Mobile app

Redesign onboarding process for beginner investors

COMPANY

Raiffeisen Bank

ROLE

UX/UI Designer

EXPERTISE

UX/UI Design

YEAR

2024

Project Description

Raiffeisen Bank in Russia offers an investing app for private users. Despite the growing interest in investing, many people lack knowledge about basic terms, rules, and market features. My goal was to enhance the learning process by adding explanatory materials to the existing application, making it more user-friendly for beginners while keeping it efficient for experienced users.

My role

As a UI/UX Designer, I followed the Raiffeisen Bank's iOS design system to improve usability and accessibility. I focused on understanding user needs, identifying pain points, generating ideas, creating prototypes, and testing new features.

Timeline

From explorations to final designs in 5 weeks while working with multiple projects at the same time.

Problem Statement

There were initial hypotheses about potential issues newcomers faced when using the app:

Content

Most of users felt intimidated to even open the app after downloading it, as it was unclear how to navigate and use its features.

Navigation and User Interface

Many users faced challenges locating specific financial information or navigating through menus and screens due to unintuitive design and unclear instructions.

Visual Noise

Experienced investors found themselves overwhelmed by visual clutter and unnecessary elements that diverted their attention.

Assistance

Users reported difficulty accessing bank representatives, which made it challenging to resolve onboarding issues, app errors, and other related concerns.

Previous Design

User Research

To gather insights, I conducted in-depth user interviews and usability tests with both novice and experienced investors. Surveys were distributed to collect quantitative data on user satisfaction and pain points. Additionally, user personas were created to better understand different audience segments.

A competitive analysis was carried out to benchmark the app against other leading investment platforms. Industry standards and best practices were reviewed to ensure the app met modern usability and accessibility expectations.

Competitor Analysis
As part of my research process, I conducted a detailed competitor analysis of the most popular brokerage applications in Russia. The goal was to evaluate the user experience and educational support provided to beginner investors. The analysis focused on key elements critical to user onboarding and retention.
Key Elements Assessed:
Tutorials, Recommendations, Tips for Beginners, Portfolio Insights, Ease of Use, Community Features, Customer Support.

Evaluation Methodology:
White checkmarks indicate that the element is present and effectively implemented.
Yellow cross marks indicate that the element is absent or inadequately implemented.
Key Findings:
- Four out of five top-ranked applications offer tutorials and educational materials for new users. Statistics show that their user growth in recent years has been higher than the market average.
- Only two applications incorporate on-screen tips within the main user flow to help beginners avoid rushed decisions.
- Every app, except for the Raiffeisen Bank app, provides recommendations on which stocks to buy and other financial guidance.
User Reviews
To complement the analysis, I reviewed user feedback from open sources, including App Store, Google Play, Google Reviews, and social media platforms such as Instagram. This provided valuable insights into user preferences and pain points.
What Users Want:
Onboarding Process: Smooth, intuitive introduction for new users.
Company Information: Access to news, analytics, and updates.
Balance Monitoring: Ability to track overall portfolio balance with percentage changes.
Detailed Security Insights: Clear, transparent information on individual securities.
Guidance for Beginners: Assistance with initial investment steps.
Pre-configured Solutions: Ready-to-use investment portfolios.
Information Control: Option to hide extra or overwhelming information.
Key Findings:
- Many users noted that they need advice on how to invest in securities properly.
- Users admitted that they feel frustrated if there are no special features designed for beginners.
User Interviews
To gain a deeper understanding of user problems and desires, we conducted an analysis of the application’s target audience based on personal interviews with users. These conversations revealed critical user needs and preferences.
What Users Want:
Enhanced Main Screen Functionality: More actionable insights directly on the home screen.
Currency Switching: Flexibility to switch between different currencies.
Assistant Availability: Ability to contact support anytime.
Access to Analytics: Comprehensive investment performance data.
Instructions for New Features: Clear guidance when new tools are introduced.
Investment Advice: Professional recommendations for portfolio growth.
Information Control: Option to hide additional or non-essential information.
Key Findings:
- Most apps provide basic portfolio insights and intuitive interfaces, which are essential for user satisfaction. Users expected these features in the Raiffeisen Bank app as well.
- While tutorials are common, not all platforms offer comprehensive guidance tailored to beginners. Users feel disappointed when tutorials fail to clearly explain how to invest.
- Personalized recommendations and beginner-friendly tips vary across platforms, leaving room for improvement in user education. Users are unsure of what to expect from the app due to the lack of a well-defined mental model.
- Experienced investors are overwhelmed by visual clutter and want to minimize irrelevant investment advice, preferring a cleaner, more streamlined interface.
Competitor Analysis
As part of my research process, I conducted a detailed competitor analysis of the most popular brokerage applications in Russia. The goal was to evaluate the user experience and educational support provided to beginner investors. The analysis focused on key elements critical to user onboarding and retention.
Key Elements Assessed:
Tutorials, Recommendations, Tips for Beginners, Portfolio Insights, Ease of Use, Community Features, Customer Support.

Evaluation Methodology:
White checkmarks indicate that the element is present and effectively implemented.
Yellow cross marks indicate that the element is absent or inadequately implemented.
Key Findings:
- Four out of five top-ranked applications offer tutorials and educational materials for new users. Statistics show that their user growth in recent years has been higher than the market average.
- Only two applications incorporate on-screen tips within the main user flow to help beginners avoid rushed decisions.
- Every app, except for the Raiffeisen Bank app, provides recommendations on which stocks to buy and other financial guidance.
User Reviews
To complement the analysis, I reviewed user feedback from open sources, including App Store, Google Play, Google Reviews, and social media platforms such as Instagram. This provided valuable insights into user preferences and pain points.
What Users Want:
Onboarding Process: Smooth, intuitive introduction for new users.
Company Information: Access to news, analytics, and updates.
Balance Monitoring: Ability to track overall portfolio balance with percentage changes.
Detailed Security Insights: Clear, transparent information on individual securities.
Guidance for Beginners: Assistance with initial investment steps.
Pre-configured Solutions: Ready-to-use investment portfolios.
Information Control: Option to hide extra or overwhelming information.
Key Findings:
- Many users noted that they need advice on how to invest in securities properly.
- Users admitted that they feel frustrated if there are no special features designed for beginners.
User Interviews
To gain a deeper understanding of user problems and desires, we conducted an analysis of the application’s target audience based on personal interviews with users. These conversations revealed critical user needs and preferences.
What Users Want:
Enhanced Main Screen Functionality: More actionable insights directly on the home screen.
Currency Switching: Flexibility to switch between different currencies.
Assistant Availability: Ability to contact support anytime.
Access to Analytics: Comprehensive investment performance data.
Instructions for New Features: Clear guidance when new tools are introduced.
Investment Advice: Professional recommendations for portfolio growth.
Information Control: Option to hide additional or non-essential information.
Key Findings:
- Most apps provide basic portfolio insights and intuitive interfaces, which are essential for user satisfaction. Users expected these features in the Raiffeisen Bank app as well.
- While tutorials are common, not all platforms offer comprehensive guidance tailored to beginners. Users feel disappointed when tutorials fail to clearly explain how to invest.
- Personalized recommendations and beginner-friendly tips vary across platforms, leaving room for improvement in user education. Users are unsure of what to expect from the app due to the lack of a well-defined mental model.
- Experienced investors are overwhelmed by visual clutter and want to minimize irrelevant investment advice, preferring a cleaner, more streamlined interface.
Competitor Analysis
As part of my research process, I conducted a detailed competitor analysis of the most popular brokerage applications in Russia. The goal was to evaluate the user experience and educational support provided to beginner investors. The analysis focused on key elements critical to user onboarding and retention.
Key Elements Assessed:
Tutorials, Recommendations, Tips for Beginners, Portfolio Insights, Ease of Use, Community Features, Customer Support.

Evaluation Methodology:
White checkmarks indicate that the element is present and effectively implemented.
Yellow cross marks indicate that the element is absent or inadequately implemented.
Key Findings:
- Four out of five top-ranked applications offer tutorials and educational materials for new users. Statistics show that their user growth in recent years has been higher than the market average.
- Only two applications incorporate on-screen tips within the main user flow to help beginners avoid rushed decisions.
- Every app, except for the Raiffeisen Bank app, provides recommendations on which stocks to buy and other financial guidance.
User Reviews
To complement the analysis, I reviewed user feedback from open sources, including App Store, Google Play, Google Reviews, and social media platforms such as Instagram. This provided valuable insights into user preferences and pain points.
What Users Want:
Onboarding Process: Smooth, intuitive introduction for new users.
Company Information: Access to news, analytics, and updates.
Balance Monitoring: Ability to track overall portfolio balance with percentage changes.
Detailed Security Insights: Clear, transparent information on individual securities.
Guidance for Beginners: Assistance with initial investment steps.
Pre-configured Solutions: Ready-to-use investment portfolios.
Information Control: Option to hide extra or overwhelming information.
Key Findings:
- Many users noted that they need advice on how to invest in securities properly.
- Users admitted that they feel frustrated if there are no special features designed for beginners.
User Interviews
To gain a deeper understanding of user problems and desires, we conducted an analysis of the application’s target audience based on personal interviews with users. These conversations revealed critical user needs and preferences.
What Users Want:
Enhanced Main Screen Functionality: More actionable insights directly on the home screen.
Currency Switching: Flexibility to switch between different currencies.
Assistant Availability: Ability to contact support anytime.
Access to Analytics: Comprehensive investment performance data.
Instructions for New Features: Clear guidance when new tools are introduced.
Investment Advice: Professional recommendations for portfolio growth.
Information Control: Option to hide additional or non-essential information.
Key Findings:
- Most apps provide basic portfolio insights and intuitive interfaces, which are essential for user satisfaction. Users expected these features in the Raiffeisen Bank app as well.
- While tutorials are common, not all platforms offer comprehensive guidance tailored to beginners. Users feel disappointed when tutorials fail to clearly explain how to invest.
- Personalized recommendations and beginner-friendly tips vary across platforms, leaving room for improvement in user education. Users are unsure of what to expect from the app due to the lack of a well-defined mental model.
- Experienced investors are overwhelmed by visual clutter and want to minimize irrelevant investment advice, preferring a cleaner, more streamlined interface.
Competitor Analysis
As part of my research process, I conducted a detailed competitor analysis of the most popular brokerage applications in Russia. The goal was to evaluate the user experience and educational support provided to beginner investors. The analysis focused on key elements critical to user onboarding and retention.
Key Elements Assessed:
Tutorials, Recommendations, Tips for Beginners, Portfolio Insights, Ease of Use, Community Features, Customer Support.

Evaluation Methodology:
White checkmarks indicate that the element is present and effectively implemented.
Yellow cross marks indicate that the element is absent or inadequately implemented.
Key Findings:
- Four out of five top-ranked applications offer tutorials and educational materials for new users. Statistics show that their user growth in recent years has been higher than the market average.
- Only two applications incorporate on-screen tips within the main user flow to help beginners avoid rushed decisions.
- Every app, except for the Raiffeisen Bank app, provides recommendations on which stocks to buy and other financial guidance.
User Reviews
To complement the analysis, I reviewed user feedback from open sources, including App Store, Google Play, Google Reviews, and social media platforms such as Instagram. This provided valuable insights into user preferences and pain points.
What Users Want:
Onboarding Process: Smooth, intuitive introduction for new users.
Company Information: Access to news, analytics, and updates.
Balance Monitoring: Ability to track overall portfolio balance with percentage changes.
Detailed Security Insights: Clear, transparent information on individual securities.
Guidance for Beginners: Assistance with initial investment steps.
Pre-configured Solutions: Ready-to-use investment portfolios.
Information Control: Option to hide extra or overwhelming information.
Key Findings:
- Many users noted that they need advice on how to invest in securities properly.
- Users admitted that they feel frustrated if there are no special features designed for beginners.
User Interviews
To gain a deeper understanding of user problems and desires, we conducted an analysis of the application’s target audience based on personal interviews with users. These conversations revealed critical user needs and preferences.
What Users Want:
Enhanced Main Screen Functionality: More actionable insights directly on the home screen.
Currency Switching: Flexibility to switch between different currencies.
Assistant Availability: Ability to contact support anytime.
Access to Analytics: Comprehensive investment performance data.
Instructions for New Features: Clear guidance when new tools are introduced.
Investment Advice: Professional recommendations for portfolio growth.
Information Control: Option to hide additional or non-essential information.
Key Findings:
- Most apps provide basic portfolio insights and intuitive interfaces, which are essential for user satisfaction. Users expected these features in the Raiffeisen Bank app as well.
- While tutorials are common, not all platforms offer comprehensive guidance tailored to beginners. Users feel disappointed when tutorials fail to clearly explain how to invest.
- Personalized recommendations and beginner-friendly tips vary across platforms, leaving room for improvement in user education. Users are unsure of what to expect from the app due to the lack of a well-defined mental model.
- Experienced investors are overwhelmed by visual clutter and want to minimize irrelevant investment advice, preferring a cleaner, more streamlined interface.

The analysis reveals that while top brokerage apps in Russia prioritize portfolio management and ease of use, they often overlook the educational needs of novice investors. Incorporating more comprehensive tutorials, personalized recommendations, and interactive community features could significantly enhance user retention and confidence. Addressing these gaps presents an opportunity for differentiation in a competitive market.

Findings

Key insights from the research revealed:

Novice users required more guidance and educational resources to feel confident using the app.
Experienced investors valued customization options to streamline their experience and reduce distractions.
Users wanted quicker access to support, especially when dealing with technical issues or financial guidance.

Solution

Based on the problem findings, here are some of the solutions implemented:

Content

Developed a new onboarding process featuring clear navigation and detailed explanations.
Integrated tutorials and tips designed for beginners.
Enhanced engagement for new users, fostering the development of investing habits.

Navigation and User Interface

Integrated clear instructions and visual cues to assist users in navigating the app's menus and screens.

Visual Noise

Enabled experienced investors to deactivate unnecessary tips and recommendations.

Assistance

Passed on observations to the team responsible for user support, enabling them to develop solutions for providing special recommendations on trading strategies, accounts, bonds, major companies, and more.

High-Fidelity Prototype

Content
Developed a new onboarding process featuring clear navigation and detailed explanations.
Content
Integrated tutorials and tips designed for beginners.
Visual noise
Enabled experienced investors to deactivate unnecessary tips and recommendations.
Content
Developed a new onboarding process featuring clear navigation and detailed explanations.
Content
Integrated tutorials and tips designed for beginners.
Visual noise
Enabled experienced investors to deactivate unnecessary tips and recommendations.
Content
Developed a new onboarding process featuring clear navigation and detailed explanations.
Content
Integrated tutorials and tips designed for beginners.
Visual noise
Enabled experienced investors to deactivate unnecessary tips and recommendations.
Content
Developed a new onboarding process featuring clear navigation and detailed explanations.
Content
Integrated tutorials and tips designed for beginners.
Visual noise
Enabled experienced investors to deactivate unnecessary tips and recommendations.

Content
Developed a new onboarding process featuring clear navigation and detailed explanations.
Content
Integrated tutorials and tips designed for beginners.
Visual noise
Enabled experienced investors to deactivate unnecessary tips and recommendations.
Content
Developed a new onboarding process featuring clear navigation and detailed explanations.
Content
Integrated tutorials and tips designed for beginners.
Visual noise
Enabled experienced investors to deactivate unnecessary tips and recommendations.
Content
Developed a new onboarding process featuring clear navigation and detailed explanations.
Content
Integrated tutorials and tips designed for beginners.
Visual noise
Enabled experienced investors to deactivate unnecessary tips and recommendations.
Content
Developed a new onboarding process featuring clear navigation and detailed explanations.
Content
Integrated tutorials and tips designed for beginners.
Visual noise
Enabled experienced investors to deactivate unnecessary tips and recommendations.

I placed static screenshots below the carousel to highlight areas with multiple changes, allowing you to better grasp the depth of the redesign and explore the detailed improvements.

Testing and validation

To validate the proposed solutions, we conducted hallway testing with respondents who had previously participated in user interviews. Since some of them were experienced investors, we also tested the application with ten beginners to ensure comprehensive feedback.

To demonstrate the app’s capabilities, we created a prototype simulating a first-time user experience, focusing on a beginner’s journey.

Based on the test results, several adjustments were made to the final design: we reduced the contrast of markers and labels, refined the color palette to align with the brand identity, added “info” icons, improved button shapes, and more.

Participants were tasked with purchasing their first stock, starting a tutorial course, and figuring out how to disable unnecessary recommendations. They navigated the app without any guidance from the UI/UX designer. After completing the tasks, they provided additional feedback on the functionality and their overall experience with the prototype.

Outcome

This project focused on improving the user experience of the Raiffeisen Bank Investments app. The proposed solutions aimed to enhance user retention and attract new users by improving accessibility and lowering the entry barrier.

I designed app layouts incorporating these ideas, developed interactive prototypes, and conducted hallway testing with typical user scenarios, such as onboarding and first-time app use.

The testing results showed that our solutions—onboarding, tutorials, and in-app tips—positively impacted the user experience. My case study was selected as the winning project among submissions from the Yandex Practicum UX/UI Design Bootcamp and was handed over to the Raiffeisen Bank design team for further development. I hope you found this case study insightful as well.

View desktop version

Let's keep in touch!

Resume

San Francisco, CA

Let's keep in touch!

Resume

San Francisco, CA

Let's keep in touch!

Resume

Project Description

Problem Statement

Previous Design

User Research

Competitor Analysis

User Reviews

User Interviews

Findings

Solution

High-Fidelity Prototype

Content

Content

Visual noise

Content

Content

Visual noise

Testing and validation

Outcome