Ostrich Mobile App Design and Development
Client:
Ostrich
Partners:
UX Media
Planning Phase: Building a User-Centered Experience
The planning phase was crucial for defining the scope and direction of the Ostrich application. Through collaborative brainstorming and ideation sessions, we outlined the app’s core features, user stories, and target audience. These initial ideas were captured in whiteboard sketches, providing a visual representation of the app’s functionality.
I then developed a detailed application structure flowchart to define the information architecture (IA) and user flows, ensuring intuitive navigation. This groundwork informed the creation of over 100 wireframes, detailing the UI elements and interactions across various screen sizes and devices.
Visual Identity and Branding: Communicating "Build Money Habits"
The visual identity for Ostrich was designed to reinforce the brand message of “Build Money Habits.” The “Ostrich” logo was designed to be memorable and easily recognizable, creating a strong brand presence. The overall design balances visual appeal with clear readability, supporting a friendly and approachable tone, which is crucial for engaging users in the often-intimidating world of finance.
The colors represent growth, prosperity, and stability, aligning perfectly with the app’s financial focus. An extensive library of over 200 custom icons provides clear visual cues, enhancing the user experience and making financial concepts more accessible and intuitive within the mobile app environment.
Gamification and Custom Components Design
I designed 250+ UI components and implemented a suite of gamification features and custom UI components to make managing finances more enjoyable and rewarding for users. This involved creating interactive elements like progress bars, leaderboards, and personalized challenges. I carefully considered the psychology of gamification, incorporating elements that motivate users to actively participate and achieve their financial goals. This approach transforms the often-intimidating task of managing finances into a more engaging and enjoyable experience.
Prototypes, Test, and User Feedback
A key part of the design process was user testing and feedback. I created interactive prototypes (as shown below) using Adobe XD to simulate the app’s functionality and user flow.
Through A/B testing, user interviews, surveys, focus groups, and presentations, We gathered feedback from a diverse range of users, ensuring the app met their needs and expectations. This user-centered approach allowed me to identify and address potential usability challenges early in the development cycle, resulting in a more intuitive and user-friendly final product.
NFT Integrations
Front-End Development
As the lead front-end developer, I collaborated closely with the Ostrich team and their back-end engineers to bring the app’s UI/UX designs to life. I utilized React Native, TypeScript, and a component-based architecture to build a performant and maintainable mobile application for both iOS and Android.
For the automated email system, I designed and developed the email templates, while the Ostrich back-end team implemented the necessary API integrations to trigger these emails based on user interactions within the app. This collaborative approach ensured seamless integration and enhanced the user experience by providing valuable feedback and reminders. All code was managed using Git for version control and collaborative development.
Conclusion and Recognition
The Ostrich app sought to revolutionize how users engage with their finances through gamification. My work as Consultant, UX / UI Designer and Front-End Developer on this project contributed to creating a seamless and motivating user experience.
This innovative approach to financial literacy was recognized with a significant achievement: winning $50,000 at the Rollins College Startup Weekend. This award underscores the project’s potential to empower users and make a positive impact on their financial well-being.
