Approach & Process

User Research:

We began by interviewing existing business customers to identify their pain points with DotBank’s previous platform. We also conducted surveys and user interviews with potential business clients. Key insights were:

• Onboarding: Business clients required a simple yet secure onboarding process, with quick access to key functions.

• Account Management: Businesses emphasized the need for streamlined access to account balances, statements, and transaction history.

• Multi-User Management: Clients sought a system that allowed flexible role assignments, permissions, and workflow approvals for transactions.

• Transaction Tools: Users requested support for both single and bulk transactions with high flexibility in how they handled payroll and vendor payments.Design and Development

We focused on building an interface that delivered both functionality and a sleek, modern look.

• Streamlined Navigation: We restructured the navigation to allow users to easily access product features and case studies.

• Visual Hierarchy: By introducing a clear typography system, we ensured that complex data was presented in a digestible manner.

• Responsive Design: A mobile-first approach was implemented, ensuring seamless user experience across all devices.

• Consistent Brand Aesthetic: We integrated NexaTech's new branding into the web design, using a cohesive color palette, custom icons, and dynamic illustrations.

Key Features

• User-centric navigation

• Optimized mobile experience

• Enhanced data visualization

• Clean, minimalistic design with custom elements

The "Maker-Checker" Conflict

One of the most complex flows I designed was the Multi-Level Approval Workflow.

• The Initial Approach: We first prototyped a flat notification system where any "Admin" could approve a transfer.

• The Failure: User testing with larger corporate clients revealed a "Trust Gap." For high-value transactions (₦5M+), owners required a "Maker-Checker" system (one person initiates, another authorizes).

• The Design Pivot: I introduced "Positive Friction." Instead of making approvals instant, I designed a mandatory "Review & Verification" modal. This forced a comparison between the current account balance and the total impact of the transfer before the final biometric/PIN authorization.

• Edge Case Resolution: I accounted for the "Stale Approval" scenario. If an admin initiates a transfer at 10 AM, but the approver only opens the app at 4 PM when funds are no longer sufficient, the UI triggers a real-time validation state that voids the pending request and explains the deficit, preventing failed ledger entries.

Persona Development:

Based on the research, we identified three core personas:

• Persona 1: SME Owner

  • Characteristics: Small business owners with limited staff.

  • Pain Points: Difficulty managing payroll and vendor payments on tight budgets.

  • Solution: DotBank’s simplified onboarding, low fees, and bulk transfer options address their need for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• Persona 2: Large Corporate Client

  • Characteristics: Larger enterprises needing advanced banking features.

  • Pain Points: High transaction volume, complex workflows, and multi-user management.

  • Solution: DotBank’s multi-user management, workflow approvals, and comprehensive reporting tools support complex organizational structures.

• Persona 3: Freelancer/Consultant

  • Characteristics: Individuals or small teams offering cross-border services.

  • Pain Points: Cross-border payments and currency conversion.

  • Solution: DotBank’s multi-currency support and simple transfer processes provide convenient, cost-effective options for international transactions.

Competitive Analysis:

We analyzed similar platforms (e.g., Brass, Moniepoint, and Opay Business) to identify key differentiators in feature sets, user experience, and customer support. Key findings included:

• UI Design: Ensuring professional and user-friendly design choices.

• Feature Sets: Identifying essential functionalities like user management, transaction flexibility, and workflows.

• Market Needs: Understanding specific features that would give DotBank a competitive advantage, like integrated POS services and comprehensive reporting.

  
  

  

Onboarding Experience:

The onboarding flow was designed with both back-office support and a self-enrollment option. Steps included:

• Account verification using OTP for security.

• Setting up a user profile, including username, password, and transaction PIN.

• Simplifying terms and conditions acceptance to minimize the setup time while ensuring compliance.

Dashboard Layout:

Designed an intuitive dashboard that displays essential account information at a glance:

• Accounts Overview: A clear view of all account balances with a breakdown by currency.

• Transaction Summary: Table showing recent transactions, both bulk and single transactions

Multi-User Management:

Designed a user management system allowing businesses to add and assign roles to team members. Key features included:

• Role-based permissions for secure access control.

• Workflow setups that allow managers to approve or decline transactions, with detailed logs for accountability.

Transaction Management:

Multiple transaction options were incorporated:

• Single Transfers: Enabled seamless transfers with real-time name verification and secure PIN authorization.

• Bulk Transfers: Provided options for CSV uploads or manual entry, supporting both payroll and vendor payments.

• Employee and Vendor Payments: Added structured options for employee payments, with scheduled dates and recurring transfers.

Solution Design and Features

• Self-Onboarding: A simplified onboarding experience that allows businesses to register independently and start using the platform immediately.

• Comprehensive Dashboard: Displays all account balances, transaction summaries, and management tools in one place.

• User and Workflow Management: Allows businesses to manage internal roles, permissions, and multi-level approval processes, enhancing internal control.

• Payment Flexibility: Single and bulk transfers for payroll and vendor payments, including file upload options for seamless entry.

• POS and Reporting: Integrated DotPay for POS requests and real-time transaction reporting, along with options to track and resolve disputes.

Design Challenges and Solutions

Complexity of Multi-User Setup

• Solution: Created a robust, intuitive role management system that enables businesses to assign permissions without excessive training.

Requirement for Data Accuracy

• Solution: Implemented extensive user testing and data synchronization processes across DotBank’s services to ensure accuracy.

Integration with DotPay and Core Banking Services

• Solution: Collaborated closely with engineering teams to align back-end services, achieving seamless integration and data flow.