OpenPenny
Mobile/Web app MVP design — Open banking fintech start-up helping people streamline cardless payments.
Role
UX/UI Designer
Project Type
SaaS Product
Team
Sole Designer - Team of 4
Timeline
May 2023 → Dec 2023
Project context
We were tasked with designing and developing an MVP mobile/web app to help our client secure their next round of funding. Stakeholders needed to validate their idea within a short timeframe. We continued working on the product until it was shipped for testing in the UK market.
My role
As the lead designer, I worked closely with a product manager and developers to design the app. I was handed some rough user stories, wireframes and flows, which I improved on before designing polished UX/UI and a prototype in Figma.
The problem
The client needed to design a successful MVP within a short timeframe that validates their idea in order to secure the next round of funding. The core payment flow was unclear with a poor user experience.
Goals
Demonstrate the product’s value to investors and users alike. Clarify the core payment flow, reducing friction in key interactions, and ensuring that users can easily understand and complete cardless transactions, all within the constraints of an MVP timeline.
Initial stakeholder interview
The objective was to clarify their goals, understand the product vision, and define expectations for the MVP.
Findings
Ambiguous and slow payment flow
Missing onboarding flow
Poor visuals
Constraints: 2 months to complete MVP
Emergent goals
Refer to existing documents/designs to create clear user flows for payments and onboarding. Create new visuals based on brand identity. Develop a prototype in Figma to validate the product idea.
Onboarding - User Flow
Core Screens - Flow Diagram
One-Page Payment Flow
Stakeholder’s wanted a one-phase payment process, where the user creates payments in one page.
Large keypad - Enter amount immediately
Tap to quickly add an optional note
Send payment as link or create scannable QR code
Results
Stakeholder’s were very happy with the designs and secured the next round of funding thanks to a successful MVP. The funding allowed them to launch the MVP for testing in the UK market.
Reflection
Working with a start-up proved to be a challenging task, required constant communication and fast iteration. Ultimately, I learned very much about the importance of balancing speed and quality. You can always iterate and make something better, but you can’t buy back time.
