NSDL and NPS

NSDL is one of the world's largest depositories, it employs state-of-the-art infrastructure to manage dematerialized securities in India's capital market. The enactment of the Depositories Act paved the way for NSDL's establishment. Using innovative technology, NSDL supports investors and brokers, aiming to enhance market safety and efficiency while minimizing risks and costs. In the depository system, securities are held similarly to funds in bank accounts, streamlining ownership transfers and reducing paperwork-associated risks. NSDL's extensive network of Depository Partners offers a bouquet of services to investors, stockbrokers, custodians, and issuer companies nationwide.

Introduced by the Central Government, the National Pension System (NPS) addresses individuals' retirement needs by providing income in the form of a pension. Governed by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) under the PFRDA Act, 2013, NPS is a market-linked defined contribution scheme. This voluntary, portable, and flexible system allows individuals to save for retirement efficiently while enjoying potential tax benefits. It promotes systematic savings, offering a simple and planned approach to securing financial well-being during retirement. NPS stands out as an effective tool for boosting retirement income and ensuring a financially secure future.

Sweet, right? So, what was the problem?

The Challenges

The National Pension System (NPS) app serves as a vital tool for users aged 18-70, enabling them to invest and save for post-retirement years. With a user-friendly interface, it empowers individuals to make informed investment decisions, fostering financial security. The app's features cater to diverse age groups, ensuring a comprehensive and flexible approach to retirement planning.

The National Pension System (NPS) app faced criticism for its subpar user experience. Users reported challenges in accessing various options on the top bar, leading to frustration and a lack of efficiency. Visibility issues plagued the app, making it difficult for users to track their invested value and the current value of their investments. Navigating through the app proved cumbersome, with users struggling to locate essential features like reports. The overall user interface lacked intuitiveness, impacting the app's usability negatively. These challenges underscored the importance of enhancing the app's design and functionality to provide a seamless and user-friendly experience for individuals managing their investments and planning for retirement through the NPS platform.

UX Audit

In order to identify and better understand the causes and impacts of the problems faced, we conducted an extensive UX audit. We took a multi-faceted approach, examining user analytics data, conducting heuristic usability evaluations of the web interface, and reviewing the offerings of competitors. This in-depth audit process allowed us to analyze the different layers of the problems and provided valuable insights into potential solutions.

We employed a multifaceted approach to gather insights for the app. In-depth user interviews were conducted, encompassing both the younger demographic seeking investment in post-pension plans and the older audience. Additionally, we meticulously examined app store and Play Store reviews to gauge user sentiments comprehensively. This comprehensive analysis allowed us to identify prevalent issues and concerns. Subsequently, an affinity map was meticulously crafted, segregating and categorizing feedback from both user groups. The overlapping issues discovered through this process became pivotal focal points for our subsequent improvements, ensuring a tailored and user-centric enhancement of the NPS app for all age demographics.

We meticulously examined the National Pension System app through a thorough heuristic evaluation. Applying established usability principles, our assessment focused on key aspects like navigation, consistency, user control, and error prevention. This comprehensive analysis delved into user flows, pinpointing potential pain points and proposing strategic enhancements for calls to action. The evaluation process uncovered and addressed latent bugs, guiding us to implement design changes aimed at significantly improving the overall usability and user experience of the application.

To gain valuable insights into the competitive landscape, we conducted a thorough competitor review of the current website, benchmarking it against others in the same industry. Our analysis involved assessing the strengths and weaknesses of rival companies' websites, understanding what features contribute to their success, and identifying aspects that may be hindering their user experience. By scrutinizing competitors' designs, functionalities, and content strategies, we aimed to discern emerging trends, innovative features, and industry best practices.

App Navigation Overhaul

In a comprehensive overhaul of the National Pension System app, we implemented a transformative update to the navigation system. Departing from the traditional hamburger menu, we embraced a contemporary approach by introducing a bottom sticky navigation bar, aligning with current market trends. This strategic modification enhances user experience, ensuring seamless and intuitive navigation. By adopting this modern design element, we aim to provide users with a more accessible and user-friendly interface, keeping pace with the latest industry standards and improving overall usability.

Transforming the Look of the app

We commenced by crafting wireframes to outline the app's structure, then developed a typography and color guide for consistency. Opting for blue was deliberate, as it's widely used in fintech and banking apps in India, evoking a sense of trust and familiarity. Its versatility appeals to both younger and older demographics, enhancing user relatability and perceived security within the market space.

After establishing the groundwork with wireframes and style guides, we seamlessly progressed to the final visual design phase of the app. Utilizing our wireframes and style guides, we crafted the definitive visual identity of the app.