Financial App
Pluto Pay

A financial app that goes beyond basic payment services.

The goal is to create an all-in-one platform where users can view their cash availability, track expenses, and receive personalized insights on managing their finances.

User’s problem and needs

Age: 38, Occupation: Medical Billing

It takes too much time to switch between different payment and banking apps, and it's hard to keep track of what I’ve paid.

It would be great to see how much I spend on each kid each month without tracking it manually. It would also be helpful if I could automatically include recurring payments for my kids' activities in my budget.

Age: 45, Occupation: Software Engineer

When I see a stock on my wishlist at a great price, I need to make sure I have enough cash after covering this month’s expenses. It’s inconvenient to check everything before making a decision.

I need a tool with budget and expense tracking to make sure I invest the right amount after covering my monthly expenses.

Age: 35, Occupation: Nurse

With my busy schedule as a nurse, managing multiple bank accounts and credit cards feels overwhelming.

I wish there was an app that could automatically track my spending. I also want it to motivate me to save, like how diet apps encourage healthy habits.

Competitive Analysis

Cash App

Strengths: User-friendly interface, fast payment.

Weaknesses: Lacks comprehensive tools for budgeting or expense tracking.

PayPal

Strengths: Accepted by millions of online merchants globally.

Weaknesses: High fees for some transactions and account freezing risks

Monarch

Strengths: Comprehensive financial management with budgeting, and expense tracking.

Weaknesses: The subscription-based pricing model

Wireframe

Feature #1- Adding New Accounts

Feature #2- Send a Payment

Feature #3- Add a Financial Goal

Prototype

Usability Test & Results

  • Determine if users can easily navigate the app without confusion or errors.

  • Identify any challenges users face, such as unclear instructions, or complicated steps.

  • Ensure the design and functionality meet user expectations and provide a smooth, intuitive experience.

A/B Preference test-Mobile onboarding screen

Outcome:
90%of participants preferred the blue screen over the white one. They found the blue option more visually appealing and easier to remember.

Account Page:

Users may not recognize the institution they want to add by looking at logos alone.

Solution:

Users will see a list of institution logos with the institution names. This addition helps users quickly identify the correct institution.

Pay Page:

Users prefer to select the recipient before entering the payment amount.
Users want to see a review page before sending a payment.

Solution:

Users now select or add a recipient before entering the amount. After entering the amount, users will see a review page. This allows them to confirm the payment details before completing the transaction.

Goal Page:

Users may be unsure which type of goal is best for them.

Solution:

Users will find a button linking to resources on goal management, along with an option to set up a call with a financial advisor.

Future Steps:
User Reward Program

I designed the initial rewards page as part of the emotional design process. I plan to conduct user research to find out what rewards would most appeal to our users. Potential rewards include small gift cards, free financial consulting, or a complimentary tax report.

Summary and Key Takeaways

User-Centered Design: By prioritizing user feedback from interviews and usability tests, the design of Pluto Pay evolved to meet real user needs, enhancing usability and ensuring that core features like cash flow tracking, instant payments, and budgeting are intuitive and easy to follow.

Iterative Improvement: Incorporating feedback led to a refined design that resonates with users, highlighting the importance of testing and revising to achieve a seamless experience.

Holistic Financial Management: Pluto Pay successfully integrates essential financial tools in one app, supporting users' needs for simplicity and accessibility in managing their financial goals.