The Process
Since this was the first project I took up at HDFC Bank, I had to understand their mobile banking app and how its users navigate through the app. We were working on the revamped version of the app (which released in November 2025). Therefore, I began with a survey and interviewing people to learn more about the banking domain and what people look for while using the app. I sent out the form to users who not only used HDFC Bank's mobile banking app, but also its competitors such as ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and SBI. I synthesized the results and referred to other apps from other domains before building use cases and crafting the prototype
I reviewed multiple studies on simplifying financial information. Secondary research has shown that financial recaps and journey-based insights increase users’ likelihood of investing and borrowing by improving clarity and confidence.
Key insights included:
Benchmarking
I analyzed recap experiences across banking and music platforms, including Axis Bank, Paytm, Spotify Wrapped, YouTube Music Recap, and Wynk Rewind. The study focused on how these products use storytelling, bold visual identity, progressive disclosure, and shareable moments to drive engagement. While Axis Bank introduced a recap feature during the project (“Trip Down the Memory Lane”), Paytm’s recap stood out for its clarity and visual creativity, and Spotify Wrapped set the benchmark for anticipation, navigation, and cultural relevance. These patterns informed the structure, pacing, and narrative approach of our solution.
Constructing the use cases
At HDFC Bank, we used a structured Excel framework to define epics, map detailed use cases, and craft user-facing messages. Each use case was prioritized (P0–P2) to guide design focus and establish clear visual hierarchy across the recap journey. This systematic mapping helped translate research insights into a coherent narrative, directly informing the flow, emphasis, and fidelity of the final prototypes.
Hierarchy of users’ priorities on the mobile banking app
To structure the users’ monthly financial recap as a coherent story, I defined clear epics and mapped prioritised use cases under each. These use cases were then translated into specific messages, ranging from insights and trivia to prompts and calls to action, shaping the narrative flow and guiding the overall experience.
