Building MVP of an AI Payment App

Founding Product Designer

Overview

Company

Vesta

Role

Founding Product Designer

Team

2 Product Owner, 6 Developers, 2 Risk & Compliance

Platforms

Mobile

Background

Vesta is a payments platform that reimagines global transactions through AI and blockchain technology. By leveraging AI-powered smart contracts, the platform ensures that funds are securely managed and released only when conditions are met, enhancing transparency, security, and efficiency.

Note: Some of the details in this case study may be vague to protect intellectual property.

Responsibilities

We quickly moved from a v1 to v3 MVP through targeted research and rapid iteration. In my role, I:

collaborated closely with my team to conduct market, technical, and user research
developed intuitive user flows and an MVP prototype
crafted a compelling investor pitch

Researching User Segments and Pain Points

To identify key user segments and their pain points, I crafted unbiased questions and conducted user testing via Typeform surveys, distributed through WhatsApp, Reddit, and Slack. After analyzing 200+ responses, I prioritized the most relevant segments and their biggest challenges, leading to 8 in-depth user interviews for deeper insights.

Through 20+ in-depth interviews and secondary research, we uncovered our target audience. Initially, we focused on educators, then shifted to gamers, but our product did not align with their goals. It wasn’t until we interviewed and engaged with them directly that we discovered an unexpected yet perfect fit: families. Their unique challenges and unmet needs highlighted the ideal opportunity for our product to make a meaningful impact.

A Glimpse of User Research Analysis

Identifying Top Pain Points

After conducting and analyzing user research, I identified the top three pain points by connecting common themes.

We designed custom graphics and art using Figma, Canva, and Procreate to elevate the aesthetic and tone of our gaming website.

We designed custom graphics and art using Figma, Canva, and Procreate to elevate the aesthetic of our gaming website. Grounded in our brand color tones, these inclusive and playful designs enhanced visual appeal while creating a more engaging and kid-friendly experience.

Opportunities: Brainstorming a Solution

Leading brainstorming sessions, I guided solution exploration backed by user insights and feasibility analysis. This led to a payment app with three key features that balanced user needs, technical viability, and compliance.

We designed custom graphics and art using Figma, Canva, and Procreate to elevate the aesthetic and tone of our gaming website.

Fail Fast, Learn Faster: Vesta’s MVP Approach

Team and Group Development Model

Initially, the team was eager to build a fleshed-out MVP - until key questions surfaced.

By asking clarifying questions to assumptions made, I convinced the team to pause full development and focus on rapid experimentation. We needed to adapt, prioritize, test, and iterate to align the problem, product, and solution with user needs. By setting stakeholder norms and embracing the messiness of innovation, we refined our MVP through constant iteration — building with our users to ensure that our solution is for our users.

Validating Assumptions: Market Opportunities

To validate market opportunity and test assumptions, I collaborated closely with the Product Lead to conduct market research.

Together, we defined our Serviceable Obtainable Market (SOM), analyzed key competitors' strengths and weaknesses, and identified key use cases the smart contracts.

Alignment: Building Information Architecture

To establish a shared vision and create a seamless user experience, I designed a sitemap that defines our MVP’s structure and envisioned product experience.

We designed custom graphics and art using Figma, Canva, and Procreate to elevate the aesthetic and tone of our gaming website.

MVP Feature Prioritization and User Flow Design

Recognizing the non-custodial wallet with AI-powered smart contracts as our product’s key differentiators, we prioritized these in our MVP. Working closely with the tech lead, I balanced technical feasibility with intuitive design, focusing on the experience of:

1️⃣ Onboarding a non-custodial wallet
2️⃣ Sending a smart contract
3️⃣ Having a trustworthy AI system

We designed custom graphics and art using Figma, Canva, and Procreate to elevate the aesthetic and tone of our gaming website.

Wireframes

Screens of Mid-Fi Designs

Working under tight time constraints, I collaborated closely with the Product Manager and Tech Lead to refine the user experience. Starting with rapid hand sketches, I quickly transitioned to mid-fidelity wireframes to iteratively align on the user flow, color schemes, and branding. Through continuous feedback, we ensured that the design vision was cohesive, met both user needs and business objectives, and was technically feasible.

Final Design

Through iterations, collaborative meetings, and feedback from users and experts, we refined our MVP. Beyond is our MVP version for "Sending a Smart Contract."