Let's connect families and
build financial literacy, to make a lasting positive impact
Team: Pearl B., Mya D., Rachael Z.
Role: Product Designer
Project: Scholar Dollars
Timeline: September 2023 - December 2023
1. Understanding the Market & User
To build a financial literacy product from 0 to 1 we needed to understand the current market, possible competitors, and our target users.
Macro Scale Insights
87%
of teenagers do not understand their finances (Forbes)
68%
of young adults go to their parents for financial advice (Pew Research)
35states
out of 50 states scored a C or below in financial literacy education (A.P.E.F.)
Mapping Insights
After gathering and compiling key secondary research, we mapped out ideas, questions, and points for further research and even possible product solutions
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User Interviews
With broad insights in mind, we decided to conduct 6 user interviews with target populations to identify user goals, needs, and pain points. We targeted national users from middle to low-income families who were interested in financial literacy. We also made a conscious effort to engage with people who attended schools in different states.
All 6/6 users wanted to learn with their parent or child
4/6 users did not want to upload, share, or connect any personal financial information
Users shared where they had positive digital learning experiences
Competitive Analysis
We utilized user interview insights and macro-scale research to define 5 competitors across 3+ competition types.
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There is a gap in the market for intergenerational learning between parents & children
The market is already saturated with apps requiring personal financial info
2. Early Iterations
After gaining insights into user goals and pain points as well as current market offerings and trends we began laying out our prototype's foundation
Information Architecture
With product features and common user goals in mind, we collaboratively built different user flows for our app to lay out a defined information structure
Afterward, we sketched screens and placed them in order, then moved to building a low-fidelity clickable prototype.
Our final diagram and process can be viewed here
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3. Usability Testing & Insights
Once a low-fidelity prototype was developed we conducted 5 usability tests and paired them with heuristic insights to steer Hi-Fi iteration
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Heuristic Pairing
After each usability test, we paired pain points with heuristics and then marked their severity level to pinpoint high-value iteration areas
key Insights
To access our full usability report please click here.
1. Module Screens
All 5/5 users noted confusion with the "Start Over" button's functionality in the modules section of the prototype
The "Continue" and "Previous Lesson" buttons also confused multiple users. Relatedly, the "Take Quiz" button's reliance on toggling to the "Private Loan" tab resulted in a notably common usability issue.
2. Quiz Screens
3/5 users described concerns regarding the lack of a back button during quiz sections.
Users signifcantly noted the interest in immediate feedback during quizzes. For example: correct, incorrect, as well as answers / solutions.
2. Quiz Screens Continued
2/5 users strongly advocated for a form of progress bar during quizzes
3. Home Screen
2/5 users noted significant confusion regarding the "6 Hours" achievement label displayed at the top of the home screen.
4. High Fidelity Iteration
User Interface Style Guide:
4. High Fidelity Solutions
Implementing targeted usability-test insights alongside developing a defined visual system
Hi-Fi Design Iteration:
Module Screen Development
Problems:
5/5 users noted confusion with the start over button functionality
2/5 users described not wanting to see the menu / accidentally tap it when learning
Solutions:
Streamline button choices into Continue and a top back arrow
Remove the bottom menu dock and profile access when engaging with learning modules
Paper Prototype
Digital Wireframe
Hi-Fi Prototype
Quiz Screen Development
Problems:
3/5 users described concerns regarding the lack of a back button during quiz sections.
2/5 users strongly advocated for a form of progress bar during quizzes
Users signifcantly noted the interest in immediate feedback during quizzes. For example: correct, incorrect, as well as answers / solutions.
Solutions:
Streamline button choices into Continue and a back arrow
Remove the bottom menu dock when engaging with learning modules
Add in immediate motion, color, and text-based feedback during quiz
Paper Prototype
Digital Wireframe
Hi-Fi Prototype
Home Screen Development
Core Problem:
2/5 users noted significant confusion regarding the "6 Hours" achievement label displayed at the top of the home screen
Solution:
Edit achievement bubbles to better describe the achievement itself
Paper Prototype
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Digital Wireframe
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Hi-Fi Prototype
Hi-Fi Prototype