Wizdom
Nominated Global Showcase Project
Identifying the Problem
Children need an approachable and fun resource to learn about money saving habits, in order to feel prepared for their financial future as young adults.
Strategy
Role
UI Designer
Scope
Team effort with Corinn Cramer (Researcher) and Amber Adams (UX Designer) to oversee the entire project lifecycle within a designated 2.5 week timeframe.
Tasks
As the UI designer for the project, my responsibilities included:
Conducting User Research
Competitive Analysis (SWOT Method)
Lo-fidelity rapid sketch
Comprehensive Brand Style Guide
Feature Prioritization through MoSCoW Method
Task Scenarios to test against UI
Hi-fidelity Prototype (interactive design)
Animation/Motion Guidelines
User-Centric Research
During the research phase, 15 parents were surveyed to identify key pain points and perspectives on the subject of teaching finances to young kids. The goal was to prioritize features for a tool that addresses the challenge of preparing children for financial success as they transition into young adulthood. Notable insights guided the UI focus, particularly regarding the preferred devices for an educational financial tool among kids.
Key findings from parents emphasized the importance of creating an age-appropriate and engaging educational financial tool for children aged 9 to 12 years old. To enhance user engagement, we conducted tests with children to identify preferred art styles, with the wizard design emerging as the clear favorite.
SWOT Analysis
Conducting a competitive analysis proved crucial, providing a comprehensive overview of existing solutions in the space. The analysis highlighted a gap, revealing that numerous financial educational tools were primarily designed for individuals aged 18 years and older. Delving deeper, I explored indirect competitors to evaluate how their interfaces resonated with our target audience, specifically children aged 9 to 12 years old.
Brand Style Guide
In response to the research findings, the color palette was strategically chosen, leaning towards bright and pastel colors. Typography selections and avatars were intentionally crafted to evoke a sense of fun and playfulness, perfectly tailored to capture the attention and engagement of our young audience.
Developing a brand story played a key role in shaping the platform's interface, aiming to create an immersive experience for children. I envisioned this tool as a gateway to a magical world called Wizdom, where kids explore and learn essential money concepts in a captivating and enchanting environment.
UI Brainstorming
Ideas from low-fidelity rapid sketches brought to life!
Hi-Fidelity Prototype
Guided by the research data, I prioritized key features for a child-focused UI. A gamified platform with reward-based games, live interactions, and a vibrant aesthetic took precedence. Pre-recorded educational videos added flexibility to users' schedules, and compatibility with both tablet and desktop interfaces was ensured.
Results
Following feedback from a 6th-grade teacher with firsthand experience, essential enhancements were identified:
Clarify guidance with direct language (e.g., "Select 'an' account" vs. "Select 'your' account").
Integrate Rick the Wizard consistently as a guide to prevent confusion in children's varied learning styles.
Improve clarity by changing the "Wizdom Academy" button to "Join Class" and adjusting the color for better contrast.
Enhance visibility by updating the "Wizcoin" icon at the top corner.
With these adjustments and animation annotations, Wizdom is now poised for the next phase: further testing with primary users, children aged 9 to 12, before production.
