Venmo Feature Integration
I worked on this project with my team partner Antoinette Chow in my Major Studio 1 course in the Parsons MPS Communication Design program. In this project, our challenge was to integrate a new feature into a current existing app.
Problem Statement
Keeping track of long term shared expenses can get messy and a hassle, especially with added micro transactions that occur between users.
Main Emotional JTBD
Conveniently transact money between friends without the embarrassment; small rewarding sense of accomplishment
Related Functional JTBD
Review P2P transactions; Spending petty cash
Interview Background
We interviewed a total of 5 people, ranging from the age group of 20 to 30 years old. Our goal was to understand users perception of the app, how they utilise the app, and any possible pain points.
Takeaways
When looking further into the area for opportunity, we decided to explore deeper into the users’ pain points in the app, which fell into one of three categories: frustration with people, frustration with the system, and confusion.
Area For Opportunity
From the interviews, we learned different user behaviours and their relationship with managing personal finances. By creating the 2x2 matrix and plotted the interviewees based on their personalities. This revealed an area for opportunity to explore and to implement a new feature on Venmo.
Archetype
We discovered an area of opportunity in creating a feature for a “type B” user; users who tend to be more outgoing and impulsive, and tend to take a relaxed approach in their personal finances
How might we…
Simplify multiple transactions?
Drag and drop transactions
Running tab between friends
Save for later (save activity / transaction, but request/pay at a later time)
Settings with friend: transactions would be consolidated and only proceed at agreed frequency (weekly/monthly)
Ease the stress of splitting expenses?
Group participants in transactions
Transcribe photo of receipt to words
“Splitting” templates / options
Link to credit card transactions (so you won’t forget / have to check on each bank app)
Timed notifications (reminders for both payer and payee)
A secondary space to organiSe expenses
Creating a running tab function on the app as a secondary space for friends to organise their transactions before finalisation.
