BitSavvy
BitSavvy
BitSavvy
UX/UI, Prototyping, iOS Design, Branding
UX/UI, Prototyping, iOS Design, Branding
UX/UI, Prototyping, iOS Design, Branding
TIMELINE
TIMELINE
2025; 8 weeks
2025; 8 weeks
ROLE
ROLE
Visual Designer
Visual Designer
TEAM SIZE
TEAM SIZE
1
1
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
From concept to global ecosystem.
From concept to global ecosystem.
From concept to global ecosystem.
The cryptocurrency market has rapidly expanded since the launch of Bitcoin in 2009 and has evolved into a global financial ecosystem. As of mid-2025, its total global market capitalization is estimated at $3.8–4 trillion, reflecting increasing participation from both retail and institutional investors. While the market has at times delivered returns that far exceed those of traditional asset-backed investments (ig. stocks and bonds), cryptocurrency’s high volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and emerging nature make it a high-risk investment in comparison.
The cryptocurrency market has rapidly expanded since the launch of Bitcoin in 2009 and has evolved into a global financial ecosystem. As of mid-2025, its total global market capitalization is estimated at $3.8–4 trillion, reflecting increasing participation from both retail and institutional investors. While the market has at times delivered returns that far exceed those of traditional asset-backed investments (ig. stocks and bonds), cryptocurrency’s high volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and emerging nature make it a high-risk investment in comparison.
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
Barriers to entry in the cryptocurrency market.
Barriers to entry in the cryptocurrency market.
Barriers to entry in the cryptocurrency market.
The number of cryptocurrency investment platforms has grown rapidly in recent years, yet many of these tools are designed for experienced users and offer little to no support for beginners. For new investors, this creates a steep and precarious learning curve, where people are expected to invest real money without fully understanding the technology, risks, or reasoning behind their decisions.
The number of cryptocurrency investment platforms has grown rapidly in recent years, yet many of these tools are designed for experienced users and offer little to no support for beginners. For new investors, this creates a steep and precarious learning curve, where people are expected to invest real money without fully understanding the technology, risks, or reasoning behind their decisions.
GOAL
GOAL
Making cryptocurrency investment approachable and inclusive.
Making cryptocurrency investment approachable and inclusive.
Making cryptocurrency investment approachable and inclusive.
BitSavvy aims to make cryptocurrency investment for first-time users more approachable by combining education and investing into a single mobile experience. Unlike traditional crypto wallets that prioritize transactions over understanding, BitSavvy integrates guided learning directly into the investment process. New users progress through a structured, gamified curriculum where they can learn core cryptocurrency concepts prior to or in tandem with actual investment. With a focus on novice Gen Z and Millennial investors, BitSavvy presents cryptocurrency in a way that feels modern and relatable. The visual design supports the goal of financial inclusivity with a clean, intuitive interface and a friendly tone that feels engaging rather than intimidating. By making financial education accessible, interactive, and embedded within the act of investing itself, BitSavvy stands out from existing crypto wallets and encourages a more informed, confident generation of investors.
BitSavvy aims to make cryptocurrency investment for first-time users more approachable by combining education and investing into a single mobile experience. Unlike traditional crypto wallets that prioritize transactions over understanding, BitSavvy integrates guided learning directly into the investment process. New users progress through a structured, gamified curriculum where they can learn core cryptocurrency concepts prior to or in tandem with actual investment. With a focus on novice Gen Z and Millennial investors, BitSavvy presents cryptocurrency in a way that feels modern and relatable. The visual design supports the goal of financial inclusivity with a clean, intuitive interface and a friendly tone that feels engaging rather than intimidating. By making financial education accessible, interactive, and embedded within the act of investing itself, BitSavvy stands out from existing crypto wallets and encourages a more informed, confident generation of investors.
01 RESEARCH
01 RESEARCH
01 RESEARCH
LITERATURE REVIEW
LITERATURE REVIEW
Why first-time investors struggle and what they really need.
Why first-time investors struggle and what they really need.
Why first-time investors struggle and what they really need.
I kicked off this project with a literature review of cryptocurrency investment to build foundational knowledge of the topic, including common user behaviors and industry trends. A key focus was understanding the topics beginners should learn before trading, such as:
I kicked off this project with a literature review of cryptocurrency investment to build foundational knowledge of the topic, including common user behaviors and industry trends. A key focus was understanding the topics beginners should learn before trading, such as:
01
01
How Cryptocurrency Works
How Cryptocurrency Works
When events overlap, the layout should stack them in a way that preserves the visibility of the most critical details—especially the appointment name and time. Even in dense scheduling scenarios, users should be able to quickly identify what matters without needing to interact or zoom in.
When events overlap, the layout should stack them in a way that preserves the visibility of the most critical details—especially the appointment name and time. Even in dense scheduling scenarios, users should be able to quickly identify what matters without needing to interact or zoom in.
02
02
Types of Cryptocurrency
Types of Cryptocurrency
Filtering should be comprehensive and adaptable to accommodate a wide range of business needs, preferences, and management styles.
Filtering should be comprehensive and adaptable to accommodate a wide range of business needs, preferences, and management styles.
03
03
Safe Storage Methods
Safe Storage Methods
Filtering should be comprehensive and adaptable to accommodate a wide range of business needs, preferences, and management styles.
Filtering should be comprehensive and adaptable to accommodate a wide range of business needs, preferences, and management styles.
04
04
Basics of Investing & Cryptocurrency Investing
Basics of Investing & Cryptocurrency Investing
Filtering should be comprehensive and adaptable to accommodate a wide range of business needs, preferences, and management styles.
Filtering should be comprehensive and adaptable to accommodate a wide range of business needs, preferences, and management styles.
Information from this review served as a basis for the overall product design and also provided structure for the educational modules later included in the “Learn” section of the app.
Information from this review served as a basis for the overall product design and also provided structure for the educational modules later included in the “Learn” section of the app.
EMPATHY MAPPING
EMPATHY MAPPING
Next, I created an empathy map to attain better insight on the targeted demographic’s concerns.
Next, I created an empathy map to attain better insight on the targeted demographic’s concerns.
Visualizing users’ thoughts, emotions, and behaviors through an empathy map uncovered key pain points that shaped user-centered design decisions moving forward:
Visualizing users’ thoughts, emotions, and behaviors through an empathy map uncovered key pain points that shaped user-centered design decisions moving forward:
01
01
Information Fragmentation
Information Fragmentation
Information is spread across articles, forums, social media, and long-form content, making sequential and trustworthy learning difficult.
Information is spread across articles, forums, social media, and long-form content, making sequential and trustworthy learning difficult.
02
02
Lack of Crypto Literacy
Lack of Crypto Literacy
Most existing cryptocurrency wallets assume users have prior technical knowledge and utilize jargon-heavy language, which can be discouraging to novice investors.
Most existing cryptocurrency wallets assume users have prior technical knowledge and utilize jargon-heavy language, which can be discouraging to novice investors.
USER PERSONAS
USER PERSONAS
I developed two user personas based on these insights and including concrete goals for each persona to aid design development per realistic user scenarios.
I developed two user personas based on these insights and including concrete goals for each persona to aid design development per realistic user scenarios.
COMPETITIVE AUDIT
COMPETITIVE AUDIT
With a clear understanding of our target users, the next step was to analyze the existing landscape of crypto wallets. I conducted a benchmark of popular wallets to analyze how effectively direct competitors are meeting the needs of first-time crypto investors and also how visual elements affect the overall experience.
With a clear understanding of our target users, the next step was to analyze the existing landscape of crypto wallets. I conducted a benchmark of popular wallets to analyze how effectively direct competitors are meeting the needs of first-time crypto investors and also how visual elements affect the overall experience.
Below are the key patterns I observed:
With a clear understanding of our target users, the next step was to analyze the existing landscape of crypto wallets. I conducted a benchmark of popular wallets to analyze how effectively direct competitors are meeting the needs of first-time crypto investors and also how visual elements affect the overall experience.
Below are the key patterns I observed:
01
01
Weak differentiation between wallets
Weak differentiation between wallets
Though some existing crypto wallets seem more welcoming to beginners than others, they all offer similar features with virtually zero guidance. This can potentially result in hostility towards newcomers.
Though some existing crypto wallets seem more welcoming to beginners than others, they all offer similar features with virtually zero guidance. This can potentially result in hostility towards newcomers.
02
Complex jargon
Crypto wallets typically use technical vocabulary without an explanation or context, increasing the barrier to entry and inclusivity gap.
02
Complex jargon
Crypto wallets typically use technical vocabulary without an explanation or context, increasing the barrier to entry and inclusivity gap.
02
02
Complex jargon
Complex jargon
Crypto wallets typically use technical vocabulary without an explanation or context, increasing the barrier to entry and inclusivity gap.
Crypto wallets typically use technical vocabulary without an explanation or context, increasing the barrier to entry and inclusivity gap.
03
03
Futuristic tech aesthetic
Futuristic tech aesthetic
The visual aesthetic of crypto wallets such as Gemini and Coinbase tend to be more visually dramatic, including saturated gradients, futuristic animations and glowing effects. Though likely the intention is to provoke a powerful feeling while using the app, first-time users may be deterred by the aesthetic intensity.
The visual aesthetic of crypto wallets such as Gemini and Coinbase tend to be more visually dramatic, including saturated gradients, futuristic animations and glowing effects. Though likely the intention is to provoke a powerful feeling while using the app, first-time users may be deterred by the aesthetic intensity.
The visual aesthetic of crypto wallets such as Gemini and Coinbase tend to be more visually dramatic, including saturated gradients, futuristic animations and glowing effects. Though likely the intention is to provoke a powerful feeling while using the app, first-time users may be deterred by the aesthetic intensity.
Below are the key patterns I observed:
Weak differentiation between wallets — though some existing crypto wallets seem more welcoming to beginners than others, they all offer similar features with virtually zero guidance. This can potentially result in hostility towards newcomers.
Complex jargon — crypto wallets typically use technical vocabulary without an explanation or context, increasing the barrier to entry and inclusivity gap.
Futuristic tech aesthetic — the visual aesthetic of crypto wallets such as Gemini and Coinbase tend to be more visually dramatic, including saturated gradients, futuristic animations and glowing effects. Though likely the intention is to provoke a powerful feeling while using the app, first-time users may be deterred by the aesthetic intensity.
OPPORTUNITIES
OPPORTUNITIES
Integrating education and community for ongoing user success.
Integrating education and community for ongoing user success.
Integrating education and community for ongoing user success.
Based on research findings, there was a market opportunity to design a crypto wallet that combined the essential features of crypto wallets with an education-first approach. I proposed the below features to enhance interactivity and accessibility especially benefitting first-time cryptocurrency investors:
Based on research findings, there was a market opportunity to design a crypto wallet that combined the essential features of crypto wallets with an education-first approach. I proposed the below features to enhance interactivity and accessibility especially benefitting first-time cryptocurrency investors:
Interactive lessons with quizzes and gamification
Interactive lessons with quizzes and gamification
Teaches core crypto concepts in small, engaging steps, building confidence and understanding.
Teaches core crypto concepts in small, engaging steps, building confidence and understanding.
Integrated crypto news feed
Integrated crypto news feed
Keeps users informed of market trends, reducing uncertainty and supporting informed decision-making.
Keeps users informed of market trends, reducing uncertainty and supporting informed decision-making.
Discussion forum
Discussion forum
Enables peer learning, guidance, and community support, making the experience less intimidating and more trustworthy.
Enables peer learning, guidance, and community support, making the experience less intimidating and more trustworthy.
02 STRATEGY
02 STRATEGY
02 STRATEGY
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
Content grouping and optimizing navigation.
Content grouping and optimizing navigation.
Content grouping and optimizing navigation.
BitSavvy not only supports core crypto wallet functions, but also integrates additional features making clear and intuitive information architecture essential for this app. I identified early on that a “Transactions” CTA should live in the bottom navigation bar — analysis of competitor apps revealed that many buried this function, adding unnecessary steps for users to complete a core task. To manage the app’s information density, I used tabs to group related content within some pages. “Market” and “News” are combined so users can view prices alongside relevant updates, while “Learn” and the “Forum” are grouped to let users learn and discuss in one place. The diagram below depicts how this app’s features are organized:
BitSavvy not only supports core crypto wallet functions, but also integrates additional features making clear and intuitive information architecture essential for this app. I identified early on that a “Transactions” CTA should live in the bottom navigation bar — analysis of competitor apps revealed that many buried this function, adding unnecessary steps for users to complete a core task. To manage the app’s information density, I used tabs to group related content within some pages. “Market” and “News” are combined so users can view prices alongside relevant updates, while “Learn” and the “Forum” are grouped to let users learn and discuss in one place. The diagram below depicts how this app’s features are organized:
USER FLOW
USER FLOW
The user flow introduces first-time users to instructional content immediately upon onboarding, providing context and guidance on key crypto concepts. Users can skip this step and access the home screen directly if desired. From the home screen, all primary features — cryptocurrency transactions, market information, and educational content — remain easily accessible, balancing guided learning with full user autonomy.
The user flow introduces first-time users to instructional content immediately upon onboarding, providing context and guidance on key crypto concepts. Users can skip this step and access the home screen directly if desired. From the home screen, all primary features — cryptocurrency transactions, market information, and educational content — remain easily accessible, balancing guided learning with full user autonomy.
03 LOW-FIDELITY DESIGN
03 LOW-FIDELITY DESIGN
03 LOW-FIDELITY DESIGN
Structuring complexity via iterative design.
Structuring complexity via iterative design.
Structuring complexity via iterative design.
I created a low-fidelity prototype after some initial sketching, prioritizing a functional and intuitive layout. Although the user flow is rather straightforward, the product contains a high volume of information. The low-fidelity phase was critical for refining the information hierarchy; through rapid iteration of content grouping, nesting, and overall scaling, I developed a clear structure that users can easily scan and understand.
I created a low-fidelity prototype after some initial sketching, prioritizing a functional and intuitive layout. Although the user flow is rather straightforward, the product contains a high volume of information. The low-fidelity phase was critical for refining the information hierarchy; through rapid iteration of content grouping, nesting, and overall scaling, I developed a clear structure that users can easily scan and understand.
04 FINAL DESIGN
04 FINAL DESIGN
04 FINAL DESIGN
Completing the product experience through visual refinement.
Completing the product experience through visual refinement.
Completing the product experience through visual refinement.
In the high-fidelity phase, I focused on refining the visual language and overall tone of the product via the following:
In the high-fidelity phase, I focused on refining the visual language and overall tone of the product via the following:
Typography
Typography
A bold typeface was selected to convey a futuristic feel while still maintaining a sense of approachability.
A bold typeface was selected to convey a futuristic feel while still maintaining a sense of approachability.
Color
Color
The overall palette was designed with lower contrast than typical crypto wallets to strike a balance between an innovative aesthetic and the familiarity and trust associated with traditional banking products. An accent neon green was selected to signify growth, energy and modernity.
The overall palette was designed with lower contrast than typical crypto wallets to strike a balance between an innovative aesthetic and the familiarity and trust associated with traditional banking products. An accent neon green was selected to signify growth, energy and modernity.
Visuals
Visuals
These elements were kept friendly and playful to maintain user engagement without undermining credibility
These elements were kept friendly and playful to maintain user engagement without undermining credibility
Lastly, this phase involved filling in remaining content gaps, particularly within educational modules, ensuring that information was clear and aligned with the product’s end experience.
Lastly, this phase involved filling in remaining content gaps, particularly within educational modules, ensuring that information was clear and aligned with the product’s end experience.
Learning Modules
Cryptocurrency concepts are broken down into digestible lessons, enabling novices to learn at their own pace and develop the confidence needed to invest responsibly.
Learning Modules
Cryptocurrency concepts are broken down into digestible lessons, enabling novices to learn at their own pace and develop the confidence needed to invest responsibly.
Learning Modules
Cryptocurrency concepts are broken down into digestible lessons, enabling novices to learn at their own pace and develop the confidence needed to invest responsibly.
Interactive Quizzes
Quizzes integrated within lessons reinforce learning and encourage users to stay engaged.
Interactive Quizzes
Quizzes integrated within lessons reinforce learning and encourage users to stay engaged.
Interactive Quizzes
Quizzes integrated within lessons reinforce learning and encourage users to stay engaged.
Instant Feedback & Rewards
Users receive immediate feedback on their answers along with points for correct responses. This layer of gamification promotes user retention.
Instant Feedback & Rewards
Users receive immediate feedback on their answers along with points for correct responses. This layer of gamification promotes user retention.
Instant Feedback & Rewards
Users receive immediate feedback on their answers along with points for correct responses. This layer of gamification promotes user retention.
Current Market Insights
A news feed centralizes relevant cryptocurrency updates so users can connect market activity with real-world events and trends.
Current Market Insights
A news feed centralizes relevant cryptocurrency updates so users can connect market activity with real-world events and trends.
Current Market Insights
A news feed centralizes relevant cryptocurrency updates so users can connect market activity with real-world events and trends.
Discussion Forum
Users can use this dedicated space to ask questions, exchange ideas and learn from each other as they navigate the world of cryptocurrency.
Discussion Forum
Users can use this dedicated space to ask questions, exchange ideas and learn from each other as they navigate the world of cryptocurrency.
Discussion Forum
Users can use this dedicated space to ask questions, exchange ideas and learn from each other as they navigate the world of cryptocurrency.
What's next?
What's next?
What's next?
This project significantly expanded my understanding of the cryptocurrency landscape and its users through in-depth research. It also highlighted the time and iteration required to build and refine a design system from scratch, and how that investment is essential to creating a cohesive, polished visual experience. One key challenge was balancing dense information and functionality within a limited space. Moving forward, I would validate the user flows through testing and explore additional opportunities for gamification to further enhance engagement.
This project significantly expanded my understanding of the cryptocurrency landscape and its users through in-depth research. It also highlighted the time and iteration required to build and refine a design system from scratch, and how that investment is essential to creating a cohesive, polished visual experience. One key challenge was balancing dense information and functionality within a limited space. Moving forward, I would validate the user flows through testing and explore additional opportunities for gamification to further enhance engagement.
