

Make a Payment

Send or request money and set up recurring payments.

Three payment form screens

Visual System

Colors

Eight-color color palette

Typography

Poppins

Bold, semibold, and medium used for headers.

Poppins

Medium and regular used for body text.

Iconography

Group of eighteen icons representing various budget categories.

Illustrations

Group of five illustrations related to finances.

Key Learnings

Design, test, repeat

I learned the importance of gathering feedback early and often through testing. And when testing isn't feasible, applying best practices to my design becomes essential.

Design for your users, not yourself

Early on, I realized the importance of avoiding design based solely on personal preferences and assumptions. Instead, I embraced the need to empathize with users and prioritize meeting their needs.

Don't try to reinvent the wheel

When evaluating the budget flow, I discovered that a linear path may not be helpful if users lack context and clarity about the desired outcome. To address this, I sought inspiration from existing apps.

Explore the App