Intro

Adro is an American fintech company dedicated to facilitating financial access for international students and workers in the United States. It aims to provide a seamless experience for newcomers by offering essential banking services like checking, savings, credit, and international money transfers.

Project Overview

As the lead product designer at Adro, my role was pivotal in creating a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to kickstart the company's journey. The objective was to develop a platform that could be tested with potential users and investors, aligning with Adro's mission of ensuring equal financial opportunities for all individuals in the US.

Understanding the Challenge

The project began with a comprehensive analysis of the financial services landscape in the US and other regions, considering the diverse backgrounds and expectations of international users. It was crucial to grasp not only user needs but also market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder interests.

Process 

Our approach involved conducting competitive analyses, user interviews, and usability testing to inform the design of the mobile app. We focused on creating visually appealing yet compliant interfaces, considering the myriad regulations governing the banking sector.

Challenges and Solutions

• Speed and Resourcefulness: Balancing the need for rapid progress with resource optimization was a recurring challenge. To address this, we prioritized scalability and efficiency in our design system, leveraging existing patterns and frameworks.

• Brand Alignment: Adro's evolving branding presented a challenge in updating the app's visuals efficiently. By establishing a scalable design system and design tokens, we minimized the time required for rebranding while ensuring consistency across screens.

• Transition from Web to Mobile: Recognizing the necessity of a web app launch before the native mobile app, we designed the interface with scalability in mind. This involved anticipating the transition from web to mobile and adapting the design accordingly.

Outcome

Despite the complexities, our efforts culminated in a seamless onboarding experience and a robust suite of banking services, designed to accommodate both web and mobile platforms. By prioritizing scalability, efficiency, and regulatory compliance, Adro's MVP laid a solid foundation for future iterations and expansion.