MOOLA
Manage Your Finances Wisely, One Moola at a time
PRODUCT DESIGNER
MOBILE APP, WEB, MOBILE-RESPONSIVE
OVERVIEW
The Moola Microfinance Bank app is a digital platform aimed at providing financial services for individuals and small businesses. Designed to be user-centric and accessible, Moola focuses on financial inclusion, specifically targeting unbanked and underbanked individuals who need affordable, flexible financial solutions.
CHALLENGE
In today's fast-paced digital world, tech-savvy individuals, students, and young professionals, as well as established professionals and entrepreneurs, face significant challenges in managing their finances effectively. They seek a digital microfinance banking solution that provides a range of financial services, including educational loans with favorable terms, bill payments, fund transfers, and investment opportunities. However, they are often frustrated by lengthy onboarding processes and KYC requirements, which hinder their ability to quickly access these essential services. Their limited experience in financial planning and management creates barriers to achieving their financial goals, such as saving for education or starting a business.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
How might we design an app that offers financial empowerment and accessibility to users in underserved communities, enabling them to open accounts, apply for microloans, and manage savings confidently—despite potential low digital literacy and limited experience with financial services?
GATHERING INSIGHTS AND RESEARCH
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
My approach to the competitive analysis for the Moola microfinance bank app involved a comprehensive examination of key players in the Nigerian microfinance landscape, specifically comparing Moola with Access Bank’s Payday Loan and Carbon (formerly Pay later). I focused on essential aspects such as product offerings, target market, unique selling propositions, marketing and branding strategies, and overall user experience. This analysis aimed to identify Moola's strengths and opportunities within the market, particularly in addressing the needs of underserved communities. By evaluating how these competitors engage with similar target audiences and their respective market positioning, I gained valuable insights into potential gaps and areas for differentiation, ultimately informing the design and strategic direction of Moola to enhance its appeal and effectiveness in promoting financial inclusion.
CONTEXTUAL INQUIRY
Observed users interacting with traditional banking services in their environments to understand their workflows and the context of financial decision-making. This method revealed key barriers faced by users in adopting digital banking solutions.
THE USER PERSONAS
GAP IDENTIFIED
“Some bank customers have expressed panic as the Central Bank of Nigeria bans mobile money operators including fintech firms from onboarding new customers.”
“CBN to place restrictions on accounts without BVN”
Problem Solved During Onboarding
To tackle the challenge posed by the Central Bank of Nigeria's restrictions on mobile money operators and accounts without BVN, I designed a streamlined onboarding process. During the onboarding stage, users can enter their dashboard using just their phone number and password to experience the app's functionality.
USER FLOW
Key Note: Once users enter their dashboard, they see an instant modal to set up their account (This modal overshadows the dashboard and users cannot perform any activity until they have set up their account. The modal cannot be closed and will always pop up on their screen in case where a user decides to come back to the app without setting up their account).
During setup, users are asked to enter their BVN details. immediately users type in their BVN number and phone number linked to their BVN, the system automatically fetches and displays their BVN personal information on the screen, preventing any manual edits to ensure data accuracy. To complete the authentication process, users then proceed with BVN face verification, adding an extra layer of security through two-factor authentication. This approach ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and streamlines ghost and fraudulent users.
FIRST STORYTELLING WITH THE SPLASH SCREEN
I focused on creating a welcoming, informative introduction to Moola’s core features through three sliders. Each slider highlights a key benefit of the app, using clear, concise language to convey the app’s value. The first slide, “Manage Your Finances”, presents Moola as a trusted tool for financial management and growth, instilling confidence with the statement, “Your money is safe with Moola.” The second slide, “Send and Receive Money”, emphasizes the ease and flexibility of transferring funds to friends, family, or any recipient, appealing to users seeking seamless and quick transactions. Lastly, “Pay Your Bills Easily” showcases the convenience of handling essential payments like light bills and DSTV subscriptions, highlighting Moola’s role as a one-stop solution for everyday financial needs. Together, these slides create an engaging, informative introduction that assures users of Moola’s versatility, ease of use, and security from the moment they open the app.
DESIGNING FOR EDGE CASES AND MULTIPLE SCENARIOS
In designing Moola’s onboarding experience, I considered multiple scenarios and edge cases to ensure a seamless, user-centered journey even when issues arise. For instance, if a user’s BVN (Bank Verification Number) call fails, a gentle prompt informs them of the issue and offers a retry option or alternative contact support. In cases where BVN details mismatch after the user inputs information, a non-intrusive alert suggests double-checking the entries or contacting customer service. If facial verification fails—after three attempts—the app provides clear guidance on the next steps, including the option to verify through an alternative method. For edge cases like API call malfunctions or poor network connectivity, I implemented fallback messages and offline handling options, reassuring users that their onboarding process can resume smoothly once the connection is restored.
DESIGNING FOR WEB
I implemented responsive design principles to ensure Moola’s interface adapts smoothly to various screen sizes, from desktops to tablets and mobile devices, maintaining a consistent experience. Emphasis was placed on readability and accessibility. I incorporated clear call-to-action elements, guiding users through the app's primary features while reducing friction in their journey. This web design approach enhances user engagement
THE BRAND IDENTITY & DESIGN SYSTEM
The brand identity for Moola was crafted with a vision of inclusivity and empowerment at its core, ensuring that every visual element reflects the brand's dedication to serving and uplifting its diverse audience. The Moola logo embodies this ethos, symbolizing a blend of unity, diversity, and growth a beacon for those seeking financial empowerment regardless of background or status. Each part of the logo’s design speaks to Moola’s mission to break down economic barriers and foster community, representing a place where everyone’s financial goals matter and can thrive.
The color palette reinforces this commitment. The deep blue (#0357EE) conveys a sense of trust and stability, crucial in a financial landscape where user confidence is everything. It signals that Moola is a safe space to manage finances. The lighter blue (#C4E9FD) injects a fresh sense of clarity and innovation, representing Moola’s role as a transparent and forward-thinking financial platform. A deeper navy hue (#092256) grounds the palette with its richness, underscoring Moola’s steadfast commitment to customer service and reliability. Finally, the soft, warm yellow (#FFEBAF) brings positivity and inclusivity, inviting users into a welcoming, empowering experience. Through this thoughtfully designed brand identity and design system, Moola tells a story of trust, innovation, and genuine care for each user’s financial journey.
CONCLUSION
Designing Moola was more than just creating a digital microfinance platform; it was a journey into understanding the heart of financial empowerment for communities often overlooked by traditional banks. As I worked through each phase from user research and competitive analysis to wireframes and final UI, I gained insight into the real challenges people face in managing their finances, especially those with limited access to digital banking. Every design decision, whether simplifying the onboarding process or creating culturally relevant icons, aimed to break down barriers and make Moola a tool people could trust and rely on. Along the way, I learned that empathy in design goes beyond aesthetics or usability; it’s about seeing through the lens of the user’s lived experience and crafting solutions that resonate deeply with their needs and aspirations. This project reinforced my belief in the power of thoughtful design to drive real-world impact. It reminded me that sometimes, the smallest, most intuitive changes can make the biggest difference in helping users feel confident and in control of their financial future.
