VENMO
REDESIGN
CLIENT
Personal Project
ROLE
UX, Visual, Motion Design
TEAM
Individual
TIMELINE
4 weeks in Fall 2021
In this case study, I analyze the shortcomings in Venmo's user experience and proposed an improved interface that streamlines financial communication to foster connection. Venmo's mission statement states to be for fast, safe, social payments where "settling up feels like catching up."
However, poor design decisions and shallow social integration prevents Venmo from achieving it's mission statement to the fullest.
PROBLEM DISCOVERY
While Venmo offers fast payments, the transaction process is far from easy. It felt difficult to find contacts and profiles, and the lack of a messaging system forces users to exit the app to complete transactions.
Guerilla Interview
I conducted interviews with 30 college students as well as analyzed general opinions online to determine the major issues with Venmo's UI:
1. Posts and comments are socially shallow and uninteresting.
2. No recurring payments & difficult group payments.
3. Difficult to find requests, payments, and profiles.
4. No social features that streamline payments.
ORIGINAL UI ANALYSIS
I mapped out the current Venmo interface to analyze its current features and identify the interfaces shortcomings.
- Absence of a contact list
- Difficulty navigating profiles and stories
- Completing transaction requests is clunky and tedious
- Bottom bar cluttered with irrelevant features to Venmo's mission
- Absence of social features such as announcements & messenger
VISUAL INSPIRATION
To draw inspiration on a new interface, I created a moodboard focusing on the features that made other financial and social media apps successful. I also explored color palettes that give off a friendlier vibe.
WIREFRAMES
I sketched out early layout concepts to rapidly explore variations. For later layouts, I moved to Figma in order to get a higher fidelity mockup.
GOAL OF REDESIGN
Streamlining financial communication to foster connection and enhance relationships.
HOME SCREEN
I updated the homescreen to be more alike other social media apps. The two most important buttons, the transaction and scan button, are easily located and intended for single-hand use.
Venmo Stories
My implementation of Venmo Stories is another function that fosters social connection. Personal items and fundraisers can be easily shared and sold to friends.
Money Messaging
Finance talk is often complicated and should be contained within Venmo to keep within the mission statement as a money social app. Chatting and finding contacts is easier than ever, with a pop up recommended people page, and their activity being displayed by their profile name.
