Designing with Fun and Purpose
Debt collection is a heavy topic, and I initially approached this brief with some hesitation. How do you design an app for something that impacts users' lives so profoundly?
The project was a truly collaborative journey. We worked closely with the client from day one, with daily check-ins and constant communication during the creative development phase. Although they were technically the stakeholders, it felt like we were all part of the same team, shaping the app together. Working alongside Design Director Adèle Leyris, UX Designers Chao Gao and Eddie Saia, writer Scarlett Rushton, and teams from Strategy to Accounts, we partnered closely with a talented third-party Development team to bring our vision to life.
Light, Accessible, and User-Centric
We knew the design had to be light — both in tone and visually. After exploring various visual directions, we landed on neumorphism for its tactile, approachable feel, ensuring the app's interface was intuitive and easy to navigate across all age groups.
We combined Lowell's iconic curvy line to keep the design on-brand with just the right amount of neumorphic shadows and bevels. The curvy line, a key branding element, symbolized the customer journey, and we built on it to create illustrations, icons, and glyphs that added charm without overcomplicating the interface. The result was a design that felt tactile and playful but still distinctly Lowell.
We also introduced "breathing moments" — elegantly simple modals that nudged users to step away, grab a cup of tea, or take a deep breath after long sessions or during certain times of the day. These, along with motion graphics inspired by Lowell's curvy line, brought the experience to life and made it even more user-centric.
Built with Users in Mind
Users were central to my design process. The team and I built several prototypes and demos, running user testing sessions to gather feedback on both the visual design and the overall experience. These insights informed key decisions and led to meaningful client discussions, ultimately strengthening the product.
Since the app's launch, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Users appreciate the simplicity, ease of managing debt, and flexibility in setting up repayment plans. The app's friendly, practical interface has been particularly well-received, empowering users to confidently take control of their financial health.
This project is a testament to how thoughtful design can turn even the most challenging topics into something engaging, approachable, and impactful.