StarBank - Your All-in-One Financial Hub for Smart Banking and Beyond

StarBank - Your All-in-One Financial Hub for Smart Banking and Beyond

Problem

Context and Pain Points

In an evolving financial landscape where traditional banks struggle to meet tech-savvy user expectations, StarBank aims to offer a modern, user-focused alternative. The primary issues uncovered during research centered on the shortcomings of leading Georgian mobile banks, BOG and TBC. Users cited irrelevant notifications, complex interfaces, limited investment options, and customer service friction as top pain points. Additionally, quick access to essential functions like checking balances and making transfers emerged as a universal need.

User Insights

Checking Balances (91%): Users want their balance visible upon login.

Quick Transfers (62% to own account, 46% to friends): An easily accessible transfer function is paramount.

Demographic Reach (Ages 10–65): The interface must accommodate a wide audience, simplifying everyday tasks without overwhelming less tech-savvy users.

Process

Research and Discovery

To understand user needs, interviews were conducted, user personas were developed, and empathy maps were created. Competitor apps (BOG and TBC) were analyzed for strengths, weaknesses, and potential integration of crypto investments. Three personas emerged:


Lika: Prefers advanced, flexible, and tech-forward banking.

Natia: Values security, dark mode, and straightforward functionality.

Nika: Desires seamless, AI-supported daily interactions.

Defining Problems and Goals

• Address irrelevant notifications by personalizing alerts.

• Improve customer service response with AI chat for instant queries and command execution.

• Enhance usability by prioritizing core actions (balance checks, transfers).

Competetive Analysis

BOG and TBC apps were studied for opportunities. Investment options and information architecture informed StarBank’s design decisions, ensuring a more intuitive user flow and better navigation clarity.

Wireframes and Inforamtion Architecture

Low-fidelity wireframes were tested for layouts of account balances, transfers, investments, currency exchanges, and AI interactions. ChatGPT was used to refine architecture, ensuring logical navigation and alignment with user mental models.

Prototyping and Testing

Functional prototypes focused on key tasks like checking balances, making transfers, and managing investments. User feedback revealed confusion in currency exchange tasks, leading to design adjustments for clarity.

Refinements

Based on testing, instructions, labels, and visual cues were refined to ensure confidence in transactions. The iterative cycle of building, testing, and adjusting improved clarity and satisfaction.

Solution

Revolutionizing Banking Experiance and Seamless AI-Driven Features

The app is designed to simplify and enhance the user experience with cutting-edge features:

Instant Balance Visibility: Upon login, users can immediately see their account balances, eliminating unnecessary navigation and saving time. This feature ensures that essential information is readily accessible, providing a sense of control and efficiency.

One-Tap Transfers: A prominently placed, large “Transfer” button on the homepage allows users to send money swiftly. This feature caters to a wide demographic, ensuring usability for everyone, from tech-savvy individuals to older generations.

AI Chat Assistant: The built-in AI assistant takes user convenience to the next level by personalizing notifications, resolving queries, and executing commands with ease. This eliminates the need for users to search through menus or navigate complex workflows.

Customized Notification Settings: AI-powered alerts allow users to receive tailored updates about their accounts, improving engagement and fostering trust in the app. Users are in control, receiving only relevant information.

AI Chat Assistant