UI/UX case study: VBank Redesign
Vbank is a virtual bank and platform powered by VFD microfinance bank and was launched on March 25, 2020. It was created to offer free online banking services. Currently, VBank has onboarded more than 500,000 active individuals and businesses on its mobile banking platform across Nigeria.
With this you’d expect the VBank user experience to be top notch, right? oops! well, we won’t be having this case study now, would we? 🙂
The Awakening
For the past two years of being an active user and customer, I’ve come to enjoy the services provided by Vbank and also I’ve been appalled by it as well.
VBank is my everyday banking app, I’ve had my bliss and my struggles, the app reviews will bear me witness that the interface obviously needs a facelift.
Where’s my cape, time to turn on my creative side, ninja style️🦸♂️😏
Action points
Redesigning the VBank mobile app won’t just be about changing the interface, but also being aware that the redesign needs to address the business needs of the company, and solving the user’s problem.
Identifying the pain points and solving the user’s problem while addressing the business needs are my action points.
User’s pain point
I have been an active user and customer, prior to starting this project and so, it is easy for me to emphatize with the users and understand their pain points, as it is relatable. I carefully analyzed the app to determine the areas that needed to be improved on, and then I went on to research on user reviews and feedbacks from the app store.
The Issues
Problem 1: Use of multiple brand colours as background for the onboarding screen. This instantly increases cognitive load, and even for those with perfect eye sight, they might find it difficult to look at.
The screen also freezes for about 6–7 seconds, after which the login screen pops up.
Problem 2: No clear information hierarchy and alignment for the login screen as almost everything appears to be centered.
Change account?? I think the UX writing could be a bit clear as well, and after clicking it, it takes me back to a login page, but this time without the biometrics, now, I’m a bit confused, because i believe that should actually be the screen with the biometrics.
The password placeholder is clearly a dummy, because there is no CTA to perform the action, just a “sign in with biometrics” button is present, so if there’s ever a day, I can’t use the biometrics, well…
Create account?? yeah! the UX writing should be better.
Problem 3: Home page has a low quality design when compared to its competitors.
View?? This is another buggy UX writing, apparently the CTA takes you to your recent transactions, which means the CTA is quite important but does not clearly state what it is meant for.
In a nut shell, the VBank app lacks good quality design and UX writing.
The Redesign of the VBank App
Finally, my favorite part of this project. Yes! I began the design process by revamping the VBank mobile app, while taking into account all of the previously mentioned problems.
First step was to give the onboarding screen a simpler look by making the background a light colour giving the brand logo more visibility and i also redesigned the “create account” screen giving it a modernized look, while clearly pitching the key features of the Bank app.
Next, I redesigned the login screen, giving it a clear information hierarchy and better alignment, and a much better UX writing passing clear and precise messages. And also ensuring easy switch of account if another user is to be involved.
Finally, the home page was given a complete makeover to enhance its aesthetics and make it a world-class platform whilst adding “Recent transactions to the home page, granting easy access and interaction for users, this feature was previously lead by an unclear CTA, “View”
Conclusion
Making a redesign is one thing, making a redesign that’s impactful is another thing. As with every good product, we should be committed to providing our customers with the most delightful experience possible.
