Projects

Ria Money Transfer

Company: Ria Money Transfer, USA
Activities: Money remittances
Role: Product designer
Scope of work: Ria app calculator update
Year: 2024

The Challenge

Ria Money Transfer has long been a trusted name in fast and reliable money transfer services, but even the most dependable solutions can evolve into something extraordinary.

The challenge was clear: transform a routine process into an experience that feels effortless and satisfying. Sending money to the same destination repeatedly shouldn’t feel like a chore—it should be seamless, almost magical. Key information, such as exchange rates and delivery options, needed to be presented not just clearly, but intuitively, empowering users to make decisions with confidence.

Behind the scenes, the stakes were high: every pixel, every interaction was a step toward unlocking a smoother, smarter interface. By diving deep into user behavior and analyzing metrics, I set out to create an interface that doesn’t just meet expectations—it redefines them. The mission? To turn a functional tool into a user journey that’s efficient, transparent, and a joy to navigate. The result? A platform poised to not just increase conversion rates, but to inspire trust and loyalty like never before.

Refining the Calculator Screen

  • To redefine what’s possible, I’ve chosen to focus on the Ria mobile app screen—a pivotal touchpoint in the user journey.

  • While the mobile and web versions differ in UX/UI nuances, every detail matters, and I’m leaving no stone unturned. The spotlight is on the Calculator screen and its related elements, a crucial area where clarity and simplicity can spark transformation.

  • This focused approach allows me to dive deep, examining the task from all angles to uncover opportunities for a more seamless, intuitive, and impactful experience.

Information Gathering

The most popular apps and services for international money transfers in 2024 include Wise, Revolut, Remitly, XE, WorldRemit, and Ria Money Transfer, among others. These platforms offer competitive exchange rates, low fees, and fast transfers, making them attractive for users sending money across borders.

  • Wise (formerly TransferWise) is one of the top platforms, known for its transparency and real-time exchange rates. It is highly rated for its low fees, which start from 0.35% and are calculated based on the amount transferred.

  • Revolut, another major player, provides users with multi-currency accounts and excellent exchange rates, especially for amounts up to £500 (0% fee). Beyond this, fees start at 0.4%.

  • Remitly and WorldRemit are also widely used for their fast delivery times and diverse payout options, such as mobile wallets and cash pickups, making them great options for users in countries with less developed banking infrastructure.

Best international money transfer services/apps:
  • Wise
  • Revolut
  • OFX
  • Western Union
  • Xoom (a PayPal Service)
  • Remitly
  • Xe Money Transfer
  • WorldRemit
Source: Google, Chat GPT
I explore the most popular international money transfer apps through ChatGPT, Google, and the App Store, uncovering their best practices and design strategies. By analyzing these insights, I identify what makes their UX/UI seamless and effective.

The goal is clear: to take these proven elements and craft a design that not only simplifies the process but inspires confidence and drives higher conversions.

Wise: Key Points

Wise stands as a benchmark in the world of fintech — renowned for its excellence in every aspect of money transfers. Consistently celebrated as one of the top apps in the industry, it has earned its place through innovation and user trust.

Having personally used Wise for several years, I’ve experienced firsthand the seamlessness, reliability, and thoughtful design that make it a favorite among millions worldwide. It’s not just an app—it’s a standard to aspire to.

Main Points:
  • In the web version, all fees and transfer method options are visible after entering the amount from the starting point
  • There is information on how much can be saved on the transfer
  • The expected time of arrival for the transfer is provided
  • Good contrast between fonts and elements
  • The light and clean interface
  • The consistent and recognizable style across both mobile and web versions

Revolut: Key Points

Revolut, a household name across Europe, stands out as one of the most popular and innovative apps in the region. Both the mobile and desktop versions deserve attention, each offering unique features and design elements that showcase thoughtful, user-centered development.

Main Points:
  • Similar to Wise, fees and transfer method are displayed after entering the initial amount
  • There is a comparison with other providers as an example
  • The UI design is clean and high-contrast

Western Union: Key Points

Western Union is a true pioneer in the world of money transfers, setting the foundation for the industry as we know it today. With a vast global network of locations, it has become a symbol of trust and connectivity. Scaling a service of this magnitude is no small feat, yet Western Union has consistently achieved success, proving that ambition and perseverance can overcome even the greatest challenges.

Main Points:
  • There is an option to select the country to which the user is sending money
  • The exchange rate and payment method are displayed after entering the amount
  • The UI design is light and high-contrast

Xe: Key Points

XE embodies global connectivity, enabling users to send money to over 200 countries in multiple currencies with ease and efficiency. Available on both iOS and Android, the app has earned high praise from users for its intuitive design and seamless functionality—a testament to its widespread appeal and impressive conversion rates.

Main Points:
  • The country to which the money is being sent is displayed
  • There is an estimated delivery time for the funds
  • The visual arrangement of elements is excellent
  • Good contrast is used
  • The most important input fields are highlighted in white against a light gray background
  • Convenient screens for selecting the country and payment method

Remitly: Key Points

Another renowned app that has captured the hearts of users worldwide, earning stellar ratings on both the App Store and Google Play. Its popularity speaks volumes, reflecting a user experience that resonates and consistently delivers excellence.

Main Points:
  • An interesting solution with the division between Express and Economy delivery
  • Excellent description under each option (Express/Economy)
  • Good contrast and light UI design
  • There is a status bar to help users understand how much progress they have made.
  • I would also like to note the fastest onboarding process in this app.

TransferGo: Key Points

TransferGo shines with strong ratings across app markets, reflecting its dedication to user satisfaction. Designed with repeat users in mind, it simplifies the process by remembering transfer details, making future transactions faster and more convenient.

Main Points:
  • There is an app header with a personal account and other information
  • An excellent solution for combining the payment method and the way of receiving funds
  • Clear display of all information on transfer methods and fees after entering the initial sending amount
  • Modern and light UI design

Profee: Key Points

Profee offers impressive global coverage, enabling transfers to a wide range of countries with ease and reliability. Backed by strong user ratings, the app stands out as a trusted choice for those seeking convenience and seamless international money transfers.

Main Points:
  • Good modern UI design
  • There is the bottom app menu
  • Displaying information about the amount being sent directly on the button

Key Features

Based on the review of the most popular apps in the world, analysis of the current calculator, and the provided information, I’m considering adding key points:

  • Selection of the country to which the funds are being sent. The user immediately understands that he is sending money to the correct destination. (To avoid mistakes)
  • Selection of payment and receiving method after entering the initial amount and before displaying the receiving amount. The logic of display should be clear. First, the user enters the amount, then selects the payment and receiving method, and after that, he can see the receiving amount. It’s necessary to simplify the display and remove the third final amount at the end. Only 2 main amounts are displayed: the Sending Amount and the Receiving Amount. (Simplification, understanding and simplicity)
  • Information about the delivery time of the funds (exact or estimated). Understanding that the money will arrive on time and, most importantly, that it will arrive at all, because the delivery time is immediately specified. (Financial security)
  • Information on recent transfers to speed up sending to the same address. To speed up and simplify the process for regular customers who periodically use the app to send funds to the same destination. (Simplification, understanding and simplicity)
As a result, the user’s experience is elevated to a new level: secure, intuitive, swift, and free from errors. Every step feels effortless, instilling confidence and satisfaction with every transaction.

Potential Increase in Conversion: 13-25%*

* if all necessary improvements are implemented
Destination country: 3-5%
Quick verification of the destination country reduces cognitive load and helps avoid mistakes, making the process smoother.

Delivery time: 5-10%
Increases user confidence in knowing that the money will arrive on time.

Recent transactions: 5-10%
Saves time for regular users, reducing the likelihood of abandoning the process.

Total increase: 13-25% *
By harnessing the combined impact of these factors, the potential conversion increase could soar to an impressive 13% to 25%. This transformation stems from elevating transparency, convenience, and process speed—key elements that resonate deeply with users. When every step feels intuitive and seamless, the decision to complete a transaction becomes not just likely, but almost inevitable.
To gather more accurate insights, A/B testing will be conducted to assess the specific impact of these changes on the target audience.

* Based on: Baymard Institute and Google UX Research data
  • Baymard Institute Research shows that improving interface transparency and clarity can increase transaction completion rates by 10-35%. Lack of essential information early in the process is a key reason for abandonment.
  • Google UX Research found that providing clear information early in the interface reduces decision-making friction, boosting conversions by 15-20%. Adding delivery times or crucial details early helps users complete the process faster.

* Balanced Excellence: UX and System Harmony
  • Enhancing the user experience is a powerful step toward higher engagement and satisfaction, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. The seamless operation of other systems within a business—be it infrastructure, customer support, or payment processing—remains essential for maintaining and elevating conversion rates.
  • A truly successful solution balances intuitive design with the reliable performance of all interconnected systems, creating a foundation for sustainable growth.

User Flow

1. Entering the destination country for the money transfer:
A screen appears with a list of countries and a search bar.
2. Entering the sending amount:
  • The user selects the destination country and currency for sending, then enters the amount in their local currency.
  • The sending currency is displayed next to the flag of the selected country.
3. Selecting the transfer type and receiving method:
  • The user sees the selected transfer method, for example, from card to bank (option Card → Bank). This method can be changed by pressing the Change button.
  • Information about the exchange rate and the time it will take for the transfer to be delivered is also displayed. Information about any fees (e.g., 0.00 USD if the transfer is free) is also provided.
4. Receiving amount information:
In the next step, the amount the recipient will receive in the chosen currency is displayed.
5. Proceeding to the next step:
The user presses the Continue button to move forward with the transfer process, where they will confirm the transfer details and complete the transaction.
+ Application of promo code:
The user is shown a message about applying a special promo code to reduce the cost of the transfer or offer other benefits.
+ If there have been previous transfers, the user can select one of the recent ones:
This means the following steps will be simplified to speed up the process

Heuristic Evaluation of the Current Ria Calculator Design

Visibility of system status.
The user sees key information: sending amount, receiving amount, and the current exchange rate, which helps them stay informed. However, there is no information about when the money will arrive, which may leave users questioning the delivery time.

Match between the system and the real world.
Information about the sending and receiving amounts is clearly displayed using flags for each currency, making it easy to understand. The exchange rate is also shown, which aligns with real-world user expectations.

User control and freedom.
The user has the flexibility to adjust both the payment method and the receiving method using the "Pay with" and "Deliver to" buttons. While these options offer adaptability, there’s an opportunity to elevate this experience — streamlining the process and making it even more intuitive, empowering users to navigate their choices with ease and confidence.

Consistency and standards.
Familiar interface elements such as dropdown menus and action buttons are used, which adhere to mobile app standards. However, the placement of some elements, like fees and the total amount, could be improved for better intuitive understanding.

Recognition rather than recall.
Key information (currency, sending/receiving amounts, exchange rate) is presented on the screen, making it easy for the user to make decisions. This reduces the memory load on the user as all data is immediately visible.

Flexibility and efficiency of use.
The app provides flexibility with payment and receiving options, which is good for different types of users. For advanced users, adding the ability to save previous transactions for faster processing could further enhance efficiency.

Help and documentation.
Adding more visual cues could improve the overall perception. Adding more detailed information about fees and delivery times could enhance the user experience.

Flexibility in payment.
A promo code option is available, which provides flexibility and potential benefits. However, it’s not clear how the promo code is applied (e.g., what discounts it offers).

Recommendations for UI Design Improvements

I'm currently working within an established style, I'm creating an updated design that aligns with the overall brand identity and does not differ significantly from the rest of the pages. This ensures consistency and maintains the brand's visual coherence. In this case, the main focus is on the inputs and the overall tone.
Readability and perception:
  • Light inputs (such as white) on a light background (gray or white with an outline) are usually perceived better because they look cleaner and more minimalist. This reduces cognitive load for the user.
  • Darker inputs on a light background create a harsher contrast, which can cause eye strain, especially during longer interactions. Plus it looks like an inactive input that we can't click on.
User habits:
Most modern interfaces and forms use light inputs on a light background because this is the standard users are accustomed to. When inputs look familiar, users are quicker to find and understand how to interact with them.
Focus on content:
Light inputs on a light background allow users to focus on the content (entered text) rather than the input field itself. This is important when users are entering data, as the text is the key element, not the input box.
Conversion Data:
  • Studies show that interfaces with minimalist design (such as light inputs on a light background) often increase conversion rates because they cause less cognitive load and improve the overall user experience.
  • In a study by NN Group (Nielsen Norman Group), it was found that simpler, cleaner forms (light inputs with high contrast text) can increase form completion rates by up to 10-15% compared to more visually heavy and cluttered forms.
  • Research from Google’s Material Design suggests that inputs with light outlines or underlines on a light background increase user engagement and create a more user-friendly and intuitive interface, which can also boost conversion rates.
Currently, the UI design feels flat and uninspired, with elements blending into one another and the sole emphasis resting on the "Continue" button. This approach misses the mark both aesthetically and functionally. A truly engaging interface should captivate the user’s attention, guiding them effortlessly through the experience while offering visual appeal and clarity at every step. There’s immense potential here to breathe life into the design and create a UI that is not only beautiful but intuitive and dynamic.

The New Updated Ria App Calculator

The new design was crafted with meticulous attention to the analysis above and all provided suggestions. Every UX detail and nuance has been carefully considered. I elevated the UI to be more refined and visually captivating, enhancing every element while staying true to the brand’s style and signature colors.

Enhancing User Experience: Key Features and Improvements

Streamlined Recent Transactions: Once a transfer is made, recent transactions appear for quick access, saving users time and effort. These entries can be easily edited or deleted in the settings, putting control firmly in the user’s hands.

Effortless Country Selection: Choosing the destination country is as intuitive as selecting the currency, with a seamless and consistent screen design.

Emphasized Amount Input: The input fields for sending and receiving amounts stand out with a larger size and a clean white background, ensuring clarity and focus where it matters most.

Clickable Selections Made Clear: Country, payment type, and transfer method options are highlighted in blue, visually signaling their interactivity and inviting users to explore their choices with confidence.

Reassuring Exchange Rate Display: The exchange rate takes center stage, highlighted prominently alongside a message confirming it as a guaranteed rate, providing users with a sense of security and trust in their transaction.

Subtle Promo Code Integration: The promo code field is visible yet unobtrusive, with helpful hints available to guide users if they have questions, ensuring ease without distraction.

Comprehensive Fee and Timing Information: Users are informed about when their transfer will arrive, along with clear details on the included fees (with explanations) and the final transfer amount—delivering complete transparency for a stress-free experience.

Supporting Screens: Enhancing Clarity and Seamless Navigation

Clear Payment Method Descriptions: Brief yet informative descriptions accompany each payment method, offering users a better understanding of their options, especially when external services are involved. This added clarity empowers users to make confident choices.

Reassuring Green Checkmark: A green checkmark serves as a universal symbol of security and success, reinforcing trust and ensuring users feel assured at every step of their journey.

Distinctive Orange Highlighting: The selected method is elegantly framed with the brand’s signature orange border, seamlessly blending functionality with style while maintaining a consistent and recognizable design language.

Effortless Country Search: With an extensive list of countries, a search function ensures simplicity—filtering results as you type so only matching countries remain. This feature transforms a potentially tedious task into a swift and seamless experience.

Intuitive Alphabet Navigation: A handy navigation bar on the right allows users to jump directly to the desired letter, making scrolling through the list quick and efficient, even for the largest datasets.

Consistent Visual Feedback: Selected countries are marked with a reassuring green checkmark, reinforcing the design’s cohesive style while providing clear confirmation of user actions.

A/B test. Quick Research on the Target Audience

I conducted a focused study with 20 participants on the Lyssna.com research platform to explore the strengths and weaknesses of both interfaces. While the sample size may seem small, this approach proved to be incredibly effective, offering rapid and valuable insights. By emphasizing depth over breadth, this research provided a clear understanding of user preferences and highlighted key areas for improvement, serving as a strong foundation for further development.

Research Screens from Lyssna.com

Target audience selection: I analyzed the availability of the Ria app across different countries, gaining a clear picture of its global reach. Additionally, I explored the demographics of its users, focusing on the age groups that rely on such services, as well as the devices they use, to better understand their preferences and habits. By examining users’ familiarity with financial services, I identified opportunities to create an experience that is both accessible for beginners and satisfying for more experienced users, ensuring the app meets diverse needs effectively.

The screenshot from my personal account:
I’ve marked the points in favor of the Interface #2 with green circles and the ones in favor of the Interface #1 with red circles.

Research results

  • For number #2: 55%
  • For number #1: 35%
  • Couldn't decide: 10%
Key findings from the test:
  • Interface #2 received more votes, with 11 participants preferring it due to the additional information highlighted by colors and clear labels.
  • Interface #1 was preferred by 7 participants for its simplicity and minimalist approach, which makes it easy to understand the main information.
  • 2 participants were undecided, noting that one interface leaves too many questions, while the other is overloaded with information.

Conclusions Based on the Research Results

Firstly:
I began by uploading a more detailed version of the interface, which includes recent transfers — a feature typically seen by users already familiar with the app. However, in this research, participants were encountering it for the first time. This offered a unique opportunity to observe how first-time users interact with a more advanced design, uncovering fresh insights into its strengths and areas for improvement.

Interface #2:
While this version provides a wealth of information, some users found it overwhelming and overly complex. The challenge lies in preserving its informational depth while streamlining the layout to reduce visual clutter. This feedback opens the door for meaningful refinements in the next stages of design, balancing clarity and richness.
The research proved to be incredibly valuable, offering actionable insights that could already lead to a significant boost in conversion rates. Moreover, by incorporating the results of this A/B test and user feedback into further iterations, the potential for even greater improvements becomes clear. With these adjustments, the app is poised to achieve a new level of user engagement and efficiency.


Potential conversion growth: 5-15%

Drawing from UX research and proven experiences in e-commerce and fintech, it’s clear how impactful the right design decisions can be:

  • Moving Beyond Minimalism: Replacing a minimalist but information-limited interface (#1) with one that offers a clearer structure and more detailed data (#2) can make a world of difference. Users appreciate having everything they need at their fingertips, presented in a way that feels natural and easy to navigate.
  • Clarity Drives Confidence: A well-designed interface doesn’t just look good—it helps users feel confident in their decisions. With interface #2, users can access all the essential information quickly, removing hesitation and encouraging them to move forward.
  • A Measurable Impact: By making these changes, conversion rates could increase by 5-15%, showing just how powerful better structure and usability can be. It’s not just about adding more data—it’s about presenting it in a way that works for users.
  • Laying the Groundwork for Bigger Wins: These improvements are just the beginning. By continuing to refine the interface and listening to user feedback, the potential for even higher conversions and a more engaged user base becomes entirely achievable.
Justification:
UX research shows that adding important information (such as delivery times or transaction history) often increases transaction completion rates, as users feel more confident and informed. A/B tests in other applications (e.g., Google Optimize, Optimizely) demonstrate that improved navigation and the presence of key data can increase user trust and shorten the path to action completion, resulting in an average conversion increase of 7-12%.

Ultimately, these changes create a win-win scenario: users gain a faster, easier way to send money to loved ones, saving both time and resources, while the company benefits from increased conversion rates and higher revenue. It’s the perfect outcome—a seamless, user-focused experience paired with tangible business growth.

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