Why Redesign:
I really love the idea that Venmo it letting me make and share payments with my friends. But I find it very hard to navigate and find things easily. I am always confused and click almost every icon to find action that says ‘Pay’ or ‘Request to Pay’. Finding friends and finding my core action ‘Pay’ or ‘Request to pay’ should be easy. So, below is what I did.
My Heuristic evaluation:
• Cluttered & Overwhelming UI
The Home page user interface is extremely cluttered and overwhelming.
• Core functionality ‘Pay’ or ‘Request to Pay’ action item is missing
The core functionality of Venmo is to pay and receive money, which is not visible on the home page. I clicked on everywhere to find action that reads ‘Pay’
• Unnecessary Global feeds
I understand that idea of socialization and networking, but who is interested knowing total stranger’s transaction and leave comment on it? I am not. I vote for my privacy and would never allow any stranger to start networking based on a transition I am making.
• Confusing and unrecognizable icons
No need to reinvent the wheel. Icons fails to communicate the meaning such as: Add contacts, Scan SQR code
My recommendation:
Simplicity. Aesthetic & minimalist design. Learnability. Error prevention.
I would mimic users’ mental modal to create user journey:
1.) Pay - I want to pay
2.) Who to Pay - I want to pay to John Doe
3.) How much - I want to pay $100
4.) For what - I want to pay for coffee
5.) Send
UX Improvements:
• Uncluttered and minimalist design
• The core functionality ‘Pay’ and ‘Request to Pay’ buttons are prominent on the home page
• Easy and simplified user flow
• Usable and recognizable icons
• Improved aesthetics
• Add informative and expressive motion design elements
Measuring success:
Now that I came up with this improved, easy & simple solution to find friends, and to make or share payments; it's time to perform usability testing with real users to find out if this is the better solution:
• Is this the correct user flow and overall approach?
• Where did user struggle?
• How are the users are responding?
• Did we solve their issues and pain points?
