Empowering Credit Growth with Upwardli: A Design Journey
As the initial Product & Brand Design consultant behind Upwardli, I had the privilege of collaborating closely with the Founders to shape a revolutionary credit-building platform that transcends the norms of fintech. Upwardli isn't just about boosting credit scores—it's about empowering users to elevate their financial well-being while seamlessly integrating with their everyday services. From crafting the initial product prototype to refining the dynamic design system, the design process helped Upwardli's evolution from concept to reality.
CLIENT: Upwardli
ROLE: Lead Designer, Contractor
Working hand-in-hand with the Aaron and Danielle, I played a pivotal role in creating the initial product prototype that laid the groundwork for fundraising efforts, market discovery, and the inception of Upwardli's first product iteration. This phase involved extensive user testing and iterative design to ensure that the product resonated with users and addressed their core needs effectively.
Central to Upwardli's success was the development of a dynamic design system that seamlessly integrated marketing and product elements. Drawing inspiration from Upwardli's core values of accessibility and progress, I curated a versatile palette of colors, typography, and iconography. This cohesive design language permeated all facets of the Upwardli experience, from website interfaces to marketing materials, enriching the user journey and reinforcing our commitment to empowering individuals on their credit-building path.
As Upwardli transitioned from a B2C to a B2B model and expanded into diverse use cases, the enduring relevance of our original design system became apparent. This demonstrated the intrinsic value of good design in sustaining brand continuity and resonance across contexts and audiences. Our design ethos not only differentiated Upwardli in the competitive fintech landscape but also fostered trust and loyalty among users, solidifying Upwardli's position as a trailblazer in the realm of credit empowerment.
As Upwardli transitioned from a B2C to a B2B model and expanded into diverse use cases, the enduring relevance of our original design system became apparent. This demonstrated the intrinsic value of good design in sustaining brand continuity and resonance across contexts and audiences.
Our design ethos not only differentiated Upwardli in the competitive fintech landscape but also fostered trust and loyalty among users, solidifying Upwardli's position as a trailblazer in the realm of credit empowerment.
As I wrapped up my consulting stint at Upwardli, I had the pleasure of bringing aboard a talented designer straight out of college. With a marketing background and completion of a UX bootcamp, she showed a natural flair for design and an eagerness to learn. Through mentorship and collaborative guidance, I helped her transition into the role of Upwardli's sole designer. It was a great way to ensure a smooth handover while also fostering a culture of growth and innovation within the team.