Sim2Bank Wallet Creation

Project Overview

The iG9ite Sim2Bank Wallet Creation project aimed to integrate a virtual wallet feature into the 9mobile app, allowing users to set up a wallet using their mobile number. This feature focused on enabling easy, secure access to digital payments for users, particularly those in regions with limited access to traditional banking. The goal was to design a streamlined, user-friendly wallet creation experience that would drive user adoption and promote trust in digital transactions.

Client: 9mobile

9mobile is a leading telecommunications provider, known for serving millions of users in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. The client wanted to expand its digital offerings by incorporating a seamless wallet integration feature into its app, aligning with its mission to drive financial inclusion and empower mobile users with easy financial tools.

Project Challenge

The iG9ite Sim2Bank Wallet Creation project faced the challenge of designing an intuitive, secure, and accessible digital wallet setup experience within the 9mobile app. The solution needed to cater to diverse user demographics, including those with limited experience with digital financial services and users in low-connectivity areas. The core challenges included:

1. Simplifying Wallet Setup: Ensuring the wallet creation process was easy to understand and execute, even for first-time users, while using a mobile number-based linking system.

2. Building User Trust: Implementing visible, reliable security features (like OTP, PIN, and optional biometrics) to address user concerns about data safety and secure transactions.

3. Enhancing Accessibility: Designing a high-contrast, minimal interface that works smoothly in regions with low network connectivity and supports users with various technical proficiencies.

The Goal

The goal was to create a solution that empowers users by providing them with a streamlined, accessible entry point into digital payments, addressing security, usability, and inclusivity challenges.

My Design Process

To create a compelling and intuitive wallet creation experience, I followed a structured design process consisting of research, user journey mapping, wireframing, high-fidelity design, usability testing, and iteration. Here’s a detailed look at each phase

1. Research & Discovery

In this phase, the objective was to;

Identify the primary pain points for unbanked or underbanked users trying to access digital payments.
Understand the expectations and behavior of users regarding mobile wallets, especially around security, simplicity, and ease of access.
Define clear goals to guide the design process.

Approach

User Interview

I conducted user interviews to understand user pain points, motivations, and expectations regarding mobile wallet creation and usage.

Interview Structure

The interviews I conducted were semi-structured to allow flexibility. I divided the session into four parts:

Current Banking Habits: I asked participants how they manage financial transactions today and their familiarity with mobile wallets.
Wallet Setup Process: I explored users’ expectations for creating a wallet, including preferred methods for authentication (e.g., OTP, PIN, biometrics).
Security Concerns: Discussed how users perceive digital wallet security and what would make them feel more confident using a wallet.
Preferred Features: I identified the features users would prioritize, such as quick money transfers, transaction history, and notifications.

Outcome of User Interviews

The interviews provided valuable qualitative insights that shaped key design decisions:

Users preferred a mobile number-based wallet linking for simplicity.
Progress indicators were critical to reassure users during the setup process.
Security concerns highlighted the need for visible security cues and multi-layered authentication options like OTP, PIN, and biometric login.

Competitive Analysis

Objective

The competitive analysis aimed to:

Identify best practices in wallet creation, onboarding, and transaction flows.
Understand how local and global competitors handle security, simplicity, and accessibility.
Highlight areas where iG9ite Sim2Bank could differentiate itself.

Competitive Analysis Table

I drafted a detailed competitive analysis table comparing key features across selected competitors

Insights:

Trust & Security: Users were concerned about the security of mobile wallets and valued OTP and PIN as primary forms of authentication. They wanted visible security indicators (e.g., encryption icons) during transactions.
Simplicity: Many users, especially those less tech-savvy, preferred a minimalistic and guided process for wallet creation with minimal steps.
Quick Access to Wallet Features: Users appreciated apps that allowed for quick access to actions like “Send Money” or “Top Up” immediately after account creation.

Personas Development

Based on the insights gained from the user interviews and competitive analysis, I developed three primary personas to represent the diverse user base for the iG9ite Sim2Bank project (young tech-savvy users, small business owners, and individuals without easy access to banks).

These personas helped me define the design requirements by capturing different user types’ needs, goals, and pain points.

2. User Journey Mapping

This user journey mapping ensures the wallet creation and management flow is intuitive, secure, and user-centered, focusing on:

Ease of Navigation: Clear labels, organized sections, and quick actions make navigation straightforward.
Security at Every Step: Verification through PIN, OTP, or biometrics reinforces user confidence.
Efficiency: Minimal steps and helpful features like filtering and quick actions prioritize speed and simplicity.
These user journeys address key pain points and ensure a seamless experience across all stages of wallet use.

3. Wireframing

I shared the wireframe with users and stakeholders to validate its core features and functionality, ensuring alignment with user expectations. This feedback phase was critical for identifying usability issues, refining workflows, and confirming the practicality of the proposed designs.

User Flow Breakdown:

1. Wallet Creation

2. Add Funds to Wallet

3. Send Money from Wallet

4. Transaction History

5. Wallet Dashboard

4. High-Fidelity Design

In this phase, the objective was to bring the wireframes to life with a visually appealing, user-friendly design that aligns with the 9mobile brand.

Design Choices:

Color Palette: I used 9mobile’s brand colors (green, white, and black) to maintain brand consistency and establish trust.

Typography: Legible, clean fonts were selected for readability, especially for users who might not be very tech-savvy.

Detailed Screens

1. Create Wallet Screen:

2. Add Funds to Wallet

3. Wallet Dashboard

4. Send Money from Wallet

5. Transaction History

5. Usability Testing

Objective: To ensure the wallet creation flow was straightforward, secure, and accessible, especially for first-time users or those less familiar with digital payments.

Key Findings:

Positive Feedback on Simplicity: Most users found the flow intuitive and appreciated the progress indicator and security icons.
Security Concerns Resolved: Users felt reassured by the visible security features (OTP, PIN setup, and icons), especially when handling sensitive actions.
Minor Usability Improvements: Some users requested more clarification on the OTP resend timer and preferred slightly larger buttons for PIN setup.

Iteration Based on Testing:

Based on the feedback, then I took the following actions:

Added a clear message for the OTP resend timer.
Increased the button size on the PIN setup screen for better accessibility.

6. Final Design Solution

The final design solution for iG9ite Sim2Bank’s wallet creation flow was simple, secure, and easy to navigate. The design emphasized security, reduced cognitive load, and streamlined the user journey from wallet creation to transaction access. Key features like quick access buttons and high-contrast UI ensured accessibility for a diverse user base.

Final Screens:

Create Wallet with Mobile Number: Easy entry point for new users.
Wallet Dashboard with Quick Actions: Immediate access to balance, transactions, and main actions like “Send Money” and “Add Funds”
OTP Verification for Security: To ensure only legitimate users complete transactions

Takeaways and Lessons Learned

User-Centered Design is Key: Understanding user needs and addressing their pain points around security and simplicity was crucial. Iterative feedback from real users ensured the final design met user expectations.
Security & Trust Should be Visible: By incorporating security cues and a straightforward setup process, we reinforced trust and reduced users’ fears around mobile transactions.
Simplicity Drives Adoption: Reducing steps and providing guided actions made the wallet creation process accessible even for less tech-savvy users. A streamlined design helped minimize cognitive load, resulting in a smooth onboarding experience.
Design for Immediate Use: The Wallet Dashboard design emphasized quick access to commonly used features, encouraging users to start engaging with the wallet right away.

In conclusion, the iG9ite Sim2Bank Wallet Creation project ultimately demonstrated the importance of a user-centered, security-focused approach to digital wallet design. By balancing simplicity with trust-building elements, I created an experience that facilitates financial inclusion for users across different tech familiarity levels.