Managing finances can be a daunting task for anyone, but it poses unique challenges for neurodiverse individuals. Recognizing this issue, we embarked on the creation of BankMate by Barclays, an innovative platform designed to support neurodiverse individuals in managing their finances with the help of trusted loved ones. This project has garnered multiple prestigious awards, including the Yellow Pencil from D&AD New Blood Awards, Indigo Awards, Graphis Awards, and Creative Conscience. Here, we delve into the process, ideation, and learnings that shaped this award-winning initiative.
Identifying the Problem
Neurodiverse individuals often face difficulties in managing their finances due to various symptoms that affect their daily lives. These challenges can range from difficulties in understanding complex financial information to issues with impulse control and budgeting. Our mission was to create a solution that would alleviate these struggles and provide a supportive financial management system.
Gaining Insight
Through our research, we discovered that neurodiverse individuals frequently seek guidance from friends and family when making financial decisions or considering purchases. This insight highlighted the importance of a support system in their financial journey. By leveraging this social dynamic, we envisioned a platform that would allow neurodiverse individuals to collaborate with trusted loved ones to achieve their financial goals.
The Solution: BankMate by Barclays
BankMate is a platform that enables neurodiverse individuals to partner with a trusted loved one, such as a family member or friend, to better manage their finances. This collaborative approach not only provides financial guidance and security but also enhances the confidence of neurodiverse individuals in managing their money.
Design Principles
BankMate was developed with design principles tailored to be most digestible for neurodivergent users. The platform features calming colors, graphic data visualization, and the use of whole numbers to simplify financial information. These design elements ensure that users can easily understand and interact with the platform, making financial management less stressful and more intuitive.
Designing for Neurodiversity
BankMate’s key features are designed to provide comprehensive support for neurodiverse individuals in managing their finances. One of the standout features, A Helping Hand for Everyday Budgeting, allows users to invite a Mate—a family member, friend, or trusted individual—into their financial journey. This collaborative approach not only simplifies money management but also boosts the user’s financial confidence through continuous support and guidance. Additionally, the Dual Saver for Tracking Long and Short Term Goals feature enables users to team up with their Mate to set and monitor financial goals. Whether planning for a vacation or saving for a significant purchase like a car, shared goals foster mutual contribution and motivation, making it easier to reach savings targets without the pressure of doing it alone. These features collectively ensure that BankMate provides a robust and supportive financial management experience for neurodiverse individuals.
Beyond the Mobile App
To ensure a holistic user experience, BankMate extends its features beyond the mobile app to ATMs and in-person interactions. Barclays prompts users to contribute to shared funds when making ATM deposits and allows users to print out receipts at ATMs to keep track of their current financial status. This integration ensures that users have continuous support in managing their finances, whether online or offline.
Key Learnings
Through the development of BankMate, we learned the importance of designing with empathy and understanding the unique needs of neurodiverse individuals. By involving them in the design process and gaining insights from their experiences, we were able to create a platform that truly addresses their challenges. The success of BankMate underscores the value of collaboration and the positive impact of a supportive network in financial management.
Bridging Financial Gaps for Neurodiverse Users
Building on the success of BankMate, we aim to expand its features to further support neurodiverse individuals. Future enhancements may include personalized financial education resources and tools to assist with more complex financial tasks. Our goal is to continue empowering neurodiverse individuals to achieve financial independence and confidence.
BankMate by Barclays is more than just a financial management tool; it is a platform designed to empower neurodiverse individuals through collaboration and support. The multiple awards and recognition it has received affirm our commitment to making a difference in the lives of our users. As we continue to innovate and expand BankMate, we remain dedicated to creating inclusive solutions that cater to the diverse needs of our community.
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