Hodge Bank - Multi Account overview (Live Brief - 4 weeks 2020)

1. Hodge Bank Design brief:
Multi-account overview – the user can view accounts with different providers all in one place. You are to develop one of these product features using an iterative design-test methodology. The development must be in keeping with Hodge Bank’s existing digital visual-brand language.

2. Refined Brief:
‍Design a mobile application featuring a multi-account account overview. The application needs to be within Hodges bank’s digital visual brand language and be easily understood by users of all ages and different digital knowledge.

Market research and Hodge Bank analysis

Banks emphasize giving users greater freedom and control over their accounts, especially through mobile apps, which cater to busy lifestyles by enabling anytime, anywhere access.
By researching the top 10 mobile banking apps, I identified key features that enhance usability and appeal. Exploring color theory, layout, and navigation helped me understand what users expect from a successful banking app experience.

Colours:
‍Navy blue and Orange are the prime colours throughout the page. Black writing is not used anywhere on the page. Consistent use of the navy blue colour is also applied within the typography. White background with slightly darker boxes to make the information pop up.
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‍Graphics:
‍A mixture of real-life pictures as well as cartoon-like images.
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‍Savings:
‍Different categories for different kinds of savings.
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‍Help:
A large variety of answers to possible problems
and an additional link to the Contact Us option.
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‍Contact us:
‍No online chat availability. The option looks cluttered with a lot of text on it.

Analysis of Top 4 Banking Apps

1. Starling
- Clear visuals for account balance and monthly spending, with a pie chart to show spending breakdown.
- Real-time text notifications for account changes.
- Strong color contrast enhances readability and navigation.
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2. Monzo
- Effective balance and spending visuals, including a pie chart for spending awareness.
- Unique saving feature allows rounding payments into savings.
- Good color contrast for easy reading and navigation
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3. Revolut
- Clear account balance and spending visuals, with graphs for balance trends.
- Simple, eye-friendly colors.
- User-friendly navigation throughout the app.
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4. Barclays
- Clear balance and spending visuals.
- Consistent color theme across pages, aiding navigation and recall.
- Eye-friendly, minimal design.

Entry Questionnaire and Analysis

I conducted a quick survey with 42 participants to understand how different age groups adapt to mobile banking and the shift from physical branches to app-based services.

Participants:
-22 females, 20 males, with an average age of 34.
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Tech Proficiency
‍86% consider themselves advanced tech users.
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Preference for Mobile Banking:
100% prefer using a mobile app over visiting a branch.
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This research shows that, regardless of age or tech proficiency, users overwhelmingly favor mobile apps for banking tasks.

User test Planning

Plan

User test planning was essential to ensure smooth navigation and clear understanding, minimizing user frustration and errors.
The test plan covered:
- Participant Profiles: Characteristics, privacy, and compensation.

- Preparation: Script, tasks, and pre-test arrangements.

- Methodology: Session structure, timing, and environment setup.

- Equipment and Moderator Guidelines: Tools, metrics, and body language cues.

This detailed plan provided a structured approach, supporting reliable and insightful testing outcomes.

Low-Fidelity Prototype Analysis

Participants:
6 users, ages 24–62
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Results:
All participants successfully completed tasks without stress or issues.
- Navigation through the paper prototype was easy and intuitive, aligning with their existing mobile app experience.
- Participants were pleased with the task completion time.

Feedback:
- Make Hodge the primary account.
- Link information back to Hodge’s account.
- Include information on potential interest income.
- Maintain a clear, simple layout.
- Use graphs effectively to highlight spending awareness.

Key Takeaway:
Participants valued simplicity, clear layout, and familiarity in navigation.

Uer testing analysis

User Testing and Data

Tasks:
Participants were asked to complete tasks to evaluate navigation ease, success rate, and emotional response:
- Sign up and log in without entering details.
- Check the number of transfers into Hodge’s account.
- View current interest on the Hodge savings account.
- Find total interest in savings.
- Locate savings tips information.
- Check the current credit card balance.
- Calculate potential interest on leftover funds transferred to the current account.

Feedback:
- Navigation: Users found navigation straightforward.
- Information Control: Participants liked the sparation of mini summaries and full reports, allowing them to choose the level of detail, saving time.
- Simplicity: Users appreciated simplified banking, especially home-based features, like remote cheque deposits.
- Hodge Focus: Hodge’s central placement was well-received.
- Button Clarity: Clearly clickable buttons saved time.
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- Areas for Improvement: Some overlapping buttons needed adjustments.
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- Overall Impression: Users saw potential for significant money-saving through the app.

Key Insight: The app’s simplicity and control over information view enhanced user satisfaction, though some design adjustments are needed for optimal usability.