My Cache

Empowering students to save through financial planning

Empowering students to save through financial planning

Role

UI/UX Designer

Platform

Mobile

Tools

Figma

Timeline

2022

Overview

Financial independence is a major milestone for students in Nigeria, yet many struggle to save consistently for their future goals due to limited resources and income. This lack of financial discipline and motivation often leads to an inability to achieve their aspirations, whether it’s continuing education, starting a business, or embarking on a personal journey after school.

My Cache was conceived to address these challenges and more. This mobile application encourages students not only to save money but also connects them with part-time jobs to help them achieve their goals faster. Through a combination of savings tools, a reward system, and income opportunities, my cache aims to reshape how students manage their finances.

Financial independence is a major milestone for students in Nigeria, yet many struggle to save consistently for their future goals due to limited resources and income. This lack of financial discipline and motivation often leads to an inability to achieve their aspirations, whether it’s continuing education, starting a business, or embarking on a personal journey after school.

My Cache was conceived to address these challenges and more. This mobile application encourages students not only to save money but also connects them with part-time jobs to help them achieve their goals faster. Through a combination of savings tools, a reward system, and income opportunities, my cache aims to reshape how students manage their finances.

Challenges

Students struggle to achieve their post-graduation goals due to inconsistent saving habits and limited income opportunities while studying. The challenge is to create a solution that both motivates consistent saving behavior and provides viable income sources for students, enabling them to build financial security for their future aspirations.

  • How might we encourage students to stay committed to achieving their financial goals over a long period?

  • How might we provide students with additional income opportunities to help them save more consistently?

  • How might we make saving easy and automatic to promote consistent financial habits?

Students struggle to achieve their post-graduation goals due to inconsistent saving habits and limited income opportunities while studying. The challenge is to create a solution that both motivates consistent saving behavior and provides viable income sources for students, enabling them to build financial security for their future aspirations.

  • How might we encourage students to stay committed to achieving their financial goals over a long period?

  • How might we provide students with additional income opportunities to help them save more consistently?

  • How might we make saving easy and automatic to promote consistent financial habits?

Students struggle to achieve their post-graduation goals due to inconsistent saving habits and limited income opportunities while studying. The challenge is to create a solution that both motivates consistent saving behavior and provides viable income sources for students, enabling them to build financial security for their future aspirations.

  • How might we encourage students to stay committed to achieving their financial goals over a long period?

  • How might we provide students with additional income opportunities to help them save more consistently?

  • How might we make saving easy and automatic to promote consistent financial habits?

Students struggle to achieve their post-graduation goals due to inconsistent saving habits and limited income opportunities while studying. The challenge is to create a solution that both motivates consistent saving behavior and provides viable income sources for students, enabling them to build financial security for their future aspirations.

  • How might we encourage students to stay committed to achieving their financial goals over a long period?

  • How might we provide students with additional income opportunities to help them save more consistently?

  • How might we make saving easy and automatic to promote consistent financial habits?

My Process

My Process

Validating Assumptions

The goal and mission of the project is to ensure that students save for a long period of time and in the end achieve their various goals. But it is impossible to achieve the project goal without a peep into students saving habits, their future goals, the effect of money on their goals and what they are doing to achieve those goals.
I sent out surveys to 20 respondents which includes friends from school, colleagues, family and friends to verify if my assumptions were true and gain deep insights on their savings habit.

  • 90% of people who responded to the survey saves money i.e. 18 out of 20 people saves money either monthly or weekly.

  • 50% of those who save, use digital banks for saving and they save monthly for as long as 6 months i.e 9 out of 18 people save for a period of 6 months.

  • 20% of the total individual that filled the survey saves for a long time but they are not consistent with their savings i.e they missed some months or weeks.

  • 25% of the total individual that filled the survey saves for a short period of time i.e. usually between 1 - 3 months.

Early Insights From User Interview

I interviewed 15 participants via WhatsApp Call, Zoom and Google meet to gain better insights into their saving habits. The goal was to understand the why and how of their saving habits.

User Persona

Based on my research findings, I crafted a user persona to maintain a user-centered approach throughout the project. We identified our core users as UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS - the dreamers of tomorrow. Our mission resonates with a simple yet powerful truth: "Dreams do come true if you plan and work towards it."

Brainstorming

Through focused brainstorming sessions, I mapped out features and functionalities that would best serve our dreamers while keeping their goals at the forefront. Using the MoSCoW analysis method helped prioritize these features effectively - from essential tools that would make saving easier, to exciting features that could enhance their journey toward their dreams. This structured approach ensured we'd build exactly what our undergraduate dreamers need to turn their aspirations into reality.

Key Features
  • Reward System (5-10% interest on savings).

  • An explore page that educates students on the importance of saving and how to manage their money.

  • Group savings/Savings challenge that provides students with some sort of accountability partner

  • A rigid and strict saving feature that only allows withdrawal when the goal is reached or on the stipulated maturity date.

  • Access to part-time jobs in or around their schools.Automated savings that automatically deduct the saving amount from the linked account at the stipulated date and timeInformation Architecture

Information Architecture

With our essential features defined, I crafted a simple and intuitive information architecture. This blueprint ensures our undergraduate students can seamlessly navigate their way to achieving their dreams, making every interaction with the app feel natural and purposeful.

Validating Assumptions

The goal and mission of the project is to ensure that students save for a long period of time and in the end achieve their various goals. But it is impossible to achieve the project goal without a peep into students saving habits, their future goals, the effect of money on their goals and what they are doing to achieve those goals.
I sent out surveys to 20 respondents which includes friends from school, colleagues, family and friends to verify if my assumptions were true and gain deep insights on their savings habit.

  • 90% of people who responded to the survey saves money i.e. 18 out of 20 people saves money either monthly or weekly.

  • 50% of those who save, use digital banks for saving and they save monthly for as long as 6 months i.e 9 out of 18 people save for a period of 6 months.

  • 20% of the total individual that filled the survey saves for a long time but they are not consistent with their savings i.e they missed some months or weeks.

  • 25% of the total individual that filled the survey saves for a short period of time i.e. usually between 1 - 3 months.

Early Insights From User Interview

I interviewed 15 participants via WhatsApp Call, Zoom and Google meet to gain better insights into their saving habits. The goal was to understand the why and how of their saving habits.

User Persona

Based on my research findings, I crafted a user persona to maintain a user-centered approach throughout the project. We identified our core users as UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS - the dreamers of tomorrow. Our mission resonates with a simple yet powerful truth: "Dreams do come true if you plan and work towards it."

Brainstorming

Through focused brainstorming sessions, I mapped out features and functionalities that would best serve our dreamers while keeping their goals at the forefront. Using the MoSCoW analysis method helped prioritize these features effectively - from essential tools that would make saving easier, to exciting features that could enhance their journey toward their dreams. This structured approach ensured we'd build exactly what our undergraduate dreamers need to turn their aspirations into reality.

Key Features
  • Reward System (5-10% interest on savings).

  • An explore page that educates students on the importance of saving and how to manage their money.

  • Group savings/Savings challenge that provides students with some sort of accountability partner

  • A rigid and strict saving feature that only allows withdrawal when the goal is reached or on the stipulated maturity date.

  • Access to part-time jobs in or around their schools.Automated savings that automatically deduct the saving amount from the linked account at the stipulated date and timeInformation Architecture

Information Architecture

With our essential features defined, I crafted a simple and intuitive information architecture. This blueprint ensures our undergraduate students can seamlessly navigate their way to achieving their dreams, making every interaction with the app feel natural and purposeful.

Validating Assumptions

The goal and mission of the project is to ensure that students save for a long period of time and in the end achieve their various goals. But it is impossible to achieve the project goal without a peep into students saving habits, their future goals, the effect of money on their goals and what they are doing to achieve those goals.
I sent out surveys to 20 respondents which includes friends from school, colleagues, family and friends to verify if my assumptions were true and gain deep insights on their savings habit.

  • 90% of people who responded to the survey saves money i.e. 18 out of 20 people saves money either monthly or weekly.

  • 50% of those who save, use digital banks for saving and they save monthly for as long as 6 months i.e 9 out of 18 people save for a period of 6 months.

  • 20% of the total individual that filled the survey saves for a long time but they are not consistent with their savings i.e they missed some months or weeks.

  • 25% of the total individual that filled the survey saves for a short period of time i.e. usually between 1 - 3 months.

Early Insights From User Interview

I interviewed 15 participants via WhatsApp Call, Zoom and Google meet to gain better insights into their saving habits. The goal was to understand the why and how of their saving habits.

User Persona

Based on my research findings, I crafted a user persona to maintain a user-centered approach throughout the project. We identified our core users as UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS - the dreamers of tomorrow. Our mission resonates with a simple yet powerful truth: "Dreams do come true if you plan and work towards it."

Brainstorming

Through focused brainstorming sessions, I mapped out features and functionalities that would best serve our dreamers while keeping their goals at the forefront. Using the MoSCoW analysis method helped prioritize these features effectively - from essential tools that would make saving easier, to exciting features that could enhance their journey toward their dreams. This structured approach ensured we'd build exactly what our undergraduate dreamers need to turn their aspirations into reality.

Key Features
  • Reward System (5-10% interest on savings).

  • An explore page that educates students on the importance of saving and how to manage their money.

  • Group savings/Savings challenge that provides students with some sort of accountability partner

  • A rigid and strict saving feature that only allows withdrawal when the goal is reached or on the stipulated maturity date.

  • Access to part-time jobs in or around their schools.Automated savings that automatically deduct the saving amount from the linked account at the stipulated date and timeInformation Architecture

Information Architecture

With our essential features defined, I crafted a simple and intuitive information architecture. This blueprint ensures our undergraduate students can seamlessly navigate their way to achieving their dreams, making every interaction with the app feel natural and purposeful.

Validating Assumptions

The goal and mission of the project is to ensure that students save for a long period of time and in the end achieve their various goals. But it is impossible to achieve the project goal without a peep into students saving habits, their future goals, the effect of money on their goals and what they are doing to achieve those goals.
I sent out surveys to 20 respondents which includes friends from school, colleagues, family and friends to verify if my assumptions were true and gain deep insights on their savings habit.

  • 90% of people who responded to the survey saves money i.e. 18 out of 20 people saves money either monthly or weekly.

  • 50% of those who save, use digital banks for saving and they save monthly for as long as 6 months i.e 9 out of 18 people save for a period of 6 months.

  • 20% of the total individual that filled the survey saves for a long time but they are not consistent with their savings i.e they missed some months or weeks.

  • 25% of the total individual that filled the survey saves for a short period of time i.e. usually between 1 - 3 months.

Early Insights From User Interview

I interviewed 15 participants via WhatsApp Call, Zoom and Google meet to gain better insights into their saving habits. The goal was to understand the why and how of their saving habits.

User Persona

Based on my research findings, I crafted a user persona to maintain a user-centered approach throughout the project. We identified our core users as UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS - the dreamers of tomorrow. Our mission resonates with a simple yet powerful truth: "Dreams do come true if you plan and work towards it."

Brainstorming

Through focused brainstorming sessions, I mapped out features and functionalities that would best serve our dreamers while keeping their goals at the forefront. Using the MoSCoW analysis method helped prioritize these features effectively - from essential tools that would make saving easier, to exciting features that could enhance their journey toward their dreams. This structured approach ensured we'd build exactly what our undergraduate dreamers need to turn their aspirations into reality.

Key Features
  • Reward System (5-10% interest on savings).

  • An explore page that educates students on the importance of saving and how to manage their money.

  • Group savings/Savings challenge that provides students with some sort of accountability partner

  • A rigid and strict saving feature that only allows withdrawal when the goal is reached or on the stipulated maturity date.

  • Access to part-time jobs in or around their schools.Automated savings that automatically deduct the saving amount from the linked account at the stipulated date and timeInformation Architecture

Information Architecture

With our essential features defined, I crafted a simple and intuitive information architecture. This blueprint ensures our undergraduate students can seamlessly navigate their way to achieving their dreams, making every interaction with the app feel natural and purposeful.

Solution

Solution

  • Reward System (5-10% interest on savings)

Save longer, earn more! The longer our dreamers commit to their goals, the more they're rewarded with interest rates ranging from 5% to 10% on their savings. It's our way of celebrating their consistency and dedication to their dreams.

  • An explore page that educates students on the importance of saving and how to manage their money

Our dreamers gain access to a wealth of financial wisdom through engaging articles and videos. These resources guide them on their journey to smart saving, money management, and financial freedom - because knowledge is the first step to turning dreams into reality.

  • Group savings/Savings challenge that provides students with some sort of accountability partner

Students can team up with friends to create saving groups and challenges, keeping each other motivated and accountable. Having support along the journey makes staying consistent easier - because achieving dreams is more fun when you're not alone.

  • A rigid and strict saving feature that only allows withdrawal when the goal is reached or on the stipulated maturity date

Our locked savings feature helps dreamers stay focused by protecting their funds until they reach their goal or chosen maturity date. Think of it as a promise to your future self - keeping those hard-earned savings secure until your dreams are ready to become reality.

  • Access to part-time jobs in or around their schools

Students can discover part-time opportunities right around their campus, while our smart savings system quietly tucks away their earnings at their chosen dates. It's like having a personal dream-keeper that helps you earn and save without missing a beat.

  • Other Screens
  • Reward System (5-10% interest on savings)

Save longer, earn more! The longer our dreamers commit to their goals, the more they're rewarded with interest rates ranging from 5% to 10% on their savings. It's our way of celebrating their consistency and dedication to their dreams.

  • An explore page that educates students on the importance of saving and how to manage their money

Our dreamers gain access to a wealth of financial wisdom through engaging articles and videos. These resources guide them on their journey to smart saving, money management, and financial freedom - because knowledge is the first step to turning dreams into reality.

  • Group savings/Savings challenge that provides students with some sort of accountability partner

Students can team up with friends to create saving groups and challenges, keeping each other motivated and accountable. Having support along the journey makes staying consistent easier - because achieving dreams is more fun when you're not alone.

  • A rigid and strict saving feature that only allows withdrawal when the goal is reached or on the stipulated maturity date

Our locked savings feature helps dreamers stay focused by protecting their funds until they reach their goal or chosen maturity date. Think of it as a promise to your future self - keeping those hard-earned savings secure until your dreams are ready to become reality.

  • Access to part-time jobs in or around their schools

Students can discover part-time opportunities right around their campus, while our smart savings system quietly tucks away their earnings at their chosen dates. It's like having a personal dream-keeper that helps you earn and save without missing a beat.

  • Other Screens
  • Reward System (5-10% interest on savings)

Save longer, earn more! The longer our dreamers commit to their goals, the more they're rewarded with interest rates ranging from 5% to 10% on their savings. It's our way of celebrating their consistency and dedication to their dreams.

  • An explore page that educates students on the importance of saving and how to manage their money

Our dreamers gain access to a wealth of financial wisdom through engaging articles and videos. These resources guide them on their journey to smart saving, money management, and financial freedom - because knowledge is the first step to turning dreams into reality.

  • Group savings/Savings challenge that provides students with some sort of accountability partner

Students can team up with friends to create saving groups and challenges, keeping each other motivated and accountable. Having support along the journey makes staying consistent easier - because achieving dreams is more fun when you're not alone.

  • A rigid and strict saving feature that only allows withdrawal when the goal is reached or on the stipulated maturity date

Our locked savings feature helps dreamers stay focused by protecting their funds until they reach their goal or chosen maturity date. Think of it as a promise to your future self - keeping those hard-earned savings secure until your dreams are ready to become reality.

  • Access to part-time jobs in or around their schools

Students can discover part-time opportunities right around their campus, while our smart savings system quietly tucks away their earnings at their chosen dates. It's like having a personal dream-keeper that helps you earn and save without missing a beat.

  • Other Screens
  • Reward System (5-10% interest on savings)

Save longer, earn more! The longer our dreamers commit to their goals, the more they're rewarded with interest rates ranging from 5% to 10% on their savings. It's our way of celebrating their consistency and dedication to their dreams.

  • An explore page that educates students on the importance of saving and how to manage their money

Our dreamers gain access to a wealth of financial wisdom through engaging articles and videos. These resources guide them on their journey to smart saving, money management, and financial freedom - because knowledge is the first step to turning dreams into reality.

  • Group savings/Savings challenge that provides students with some sort of accountability partner

Students can team up with friends to create saving groups and challenges, keeping each other motivated and accountable. Having support along the journey makes staying consistent easier - because achieving dreams is more fun when you're not alone.

  • A rigid and strict saving feature that only allows withdrawal when the goal is reached or on the stipulated maturity date

Our locked savings feature helps dreamers stay focused by protecting their funds until they reach their goal or chosen maturity date. Think of it as a promise to your future self - keeping those hard-earned savings secure until your dreams are ready to become reality.

  • Access to part-time jobs in or around their schools

Students can discover part-time opportunities right around their campus, while our smart savings system quietly tucks away their earnings at their chosen dates. It's like having a personal dream-keeper that helps you earn and save without missing a beat.

  • Other Screens

Key Takaways

Key Takaways

  • The first idea isn’t the best idea. Always be ready to make changes where it is due and do not get attached to a design.

  • Feature prioritization is important. Trying to solve all the user’s problem at a time may lead to complexity which can in turn affect the user’s experience.

  • Personal preference does not matter. What matters is meeting the user’s needs.

  • User interviews aren’t always smooth and the timing varies based on the participant.

  • The first idea isn’t the best idea. Always be ready to make changes where it is due and do not get attached to a design.

  • Feature prioritization is important. Trying to solve all the user’s problem at a time may lead to complexity which can in turn affect the user’s experience.

  • Personal preference does not matter. What matters is meeting the user’s needs.

  • User interviews aren’t always smooth and the timing varies based on the participant.

  • The first idea isn’t the best idea. Always be ready to make changes where it is due and do not get attached to a design.

  • Feature prioritization is important. Trying to solve all the user’s problem at a time may lead to complexity which can in turn affect the user’s experience.

  • Personal preference does not matter. What matters is meeting the user’s needs.

  • User interviews aren’t always smooth and the timing varies based on the participant.

  • The first idea isn’t the best idea. Always be ready to make changes where it is due and do not get attached to a design.

  • Feature prioritization is important. Trying to solve all the user’s problem at a time may lead to complexity which can in turn affect the user’s experience.

  • Personal preference does not matter. What matters is meeting the user’s needs.

  • User interviews aren’t always smooth and the timing varies based on the participant.

Ready to transform your ideas into meaningful experiences?

Ready to transform your ideas into meaningful experiences?

Shakirat Akanji

Product Designer and Aspiring Illustrator

Shakirat Akanji

Product Designer and Aspiring Illustrator

Shakirat Akanji

Product Designer and Aspiring Illustrator