Hero Asset

Overview

In my internship, the company was developing a digital wallet app and initially tasked me with making the UI more appealing to Gen Z users.

After the redesign, leadership requested a broader UX/UI research study to compare Gen Z and older users and then adapt the app so it could serve a diverse, multi-generational audience.

Based on this research, I redesigned five core pages of the app to balance both groups’ needs.

My Role: UX/UI Designer, Researcher

Methods: Secondary research (literature, blogs, competitor analysis, accessibility guidelines) + personal synthesis

Deliverables: 5 redesigned pages

The Challenges

Gen Z and older users have very different preferences for UI/UX, especially in a app like this.

A wallet app must support both groups - Gen Z and older adults

Limited access to live participants meant I couldn’t run interviews or usability testing.

The wallet app must include all features while staying clean and uncluttered to appeal to both generations

Key Question:

How can we design a wallet app that feels modern and trend-aware for Gen Z, while remaining accessible, trustworthy, and usable for older generations?

Research Process

Generation Profiles - Understanding Gen Z vs. older adults

UI/UX Patterns: Gen Z

UI/UX Patterns: Older Adults

Combined Patterns

Redesign

Generation Profile

  • Gen Z & Millennials
    • Mindset: Tech-native, loves mobile phones, crave instant gratification, authenticity, and social connection.
    • Design Needs: Bold visuals, micro-interactions, fast navigation, customization, gamification, inclusivity, one-handed use.
    • Pain Points: Slow apps, cluttered UIs, inauthentic branding.
    • Implication: Design must be fun, trendy, fast, and adaptable.
  • Older Adults (Gen X & Boomers)
    • Mindset: Mixed digital comfort, use apps as practical tools, prioritize safety, trust, and clarity.
    • Design Needs: Readable text, high contrast, large touch targets, simple linear flows, clear navigation, undo/confirmation, help options.
    • Pain Points: Tiny text/buttons, clutter, ambiguous icons, too many steps.
    • Implication: Design must be clear, accessible, and empowering.

UX/UI Pattern Gen Z

1. Expressive & Visually Engaging Interfaces • Bold, vibrant colors, playful typography, abstract motifs • Move beyond minimalism towards immersive design • Expect visually rich micro-interactions and animations
2. Authenticity & Inclusivity • Detect inauthentic, overly polished, or AI visuals • Prefer user-generated content & genuine tone of voice • Demand inclusive design: diverse avatars
3. Shareable & Engaging Content • Prefer short, digestible formats (≤ 50 words/paragraph) • Easily shareable across platforms • Public profiles, social collaboration • Content identity-driven • Editable themes, custom avatars, personalization
4. Speed, Performance & Instant Feedback • Expect instant gratification • Fast load times, seamless navigation • Skeleton loaders, micro-feedback for every action
5. Accessibility First • Accessible typography, contrast • Subtitles/captions default in media • One-handed layouts, thumb-zone buttons • Expect dark/light mode by default

UX/UI Pattern Older Generations

1. Expressive & Visually Engaging Interfaces • Bold, vibrant colors, playful typography, abstract motifs • Move beyond minimalism towards immersive design • Expect visually rich micro-interactions and animations
2. Authenticity & Inclusivity • Detect inauthentic, overly polished, or AI visuals • Prefer user-generated content & genuine tone of voice • Demand inclusive design: diverse avatars
3. Shareable & Engaging Content • Prefer short, digestible formats (≤ 50 words/paragraph) • Easily shareable across platforms • Public profiles, social collaboration • Content identity-driven • Editable themes, custom avatars, personalization
4. Speed, Performance & Instant Feedback • Expect instant gratification • Fast load times, seamless navigation • Skeleton loaders, micro-feedback for every action
5. Accessibility First • Accessible typography, contrast • Subtitles/captions default in media • One-handed layouts, thumb-zone buttons • Expect dark/light mode by default

Shared Needs

Customizability • Ability to adapt interface (themes, contrast, font sizes)
Trust & Transparency • Honest flows & clear feedback • Inclusive experiences benefiting both age groups
Fast Performance & Feedback • Quick responses, consistent system status
Simplicity • Balance creative design with minimalism for universal usability
Accessibility • Dark/light modes, motion reduction • WCAG-aligned color contrast • Scalable typography
Clear Hierarchy & Consistent Layouts • Predictable navigation • Familiar placement of controls
Easy Navigation • Intuitive flows • Options for both gesture and tap

Final Design — Improved UI & UX built on the original app framework

Dark and Light mode designs, both

Showcase - 0
Showcase - 1
Showcase - 2
Showcase - 3
Showcase - 4

Key Redesign Features

Although not every feature in this app fully caters to both generations, I intentionally incorporated cross-generational design elements (e.g., accessibility, clarity, personalization) to make the wallet app helpful and usable for both groups—while still maintaining the essential functions of a digital wallet.

Key Redesign Features

Clear Visual Hierarchy & Readability

Modern, Trend-Aware UI for Gen Z

Accessibility Enhancements

Attention Cues

Outcome: The redesign introduces modern aesthetics while incorporating accessibility-driven choices, making the wallet app more usable for both younger and older generations—even if not every feature is fully optimized for all age groups.

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