Saturn Budgeting App - User Research

 

Problem:

Managing money is rarely just about numbers—it’s about emotions. Our initial research on Saturn revealed that users often experience stress, confusion, and a lack of control when managing their finances. Traditional budgeting tools frequently overlook these emotional drivers, leaving users feeling judged or unsupported.

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Research:
To capture this human dimension, I gathered insights from surveys and qualitative interviews. The data revealed recurring themes, including emotional strain around debt and long-term planning, a desire for more straightforward, judgment-free guidance, and the importance of visual clarity and reassurance.

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Process & Deliverables:
I led the creation of user personas and empathy maps that reflected diverse financial mindsets —from the meticulous planner to the overwhelmed young professional —and explored what users think, feel, say, and do when managing money, uncovering opportunities for more empathetic design choices.

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Impact:
These design tools became foundational for our design team. They influenced the tone, interface, and feature set of Saturn, ensuring that the app wasn’t just another tracking tool but a supportive financial partner. By grounding the design in empathy, Saturn aimed to empower users to manage money on their own terms.