SaveUp- Simplifying Fintech App Experience
This case study features the designing of SaveUp, an intuitive and reliable finance app that helps users save for their goals while effortlessly tracking their expenses. With powerful budgeting tools, personalised savings plans, and real-time expense tracking, SaveUp empowers users to take control of their finances and achieve their financial dreams.
The app was designed after thorough user research that helped understand the pain points users faced while working with existing fintech apps. The insights were translated into a streamlined interface with optimised visual hierarchy, frictionless UI components, and goal-driven microcopy.
User testing showed a 35% engagement jump, driven by seamless face login, bite-sized savings goals, and visualisation tools (e.g., custom goal images). Combined with automatic transaction tracking and cash-expense logging, the app balances simplicity with holistic financial oversight to sustain user commitment.
Fintech
UI/UX Designer
Tools used
Figma
Platform
iOS & Android app
Responsive Website
Challenge
The objective of SaveUp is to revolutionise personal finance management by combining goal-based savings with effortless expense tracking in one seamless platform.
Unlike traditional finance apps, SaveUp focuses on helping users visualise and achieve their dreams—whether it’s a vacation, a new home, or financial freedom—while providing smart, automated insights to optimise spending.
Possible Solution
With its intuitive design, personalised savings strategies, and real-time progress tracking, SaveUp empowers users to save smarter, spend wisely, and turn their financial goals into reality.
Key objectives include
Goal-focused approach
Prioritises saving for dreams, not just budgeting.
Seamless integration
Combines savings and expense tracking in one app.
Personalisation
Tailored savings strategies and insights.
Easy accessibility
Quick, smooth login experience making the app accessible.
The following steps were taken to arrive at the final design solution.
User Research
Hypothesis
Users will find SaveUp’s personalised approach and visual progress tracking more motivating and easier to use, leading to higher engagement and long-term financial success.
Who
Adults between the age group 18 and 60 who belong to the earning category of the society.
What
User should be able to add a goal and track the savings for the goal easily. User should also be able to add transactions and link bank accounts and credit cards to keep a track of earnings and expenditures.
When
At home or during their commute.
Where
Users will be mostly using the app on their phones as it is very accessible. However they should also be able to access the website on their laptops.
Why
While other apps focus solely on budgeting or investing, Saveup bridges the gap by helping you save for what truly matters while keeping your day-to-day finances in check. It’s not just about managing money—it’s about achieving your dreams.
How
A smooth, quick Login experience with face recognition making the app easily accessible.
The user can set financial goals in the app and gets to view the progress with each goal clearly.
The user can easily add a transaction manually when necessary. The transactions from linked bank accounts are automatically added and the user has real time update of savings at any point of time.
Synthesis
Patterns
Many prioritise saving, often using automated tools or budgeting apps, but struggle with consistent contributions.
Awareness of financial literacy is growing, with more adults seeking resources like podcasts, courses, or advisors, yet gaps remain in understanding investments and long-term planning.
Adults are increasingly saving for specific milestones (e.g., weddings, homes) through dedicated accounts or investment plans, but often face challenges balancing short-term needs with long-term goals.
Surprises
Despite growing financial literacy, some adults rely heavily on credit cards or loans for emergencies, leading to debt accumulation.
Frustrations
Balancing Short-Term vs. Long-Term Goals: People often struggle to prioritise between immediate needs (rent, bills) and future goals (buying a home, retirement).
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): The desire to spend on experiences or trends (travel, gadgets, dining out) often conflicts with long-term savings goals.
Needs
Financial Education: Access to simple, actionable advice on budgeting, investing, and debt management.
Personalized Planning: Tailored financial plans that align with individual goals (e.g., buying a home, saving for a wedding).
Automated Tools: Apps or platforms that automate savings, track spending, and set reminders for bills or goals.
Emergency Funds: Guidance and strategies to build and maintain a safety net for unexpected expenses.
The Users
Before designing, I took a deep dive into existing behavioral data of our users to understand them better. A series of customer interviews were conducted.
2 user archetypes were designed and mapped.
I sketched multiple user flows to visualize ideas quickly. My focus at this stage is to diverge first, converge later- explore possibilities. Here are some early sketches of the app screens .
The initial designs went through several user tests to ensure we have a friendly and scalable user experience. Here's a detailed walkthrough of the app.
Quick and secure login
A quick and secure log in feature with face recognition making the app easily accessible to the user. A smooth, enjoyable login experience sets a positive tone for the rest of the app.
When users associate the app with ease and security, they’re more likely to return regularly and develop a habit of saving.
Setting a new goal
Visualisation: Uploading images makes goals feel more real and motivating.
Achievability: Breaking goals into weekly chunks makes them less overwhelming.
Encouragement: Motivating messages keep users inspired to stick to their goals.
Accessibility: Users have access to the real time progress of their goals in the home page.
Adding a transaction manually
While transactions made via cards and linked bank accounts are automatically tracked, managing hard cash expenses can often slip through the cracks. SAVEUP ensures that adding cash transactions is intuitive and hassle-free with a simple 4-step process.
Easy Access: Users can navigate to the Transactions section via the app’s navigation bar.
Quick Add: With just a tap on the "Add" button, users can effortlessly log their cash expenses.
Simple Steps: The process is streamlined into 4 easy steps, making it quick and user-friendly.
Key Takeaways
Seamless user experience
The face recognition login and intuitive goal-setting flow make the app easy to use, encouraging consistent engagement.
Behavioural nudges
Breaking savings goals into weekly chunks and providing motivating messages helps users stay on track and develop consistent savings habits.
Visualisation and Engagement
Allowing users to upload images for goals makes them more tangible and motivating.
Displaying active goals and progress on the homepage keeps users engaged and informed.
Comprehensive Tracking
Automatically tracking card and bank transactions while providing an easy way to log cash expenses ensures users have a complete picture of their finances.
Future Iterations
Enhanced Personalisation
Use AI to analyze spending patterns and suggest personalized savings goals or budgeting tips.
Gamification
Introduce badges, streaks, or rewards for consistent savings or achieving milestones.
Advanced Analytics
Provide insights and trends on spending habits, such as:
"You spend 20% more on dining out this month."
"You’re on track to save 10% more than last month."
Integration with Financial Tools
Allow users to link investment accounts or loan accounts for a holistic financial overview.
Integrate with bill payment services to automate and track recurring expenses.
Voice Commands
Introduce voice-based transaction logging (e.g., "Add €50 for groceries").
