Financial Technology

Enabling fast, digital, mobile purchases of consumer goods without a network connection.

Project Overview

Duration / Mar 2022 - May 2022

Clients

BeaMe Communications, LLC, a startup within financial services operating in the United States, privately funded by the African government.

Partner - LISNR, an information and media company developing ultrasonic data transfers for digital transactions.

Challenge

Cabo Verde, Africa faces an extreme challenge, losing millions of dollars in annual tourism revenue because merchants are not equipped with the technology to execute and accept digital currency.

End Deliverable

An Android mobile application serving as an in-hand point-of-sale system with built-in inventory management, operating entirely through data-over-audio rather than relying on an internet connection.

The Team

(1) User Experience Lead

(3) UX Researcher

(1) Software Engineer

My Role / User Experience (UX) Lead

Core Responsibility

Lead MVP development by translating research insights into a user experience tailored for Cabo Verde natives, working within technical constraints, and integrating LISNR’s backend software.

Contirubition

Customer Research

Product Design

Usability Testing

Design System

Design Tools

Figma

Adobe Illustrator

Introduction

In March 2022, I joined a financial startup as the Founding User Experience Lead to address the digital currency crisis in Cabo Verde, Africa. Our mission was to introduce a digital payment method to eliminate the current cash-only system. We had UX researchers based in the country to bypass language barriers and brought in an engineer from LISNR who served as the technology expert. Together, we researched, tested, and built a point-of-sale system for merchants within the region.

The Problem Space

Cabo Verde experiences inconsistent spikes in tourism throughout the year (mainly in April, September, and early January) and consistently loses millions in revenue because merchants operate on a cash-only basis, while tourists come equipped with credit cards. This highlights the main pain point our target audience faces.

To determine if the crisis affected all merchants or just small, isolated local businesses, our researchers engaged with both local business owners and large-scale companies to assess the extent of the problem.

Key Takeaways

  • All types of merchants are affected due to the country’s lagging digital money transfer infrastructure.

  • The country is stuck in the past, with people valuing physical cash more than digital options.

  • The internet network stability is poor, with people having only 2-3 hours of online time daily.

Technical Constraints

I designed and tested our low-fidelity prototypes to formulate the most efficient and comprehensive checkout process. Next, I needed to address the technical constraints to ensure seamless adaptability.

Upon analyzing the constraints, our Engineer and I concluded the issues were related to technical solutions rather than infrastructure defects. Constraints around network bandwidth could be mitigated with in-device storage, while network instability could be managed through physical, human relocation.

After understanding that it would require a technical lift, I proceeded to high-fidelity prototyping, keeping the constraints in mind.

The Design

Why Andriod?

Andriod makes up 82% of the user base in Cabo Verde. The platform is widespread, cheaper to acquire, and easily repairable for the locals.

Connectivity

I added indicators to help users find the best position for clear communication between their devices, suggesting adjustments like moving closer or changing positions when needed.

Storage Availability

I added a storage bar to show users how much space their inventory takes up on their phones and how much is left. This feature was mainly for businesses with large inventories.

Design System Foundation

I compiled a style guide and component library to kickstart the formation of our design system on Figma.

Mock-Up Gallery

End Results

  • LISNR took over the mobile app's development, with ultrasonic technology needing further adjustments. Both are set to launch in mid-2025.

  • The CEO successfully pitched the product, showcasing our customer development, design, and technology journey to secure private government funding.

  • The app is expected to impact 1.2 million tourists annually once released.