We’ve all been there: a slow Wi-Fi signal, a complex app with tiny text, or a frustrating password reset process. For billions of people around the world, these aren’t just minor inconveniences—they’re everyday barriers to accessing essential financial services.
As we design the next generation of fintech, we have a profound opportunity to make a real difference. It’s about more than just building a flashy app; it’s about creating tools that empower people who have been left behind by the digital revolution. This means stepping into their shoes and understanding what true accessibility looks like.
Here’s how we can build fintech that works for everyone:
1. Acknowledge the Reality of Connectivity
- Offline First Mode: Apps can store key information locally on the user’s phone. For example, a user can start a money transfer to a saved contact even without a signal. The app would show a “Pending” status and then automatically complete the transaction the moment a connection is re-established.
- Data-Saving Features: The app can have a “lite mode” that turns off high-resolution images and videos. You can also compress data transfers so that every megabyte counts. This makes the app faster and cheaper to use for people on expensive data plans.
- Minimalist UI: The user interface should be simple and not require lots of information to be loaded. This means fewer images, simpler layouts, and text-based lists that load quickly.
2. Listen, Don’t Just Look
- Voice-Guided Navigation: The app can use audio cues to guide the user. For instance, when the user opens the app, a voice could say, “Welcome back. Your balance is…” and then offer options like, “Say ‘Send Money’ or ‘Pay Bill’ to continue.” This makes the app usable without needing to read anything at all.
- Audio Confirmation: After a user makes a selection, a voice can confirm it. “You have selected ‘Send Money.’ Now please enter the amount.” This reduces errors and makes the user feel more confident in their actions.
- Simple Icons with Audio Descriptions: When a user taps an icon, a small audio description can play. Tapping a picture of a wallet could trigger the sound, “This is your account balance.” This links the visual to an audio cue, which is great for people learning to use the app.
3. Simplicity is Our Superpower
- One-Tap Actions: Simplify common tasks to a single tap. If a user always sends money to their family on the 1st of the month, the app could have a “Repeat Transfer” button on the home screen that takes care of it with one press.
- Limited Screens and Clear Flow: Avoid buried menus and complex paths. The most important actions should be on the main screen. The flow for any task, like sending money, should be a simple, straight line with few steps.
- Large, Clear Buttons: Use large buttons with high contrast to make them easy to see and tap. The text on the buttons should be simple and direct, such as “Pay” or “Receive.”
4. Make Security Personal
- Biometric Login: Instead of a password, a user can log in with their fingerprint or a face scan. This is more secure and far easier for a user who may struggle to remember a complex password.
- Voice-Based Authentication: For voice-enabled apps, a user’s unique voiceprint can be used to confirm their identity. A simple phrase like, “My voice is my password,” can be used to log in.
- Photo or Avatar-Based Security: For people with very low literacy, a picture can be used to identify a saved recipient for a payment. Instead of reading a name, they can tap on a photo of their friend or family member to send them money.
Designing for these users isn’t just a good thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do. By creating technology that is truly inclusive, we can unlock potential, build trust, and help a new generation of people take control of their financial lives. This is the future of fintech, and it’s a human one.