PRODUCT DESIGNER
XCel Savings
XCel Savings
PROJECT OVERVIEW
XCel Savings is a versatile financial management platform that empowers users with a range of savings and contribution tools, including shared pots, personal savings pots, and Esusu (rotating savings).
This platform was designed to cater to the diverse financial needs of users, helping them build healthy saving habits, participate in group savings, and achieve financial goals collaboratively or individually. With its variety of savings options, XCel Savings provides a robust digital space for individuals to manage their finances effectively.
MY ROLE
As the Product Designer, I led the creation of a seamless user experience and an engaging, intuitive user interface. The project required a design that balanced simplicity with functionality, allowing users to access complex savings structures easily and fostering an environment that encourages consistent savings.
- User Research: Conducted interviews and surveys to better understand users’ savings habits, informing design decisions based on real-life financial practices.
- Wireframing & Prototyping: Created wireframes to outline the core layout and detailed prototypes for shared pots, Esusu contributions, and personal savings.
- Usability Testing: Gathered user feedback through prototype testing, enabling refinement of user flows for optimal ease of use.
- High-Fidelity UI Design: Developed final UI elements that incorporate both brand identity and user-friendly functionality.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Worked closely with the development team to maintain design integrity throughout the build process.
Year
2024
Client
ETranzact Global BVI
Services
Product Design
Project
Dynamic
Product Planning and Development Process
The project began with extensive user research to understand the financial behaviors, preferences, and pain points of our target audience. By defining clear user personas, we mapped out the primary goals, motivations, and needs of potential users. Working alongside stakeholders and developers, I contributed to the product roadmap, identifying essential features for both individual and group savings and prioritizing user-centered solutions that aligned with the app’s overall objectives.
Project Timeline and Milestones
To ensure efficient project development, we established a timeline with clear milestones:
- Research & Ideation – Conducted research on user financial needs, especially within group savings frameworks.
- Wireframing & User Flows – Drafted initial wireframes and outlined user flows for shared pots, Esusu, and personal savings to ensure clarity.
- Usability Testing & Iteration – Developed prototypes and performed user testing to gather feedback and refine designs.
- UI Development – Created high-fidelity designs with a focus on clean, intuitive visuals that simplify complex financial transactions.
- Final Adjustments & Delivery – Coordinated with the development team for final refinements and smooth deployment.
Product Design and UI/UX
The design aimed to create a streamlined experience that accommodates multiple savings structures without overwhelming users. I focused on designing a UI that is both visually appealing and functional, with dedicated sections for each type of savings option. The intuitive flow and accessible design allow users to set up and manage savings pots, contribute to Esusu pools, and track personal savings with ease.
Outcomes
The XCel Savings app launched with strong feedback, lauded for its intuitive, visually appealing interface that empowers users to manage multiple savings formats in a single platform. The user experience prioritizes ease of access, encouraging users to form saving habits and collaborate on shared financial goals effectively. The app’s features align with the project’s core mission of promoting accessible financial management and goal achievement.
Key Features
- Shared Pots: Users can create or join shared pots, pooling resources for collaborative saving efforts.
- Esusu Contributions: Allows for participation in Esusu, enabling structured, rotating savings plans.
- Personal Savings Pots: Individualized savings options for personal goals, with easy tracking and progress indicators.
- Goal Tracking: Visual progress tracking for each savings pot, keeping users motivated and informed.
Reflection
Working on XCel Savings allowed me to apply my design skills to a financial solution that meets real user needs, balancing simplicity with rich functionality. This project underscored the importance of user-centered design, especially when dealing with sensitive financial interactions, and strengthened my ability to create user-friendly solutions within a complex domain.