OVERVIEW
Paybud
Product Design | Branding
Imagine being handed a brief as vague as "Design a money transfer app" with only two weeks to deliver. Sounds impossible, right? That's the challenge I faced with Paybud. But here's the twist: it evolved into a platform that redefined how friends handle finances.
In just 14 days, I uncovered a hidden pain point in peer-to-peer transactions, developed unique features that turned financial interactions into relationship-strengthening experiences, and created a fully branded app ready for investment. Scroll down to uncover the journey that led to Paybud - where money meets friendship in perfect harmony.
Year
Role
Duration
Deliverables
2023
Product Designer
2 weeks
High Fidelity Wireframes, Branding Assets, Prototypes, Mockups, Product Presentation for Investment
“THE” CHALLENGE
From Vague Brief to Visionary App
When I was handed the brief to “Design a mobile app where people can send and receive money among friends, and you have only two weeks to deliver it. ”
The challenge wasn't just about meeting the deadline. It was about transforming a vague concept into a fully-fledged, branded app . More importantly, it was about creating an app that would stand out in an already saturated market.
RESEARCH
Uncovering the hidden problem: the emotional cost of money between friends
I dove headfirst into user interviews, determined to uncover the real pain points in peer-to-peer money transfers. What I discovered was eye-opening:
“I feel so awkward asking my friends to pay me back. Sometimes, I'd rather just let it go than risk damaging our friendship.”
This sentiment echoed across multiple interviews. Users weren't just struggling with the mechanics of sending money; they were grappling with the emotional and social implications of financial interactions among friends. This revelation became the cornerstone of Paybud's unique value proposition.
PROBLEM DEFINITION
From Insight to Innovation: Features That Strengthen Friendships
Armed with this crucial insight, I set out to design features that would address not just the functional aspects of money transfer, but also the emotional and relational dynamics at play.
The focus on the “genuine” nature of friendships led me to consider the “emotional value” of financial interactions.
To make Paybud stand out and attract investment, I needed unique value propositions beyond basic functionalities. I delved into ideation, seeking innovative features to address the emotional and relational aspects of financial transactions:
Gentle Debt Reminder
A system that allows users to send considerate reminders about pending payments, preserving the delicate balance of friendships.
Paybud
now
Payback Reminder
Pay Now
Paybud sends a notification to payback when needed.
FundBud
A collective piggy bank feature that enables friends to pool resources for special occasions or needs, fostering a sense of community and support.
Friends can support each other through collective fundraising.
Gift
Inspired by my mom's heartfelt sentiment about gift-giving, this feature allows users to send money wrapped in the emotional warmth of a virtual gift, complete with illustrations, cards, and a delightful confetti effect.
If you don’t know which present to buy, create a money gift for your bud!
Split
A streamlined solution for dividing expenses among friends, designed to simplify group payments and reduce potential conflicts.
Split between pre-created groups, or, split instantly.
UI INSPIRATION
Design Inspirations: harmonizing money and friendship
TOWARDS HIGH FIDELITY
Evolving design by iterations
Iterations are the lifeblood of my design process. Despite the tight two-week deadline, I made sure to cycle through both low and high-fidelity wireframes. Each round of iteration refined and matured Paybud's interface, transforming initial concepts into a polished final design.
These iterations weren't just about aesthetics; they were crucial in aligning the app's functionality with user needs and expectations. From adjusting button placements for better usability to fine-tuning color schemes for improved emotional resonance, each change brought Paybud closer to its final form.
TOWARDS HIGH FIDELITY
Inspiring from the hands of friends
The evolution of Paybud's logo is a story in itself. Initially, I explored using hand imagery to symbolize the exchange of money between friends. However, as the concept matured, I opted for a more symbolic approach.
The final logo combines the brand's initials into a symbol of two friends, emphasizing friendship and connection. Adding the "whatsup" hand gesture in the logo's motion design brought it to life.
READY TO HANDOFF
Preparing for Launch: From Concept to Investment-Ready Product
As the two-week deadline approached, I focused on ensuring every aspect of Paybud was polished and ready for presentation. This included:
Organizing screens and user flows for clear developer handoff
Creating interactive prototypes to showcase the app's functionality
Ensuring consistency across all components and design tokens
Preparing a compelling investment presentation that highlighted Paybud's unique features and market potential
KEY SCREENS
Bringing Paybud to Life
After rounds of ideation, user testing, and refinement, Paybud's core features came to life in these key screens.
INVESTMENT PRESENTATION
The Result: A Revolutionary App Born from a Vague Brief
In just two weeks, Paybud transformed from a simple concept into a revolutionary app that redefines how friends handle finances together. By addressing the emotional aspects of money transfer between friends, Paybud doesn't just facilitate transactions – it strengthens relationships.
As I prepared for the investment meeting, I felt confident that Paybud offered something truly unique in the crowded fintech market. It wasn't just another money transfer app; it was a platform designed to nurture friendships through mindful financial interactions.
The journey from vague brief to visionary app was intense, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. It pushed me to think beyond conventional solutions and create a product that resonates with users on both a practical and emotional level. Paybud stands as a testament to the power of user-centered design and the impact of addressing hidden, emotional needs in product development.