look what I can do
Empowering global travelers to access real-time rates and effortlessly convert currencies on the go.
Product Design
UX/UI Design
challenge
The inspiration for this project was to create a currency exchange app from scratch to challenge my abilities to build a product from the ground up.
The goals are:
To provide real-time exchange rates, ensuring users have access to up-to-date currency conversion.
To simplify currency conversion, offering a straightforward interface for users to easily convert currencies.
To enhance traveler convenience, designing a user-friendly experience tailored to the needs of global travelers, enabling them to make quick and informed financial decisions.
To deliver accurate and reliable information, guaranteeing the accuracy and reliability of exchange rates to build trust.
According to a 2023 report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), over 4.5 billion passengers flew globally, highlighting a significant demand for efficient travel solutions. (IATA, 2023)
90% of consumers used some form of digital payment in the past year. This high adoption rate indicates a strong preference for digital financial solutions, highlighting a significant opportunity for a digitally accessible currency conversion app. (McKinsey & Company, 2023)
goal statement
Our currency exchange app will allow users to effortlessly track exchange rates, set personalized alerts, and make secure transactions, which will positively affect travelers by making it possible for them to confidently manage their finances while traveling and making informed financial decisions with ease. We will measure effectiveness by tracking user engagement metrics, to ensure that our app meets the needs of our users.
01.
The lack intuitive user interfaces, makes it difficult to navigate and perform tasks efficiently. This complexity leads to frustration and confusion, especially for users who are not tech-savvy.
pain points
why it matters
Existing currency exchange solutions lack the user-centric design and intuitive functionality necessary to address the diverse needs and constraints of users, resulting in frustration, inefficiency, and a lack of confidence in managing finances while traveling.
user
journey map
digital wireframes
not-so-much hi-fi prototypes
next steps
Test all the other features offered.
The goal is to create an MVP. To do so, at least for the design phase, I intend to:
01.
The Design Thinking methodology was used to ensure a user-centric approach and create a solution that truly addresses the needs of users. The flexibility of this method has been essential to the experimental nature of this project.
Empathize
I began by understanding the challenges faced by travelers when dealing with currency exchange. Through user interviews and observations, I gained insights into their pain points and needs, focusing on the complexities and frustrations they experience with existing solutions.
Define
Based on our research, I defined the core problem: users require a simple, reliable, and real-time currency conversion tool that enhances their financial decision-making on the go. This phase helped me to articulate a clear problem statement and project goals.
Ideate
I brainstormed potential features that could address the identified problems by sketching and prototyping different solutions to explore more than one approach to real-time exchange rates and user-friendly interfaces.
Prototype
I developed low-fidelity prototypes, incorporating key features and a simplified interface, to allow me to visualize the main idea and gather initial feedback from users.
Test
I detailed the prototype thinking about the UI and then tested it with real users to identify usability issues and gather insights on how well it met their needs. Based on the feedback, I'll refine the design to enhance functionality, ease of use, and overall user experience.
methodology
Q&A
Design Thinking
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At this time of my Product Designer career, I feel like there's only so much I can think of in a case study. The main issue on this project, for example, was understanding if the solutions would be viable on the real world. I activated my network and talked with developers to balance my creativity with viability.
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During the product definition phase, I recognized that incorporating some of the innovative features discussed during brainstorming would demand substantial additional resources and technical expertise, exceeding the project's scope and timeline.
To address this limitation, I focused on prioritizing features essential for developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Although some ambitious ideas were deferred for future iterations, I made sure that the core functionalities crucial for meeting user needs were implemented effectively within the project's constraints.
02.
Inefficiency in providing real-time exchange rate updates, customizable alerts, or seamless integration with payment systems abroad, leads to difficulties in conducting transactions.
problem statement
lo-fi prototypes
accessibility considerations
03.
The lack of clear information on transaction security results in hesitation to use these apps. Without access to accurate exchange rate info, users hesitate to exchange currencies fearing it may incur unnecessary expenses.
Prototyping
04.
The lack features that cater to the specific needs and preferences of users. They require personalized alerts for significant exchange rate changes or customization options.
usability findings
01. ‘Add Money’ and ‘Exchange Money’ can merge into one button
02. The bottom menu is confusing and makes the interface busy for the user
03. When adding money, the user should focus on one currency at a time
04. The user has to have the option to leave at any time
usability findings
01. Dark mode should be an option, not the only standard mode
02. The dashboard should have a search option
03. ‘Double Check Rates’ has to have an external link to each info to be credible
04. When reviewing the order, the text field should still be editable
01. To be an intuitive and tailored-to-user app, it is essential to have a desktop version, even in the ideation phase.
02. When dealing with sensitive information, like bank details, it is important to ensure that input fields are validated and that users are provided with clear instructions for correcting any mistakes.
03. Moving forward, it is urgent to implement features that help prevent errors, such as auto-complete or suggestions for commonly used currency pairs.
04. It is a priority task to incorporate voice command functionality for users who may have difficulty using touchscreens or keyboards.
05. (WCAG) for contrast ratios looks good, but on the meatball menu, it is important to test if we are relying solely on color to convey the currency information.
06. Error messages are missing. Even on this phase.
Build a light mode.
02.
Implement error messages.
03.
Build and test the desktop version.
04.
Iterate, test, and iterate until almost every negative scenario is out of the picture.
05.