Enhancing Global Accessibility in a Crypto Startup
Project Type:
End to end app (not implemented)
My Role:
Sole UX Designer
Tools:
Figma
Deliverables:
High Fidelity Designs, Usability Testings
Duration:
1 day
Project Summary
In a previous project for a UK-based cryptocurrency mobile app, I was tasked with designing a feature to support USD and EUR trading, as the platform initially only allowed transactions in GBP. However, while working on this, I identified an additional opportunity: allowing users to send real-world (fiat) currencies as well, not just cryptocurrency.
Discover
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Define
Develop
Deliver
DISCOVER
Problem statment
The platform primarily catered to UK users, allowing them to trade cryptocurrencies only in GBP.
This posed two major limitations:
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Restricted Market Reach – The app couldn’t compete internationally since most major exchanges allowed multi-currency trading, including USD and EUR.
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Limited Transaction Options – Users could only send crypto, not fiat, which meant they needed external banking solutions to complete transactions. This added friction to the user experience.
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The primary goal was to introduce USD and EUR trading, but I also saw an opportunity to improve transaction flexibility by enabling fiat transfers between users.
DEFINE
Research and Insight
To ensure the new feature truly solved user pain points and aligned with business goals, I conducted:
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Spoke with existing users to understand how they trade and transfer funds.
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Identified frustrations with limited fiat support—many users wanted a one-stop solution instead of switching between apps.
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Learned that transparency in fees and real-time exchange rates were key concerns.
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2. Competitor Benchmarking
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I analysed how industry leaders handle multi-currency transactions:
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Revolut – Strong UX, seamless fiat & crypto transfers.
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Coinbase – Simple UI but high fees.
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Crypto.com – Complex UI, good multi-currency support.
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Wirex – Offers fiat transfers but with a cluttered interface.
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3. Usability Testing
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Conducted prototype testing with potential users to validate design decisions.
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Ensured that currency conversion and sending flows were intuitive and didn’t add unnecessary friction.
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4. Technical Feasibility Analysis
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Collaborated with engineers to explore how the system could handle fiat transactions.
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Since the existing infrastructure already supported crypto transfers, fiat transfers could be implemented with minimal additional development—primarily through regulatory and payment gateway integrations.
DEVELOPE
Design Process
Adding USD & EUR Trading
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Low-Fidelity Wireframes – Designed early concept sketches for trading UI.
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User Flow Mapping – Ensured a seamless conversion experience.
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High-Fidelity Prototypes – Created interactive models for testing.
Identifying an Additional Opportunity
While designing the multi-currency trading experience, I noticed a gap:
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Users could buy, sell, and hold fiat but not send it to others within the app.
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Many crypto users preferred all-in-one platforms instead of switching between exchanges and bank apps.
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Competitors like Revolut and Wirex already offered fiat sending, making it a key differentiator.
Implementation & Collaboration
After recognizing this opportunity, I:
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Proposed the fiat transfer feature to stakeholders, showing its potential to improve user retention and engagement.
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Worked with engineers to determine how we could leverage existing systems for an efficient rollout.​
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Consulted legal & compliance teams to address regulatory concerns, ensuring fiat transfers complied with financial laws.
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The result?
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Minimal technical adjustments were needed, as the platform already supported crypto transfers.
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​Fiat sending was implemented efficiently and cost-effectively, expanding the app’s functionality while maintaining development efficiency.
Opportunities & Business Impact
Increased Competitiveness
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Enabled the app to compete with global platforms like Revolut, reducing user churn.​
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Positioned the company for future expansion into more fiat options.
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Expanded Functionality for Users
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Allowed users to send fiat and crypto seamlessly, making the app a more versatile financial tool.​
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Simplified transactions, reducing reliance on external banking apps.
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Cost-Effective Solution
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Reused existing infrastructure instead of building from scratch.
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​The integration process was streamlined, saving time and resources.
DELIVER
Final Design
Success Metrics & Evaluation
To measure the impact of these features, we tracked:
​Conversion Rate: % increase in users completing currency exchanges
User Engagement: How frequently users utilized fiat sending
Drop-Off Rate: Reduction in users abandoning transactions mid-way
User Satisfaction Scores: Feedback from in-app surveys
What I Learned
This project reinforced my belief that UX isn’t just about executing tasks—it’s about identifying opportunities to make products better.
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By thinking beyond the initial scope, we:
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Expanded the app’s functionality in a cost-effective way.
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Increased user engagement and retention by making transactions easier.
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Positioned the platform for future global expansion.
The value of cross-team collaboration for a smooth rollout.
How UX research can uncover hidden opportunities.