Pluto Pay – Finance App
Pluto Pay – Finance App
Pluto Pay – Finance App
A financial app that goes beyond basic payment services.
Designed and iterated a financial app by conducting user research, creating personas, analyzing competitors, and developing prototypes.
Project Summary
Objective
To design a comprehensive financial app that empowers users to manage their cash flow, track expenses, and make smarter financial decisions—all in one place.
Objective
To design a comprehensive financial app that empowers users to manage their cash flow, track expenses, and make smarter financial decisions—all in one place.
Objective
To design a comprehensive financial app that empowers users to manage their cash flow, track expenses, and make smarter financial decisions—all in one place.
Problems
Users are frustrated by having to switch between multiple apps to manage payments, track expenses, and monitor their budgets. This fragmentation leads to confusion, missed payments, and difficulty planning for short-term and long-term financial goals.
Problems
Users are frustrated by having to switch between multiple apps to manage payments, track expenses, and monitor their budgets. This fragmentation leads to confusion, missed payments, and difficulty planning for short-term and long-term financial goals.
Problems
Users are frustrated by having to switch between multiple apps to manage payments, track expenses, and monitor their budgets. This fragmentation leads to confusion, missed payments, and difficulty planning for short-term and long-term financial goals.
Solutions
Pluto Pay consolidates essential financial functions—like instant payments, budget tracking, and goal setting—into one seamless, user-friendly experience. Features were refined based on user interviews and usability testing to ensure clarity, confidence, and convenience.
Solutions
Pluto Pay consolidates essential financial functions—like instant payments, budget tracking, and goal setting—into one seamless, user-friendly experience. Features were refined based on user interviews and usability testing to ensure clarity, confidence, and convenience.
Solutions
Pluto Pay consolidates essential financial functions—like instant payments, budget tracking, and goal setting—into one seamless, user-friendly experience. Features were refined based on user interviews and usability testing to ensure clarity, confidence, and convenience.
Design Goals
Create a clean and intuitive interface that supports easy navigation across mobile and desktop.
Create a clean and intuitive interface that supports easy navigation across mobile and desktop.
Create a clean and intuitive interface that supports easy navigation across mobile and desktop.
Prioritize mobile usability as mobile sessions increase year over year.
Prioritize mobile usability as mobile sessions increase year over year.
Prioritize mobile usability as mobile sessions increase year over year.
Help users quickly understand their cash availability, spending habits, and financial goals.
Help users quickly understand their cash availability, spending habits, and financial goals.
Help users quickly understand their cash availability, spending habits, and financial goals.
Build trust through transparency, clear flows, and helpful features like review pages and advisor support.
Build trust through transparency, clear flows, and helpful features like review pages and advisor support.
Build trust through transparency, clear flows, and helpful features like review pages and advisor support.
Use user-centered design to continually refine features based on feedback and behavioral data.
Use user-centered design to continually refine features based on feedback and behavioral data.
Use user-centered design to continually refine features based on feedback and behavioral data.
User’s problem and needs
Scattered payment records
“I switch between apps to track what I’ve paid—it’s time-consuming and messy.”
Scattered payment records
“I switch between apps to track what I’ve paid—it’s time-consuming and messy.”
Scattered payment records
“I switch between apps to track what I’ve paid—it’s time-consuming and messy.”
Uncertainty around cash flow
“I want to invest, but I’m never sure if I have enough after bills.”
Uncertainty around cash flow
“I want to invest, but I’m never sure if I have enough after bills.”
Uncertainty around cash flow
“I want to invest, but I’m never sure if I have enough after bills.”
Managing multi accounts
"With my busy schedule as a nurse, managing multiple bank accounts and credit cards feels overwhelming."
Managing multi accounts
"With my busy schedule as a nurse, managing multiple bank accounts and credit cards feels overwhelming."
Managing multi accounts
"With my busy schedule as a nurse, managing multiple bank accounts and credit cards feels overwhelming."
Competitive Analysis
Cash App
Strengths: User-friendly interface, fast payment. Weaknesses: Lacks budgeting tools, and customer service
Cash App
Strengths: User-friendly interface, fast payment. Weaknesses: Lacks budgeting tools, and customer service
Cash App
Strengths: User-friendly interface, fast payment. Weaknesses: Lacks budgeting tools, and customer service
PayPal
Strengths: Widely accepted, global reach Weaknesses: High fees, account freezing risks
PayPal
Strengths: Widely accepted, global reach Weaknesses: High fees, account freezing risks
PayPal
Strengths: Widely accepted, global reach Weaknesses: High fees, account freezing risks
Monarch
Strengths: Full-featured financial platform Weaknesses: Subscription required; higher barrier to entry
Monarch
Strengths: Full-featured financial platform Weaknesses: Subscription required; higher barrier to entry
Monarch
Strengths: Full-featured financial platform Weaknesses: Subscription required; higher barrier to entry
Wireframe
Product Requirement & Low-Fidelity Wireframes
Add Accounts
One of the first and most essential steps. I designed a flow that allows users to: - View recognizable institution names/logos - Select account types (e.g., bank, credit, investment) - Sync accounts securely with visual confirmation
Add Accounts
One of the first and most essential steps. I designed a flow that allows users to: - View recognizable institution names/logos - Select account types (e.g., bank, credit, investment) - Sync accounts securely with visual confirmation
Add Accounts
One of the first and most essential steps. I designed a flow that allows users to: - View recognizable institution names/logos - Select account types (e.g., bank, credit, investment) - Sync accounts securely with visual confirmation
Pay or Request
I designed a streamlined payment flow: - Users choose a recipient first - Then enter the amount - A review screen ensures users can double-check details before confirming
Pay or Request
I designed a streamlined payment flow: - Users choose a recipient first - Then enter the amount - A review screen ensures users can double-check details before confirming
Pay or Request
I designed a streamlined payment flow: - Users choose a recipient first - Then enter the amount - A review screen ensures users can double-check details before confirming
Set Goals
I created a modular goal-setting process: - Users choose a predefined goal type - Allocate monthly contributions - Track progress visually on the goal dashboard
Set Goals
I created a modular goal-setting process: - Users choose a predefined goal type - Allocate monthly contributions - Track progress visually on the goal dashboard
Set Goals
I created a modular goal-setting process: - Users choose a predefined goal type - Allocate monthly contributions - Track progress visually on the goal dashboard
Usability Test Report
Users wanted a review screen before confirming payments—this was added.
Users had difficulty identifying financial institutions by logos alone—institution names were added.
These insights shaped every major flow in the app, improving usability, trust, and satisfaction.
High-Fidelity Design
Add Account Flow
The user clicks the '+' icon to begin the process.
The user is shown a list of account types they can add.
The user selects their financial institution from the list.
The Account Sync page directs the user to the login screen.
A confirmation message is displayed once the account is successfully linked.
The user clicks the '+' icon to begin the process.
The user is shown a list of account types they can add.
The user selects their financial institution from the list.
The Account Sync page directs the user to the login screen.
A confirmation message is displayed once the account is successfully linked.
The user clicks the '+' icon to begin the process.
The user is shown a list of account types they can add.
The user selects their financial institution from the list.
The Account Sync page directs the user to the login screen.
A confirmation message is displayed once the account is successfully linked.
The user clicks the '+' icon to begin the process.
The user is shown a list of account types they can add.
The user selects their financial institution from the list.
The Account Sync page directs the user to the login screen.
A confirmation message is displayed once the account is successfully linked.
The user clicks the '+' icon to begin the process.
The user is shown a list of account types they can add.
The user selects their financial institution from the list.
The Account Sync page directs the user to the login screen.
A confirmation message is displayed once the account is successfully linked.
The user clicks the '+' icon to begin the process.
The user is shown a list of account types they can add.
The user selects their financial institution from the list.
The Account Sync page directs the user to the login screen.
A confirmation message is displayed once the account is successfully linked.
The user clicks the '+' icon to begin the process.
The user is shown a list of account types they can add.
The user selects their financial institution from the list.
The Account Sync page directs the user to the login screen.
A confirmation message is displayed once the account is successfully linked.
The user clicks the '+' icon to begin the process.
The user is shown a list of account types they can add.
The user selects their financial institution from the list.
The Account Sync page directs the user to the login screen.
A confirmation message is displayed once the account is successfully linked.
The user clicks the '+' icon to begin the process.
The user is shown a list of account types they can add.
The user selects their financial institution from the list.
The Account Sync page directs the user to the login screen.
A confirmation message is displayed once the account is successfully linked.
The user clicks the '+' icon to begin the process.
The user is shown a list of account types they can add.
The user selects their financial institution from the list.
The Account Sync page directs the user to the login screen.
A confirmation message is displayed once the account is successfully linked.
The user clicks the '+' icon to begin the process.
The user is shown a list of account types they can add.
The user selects their financial institution from the list.
The Account Sync page directs the user to the login screen.
A confirmation message is displayed once the account is successfully linked.
The user clicks the '+' icon to begin the process.
The user is shown a list of account types they can add.
The user selects their financial institution from the list.
The Account Sync page directs the user to the login screen.
A confirmation message is displayed once the account is successfully linked.
Send a Payment Flow
The main ‘Pay’ page displays recent transactions and the primary payment account.
The user selects a recipient or scans a QR code.
The user enters the payment amount and reviews the payment details before submitting.
A payment confirmation page is displayed.
The 'Pay' and 'Request' features are located in the main bottom navigation.
The main ‘Pay’ page displays recent transactions and the primary payment account.
The user selects a recipient or scans a QR code.
The user enters the payment amount and reviews the payment details before submitting.
A payment confirmation page is displayed.
The 'Pay' and 'Request' features are located in the main bottom navigation.
The main ‘Pay’ page displays recent transactions and the primary payment account.
The user selects a recipient or scans a QR code.
The user enters the payment amount and reviews the payment details before submitting.
A payment confirmation page is displayed.
The 'Pay' and 'Request' features are located in the main bottom navigation.
The main ‘Pay’ page displays recent transactions and the primary payment account.
The user selects a recipient or scans a QR code.
The user enters the payment amount and reviews the payment details before submitting.
A payment confirmation page is displayed.
The 'Pay' and 'Request' features are located in the main bottom navigation.
The main ‘Pay’ page displays recent transactions and the primary payment account.
The user selects a recipient or scans a QR code.
The user enters the payment amount and reviews the payment details before submitting.
A payment confirmation page is displayed.
The 'Pay' and 'Request' features are located in the main bottom navigation.
The main ‘Pay’ page displays recent transactions and the primary payment account.
The user selects a recipient or scans a QR code.
The user enters the payment amount and reviews the payment details before submitting.
A payment confirmation page is displayed.
The 'Pay' and 'Request' features are located in the main bottom navigation.
The main ‘Pay’ page displays recent transactions and the primary payment account.
The user selects a recipient or scans a QR code.
The user enters the payment amount and reviews the payment details before submitting.
A payment confirmation page is displayed.
The 'Pay' and 'Request' features are located in the main bottom navigation.
The main ‘Pay’ page displays recent transactions and the primary payment account.
The user selects a recipient or scans a QR code.
The user enters the payment amount and reviews the payment details before submitting.
A payment confirmation page is displayed.
The 'Pay' and 'Request' features are located in the main bottom navigation.
The main ‘Pay’ page displays recent transactions and the primary payment account.
The user selects a recipient or scans a QR code.
The user enters the payment amount and reviews the payment details before submitting.
A payment confirmation page is displayed.
The 'Pay' and 'Request' features are located in the main bottom navigation.
The main ‘Pay’ page displays recent transactions and the primary payment account.
The user selects a recipient or scans a QR code.
The user enters the payment amount and reviews the payment details before submitting.
A payment confirmation page is displayed.
The 'Pay' and 'Request' features are located in the main bottom navigation.
The main ‘Pay’ page displays recent transactions and the primary payment account.
The user selects a recipient or scans a QR code.
The user enters the payment amount and reviews the payment details before submitting.
A payment confirmation page is displayed.
The 'Pay' and 'Request' features are located in the main bottom navigation.
The main ‘Pay’ page displays recent transactions and the primary payment account.
The user selects a recipient or scans a QR code.
The user enters the payment amount and reviews the payment details before submitting.
A payment confirmation page is displayed.
The 'Pay' and 'Request' features are located in the main bottom navigation.
Goal Setting Flow
To add a new goal, users tap the ‘+’ icon.
They choose the type of goal they want to set.
Users enter target amount and monthly contribution.
A confirmation screen is displayed.
A new progress bar appears on the ‘Goal’ page to track progress.
To add a new goal, users tap the ‘+’ icon.
They choose the type of goal they want to set.
Users enter target amount and monthly contribution.
A confirmation screen is displayed.
A new progress bar appears on the ‘Goal’ page to track progress.
To add a new goal, users tap the ‘+’ icon.
They choose the type of goal they want to set.
Users enter target amount and monthly contribution.
A confirmation screen is displayed.
A new progress bar appears on the ‘Goal’ page to track progress.
To add a new goal, users tap the ‘+’ icon.
They choose the type of goal they want to set.
Users enter target amount and monthly contribution.
A confirmation screen is displayed.
A new progress bar appears on the ‘Goal’ page to track progress.
To add a new goal, users tap the ‘+’ icon.
They choose the type of goal they want to set.
Users enter target amount and monthly contribution.
A confirmation screen is displayed.
A new progress bar appears on the ‘Goal’ page to track progress.
To add a new goal, users tap the ‘+’ icon.
They choose the type of goal they want to set.
Users enter target amount and monthly contribution.
A confirmation screen is displayed.
A new progress bar appears on the ‘Goal’ page to track progress.
To add a new goal, users tap the ‘+’ icon.
They choose the type of goal they want to set.
Users enter target amount and monthly contribution.
A confirmation screen is displayed.
A new progress bar appears on the ‘Goal’ page to track progress.
To add a new goal, users tap the ‘+’ icon.
They choose the type of goal they want to set.
Users enter target amount and monthly contribution.
A confirmation screen is displayed.
A new progress bar appears on the ‘Goal’ page to track progress.
To add a new goal, users tap the ‘+’ icon.
They choose the type of goal they want to set.
Users enter target amount and monthly contribution.
A confirmation screen is displayed.
A new progress bar appears on the ‘Goal’ page to track progress.
To add a new goal, users tap the ‘+’ icon.
They choose the type of goal they want to set.
Users enter target amount and monthly contribution.
A confirmation screen is displayed.
A new progress bar appears on the ‘Goal’ page to track progress.
To add a new goal, users tap the ‘+’ icon.
They choose the type of goal they want to set.
Users enter target amount and monthly contribution.
A confirmation screen is displayed.
A new progress bar appears on the ‘Goal’ page to track progress.
To add a new goal, users tap the ‘+’ icon.
They choose the type of goal they want to set.
Users enter target amount and monthly contribution.
A confirmation screen is displayed.
A new progress bar appears on the ‘Goal’ page to track progress.
Results & Reflection
What I Learned
Designing financial tools requires a deep understanding of trust, clarity, and emotional reassurance.
Designing financial tools requires a deep understanding of trust, clarity, and emotional reassurance.
Designing financial tools requires a deep understanding of trust, clarity, and emotional reassurance.
Small UX tweaks—like a confirmation page—can significantly reduce user anxiety around payments.
Small UX tweaks—like a confirmation page—can significantly reduce user anxiety around payments.
Small UX tweaks—like a confirmation page—can significantly reduce user anxiety around payments.
Personal finance is deeply emotional. Clear visuals and motivational features improve user confidence and retention.
Personal finance is deeply emotional. Clear visuals and motivational features improve user confidence and retention.
Personal finance is deeply emotional. Clear visuals and motivational features improve user confidence and retention.
Next Steps
A strong mobile-first foundation designed around real user needs
A strong mobile-first foundation designed around real user needs
A strong mobile-first foundation designed around real user needs
Positive feedback from testers on ease of use and clean layout
Positive feedback from testers on ease of use and clean layout
Positive feedback from testers on ease of use and clean layout
Plan to test the rewards feature, including gift cards and free financial advice
Plan to test the rewards feature, including gift cards and free financial advice
Plan to test the rewards feature, including gift cards and free financial advice
Potential future features: AI-based insights and advanced saving recommendations
Potential future features: AI-based insights and advanced saving recommendations
Potential future features: AI-based insights and advanced saving recommendations