FINTECH / MICROFINANCE
Designing Inclusion
Designing Inclusion
Redesigning Digital Solutions for MSME Microfinancing
Redesigning Digital Solutions for MSME Microfinancing
COMPANY
Multisys Technologies Corporation
ROLE
Lead Product Designer
EXPERTISE
UI/UX, Design Audit, Design System
YEAR
2020
Background
Background
AppendPay is a digital financial platform built for microfinance institutions (MFIs) and MSMEs. Originally designed as a loan management portal, it evolved into a full-featured financial platform that enables users to manage loans, pay bills, buy load, transfer money, and shop—all in one seamless experience.
As the Lead Product Designer, I led the end-to-end redesign of the platform, including a complete visual refresh, a scalable multi-account experience for users with multiple MFI accounts, and the design of the CMS, customer web portal, and Help Center.
AppendPay is a digital financial platform built for microfinance institutions (MFIs) and MSMEs. Originally designed as a loan management portal, it evolved into a full-featured financial platform that enables users to manage loans, pay bills, buy load, transfer money, and shop—all in one seamless experience.
As the Lead Product Designer, I led the end-to-end redesign of the platform, including a complete visual refresh, a scalable multi-account experience for users with multiple MFI accounts, and the design of the CMS, customer web portal, and Help Center.
Understanding the users
Understanding the users
Who are the users?
The target users of AppendPay are the older generation that loans for their needs. But today, even younger people are interested in applying for loans, so we wanted to make the aesthetics of the UI appealing to younger users, too.
The target users of AppendPay are the older generation that loans for their needs. But today, even younger people are interested in applying for loans, so we wanted to make the aesthetics of the UI appealing to younger users, too.
The original design was clean but overly saturated. I replaced the cobalt blue with a blend of electric indigo and violet for a more balanced look, and added a lighter mustard tone as a secondary gradient.
The original design was clean but overly saturated. I replaced the cobalt blue with a blend of electric indigo and violet for a more balanced look, and added a lighter mustard tone as a secondary gradient.
What did we do?
What did we do?
Improving UX
The goal was to make the product feel more alive and modern — something that users would feel comfortable using, with a smoother onboarding experience. Getting there took multiple drafts, lots of trial and error, and feedback from both designers and non-designers alike. Finalizing the app’s brand identity took time, but once that was locked in, everything flowed more easily.
I rolled out the updates across all design assets — mobile app, website, CMS, and even pubmats. The mobile app alone has over 150 screens, the CMS over 100, and yes — I even designed the email layout! ✉️ Whew.
The goal was to make the product feel more alive and modern — something that users would feel comfortable using, with a smoother onboarding experience. Getting there took multiple drafts, lots of trial and error, and feedback from both designers and non-designers alike. Finalizing the app’s brand identity took time, but once that was locked in, everything flowed more easily.
I rolled out the updates across all design assets — mobile app, website, CMS, and even pubmats. The mobile app alone has over 150 screens, the CMS over 100, and yes — I even designed the email layout! ✉️ Whew.
Here’s a peek to the version 1 and version 2 designs respectively:
Beyond updating the look of buttons and input fields, the user flow also changed. Instead of showing an intro screen with login and register options after the splash screen, users are now taken directly to the login screen. We’ve also removed the password step — users can now log in using their registered MPIN or biometrics for a faster, more seamless experience.
Beyond updating the look of buttons and input fields, the user flow also changed. Instead of showing an intro screen with login and register options after the splash screen, users are now taken directly to the login screen. We’ve also removed the password step — users can now log in using their registered MPIN or biometrics for a faster, more seamless experience.
In version 1, newly registered users were welcomed with a “Get Verified Now” button, a list of modules, and a reminder to complete their profile to unlock additional features.
In version 1, newly registered users were welcomed with a “Get Verified Now” button, a list of modules, and a reminder to complete their profile to unlock additional features.
In version 2, users are first shown an introduction slider (visible only once after installation), followed by an intro dashboard that highlights what the app has to offer. Once the account is created, users are directed to their main dashboard. We also introduced an easier way to switch between MFIs (Microfinance Institutions) via a dropdown in the loan balance section.
In version 2, users are first shown an introduction slider (visible only once after installation), followed by an intro dashboard that highlights what the app has to offer. Once the account is created, users are directed to their main dashboard. We also introduced an easier way to switch between MFIs (Microfinance Institutions) via a dropdown in the loan balance section.
Conclusion
Conclusion
I genuinely enjoyed every part of this project. Rebranding the app was both satisfying and exciting — I’d gladly do it again (whether it’s an app or anything design-related 😄). As my first project, I had great guidance that helped me find my footing, and I learned so much throughout the process. It was a fun and fulfilling experience from start to finish! ✨
I genuinely enjoyed every part of this project. Rebranding the app was both satisfying and exciting — I’d gladly do it again (whether it’s an app or anything design-related 😄). As my first project, I had great guidance that helped me find my footing, and I learned so much throughout the process. It was a fun and fulfilling experience from start to finish! ✨
Look of the CMS
The CMS manages key app functions — from user onboarding and verification to loan tracking, e-wallet transactions, and MFI data. It gives admins full control to monitor activity, update content, and maintain operations with ease.
The CMS manages key app functions — from user onboarding and verification to loan tracking, e-wallet transactions, and MFI data. It gives admins full control to monitor activity, update content, and maintain operations with ease.
