Cleva Bank - Case Study
As a product designer, I spearheaded the redesign of Cleva's website and mobile app as a personal project, focusing on enhancing the user interface to match the app's robust functionality. My research indicated that while the app excelled in performance, the user experience could be significantly improved through a more intuitive and visually appealing design. The revamped Cleva app and website now feature a cleaner layout, enhanced navigation, and a contemporary aesthetic that aligns with Cleva's mission to provide seamless USD banking solutions for African freelancers.
Case study
Product design
Cleva App
Overview
Freelancers around the world increasingly work with international clients who pay in USD. While the existing banking app already had a functional UX structure, its visual interface lacked clarity, trust signals, and modern financial design standards.
This project focused on redesigning the user interface while keeping the existing UX intact, improving usability through better hierarchy, typography, and visual consistency.
The goal was to create a clean, trustworthy, and efficient banking experience for freelancers receiving USD payments.
The Problem
As a product designer, I initiated a comprehensive overhaul of the UX for Cleva, driven by user feedback indicating a disconnect between its powerful features and user-friendliness. MY research highlighted that the complex UI was hindering user engagement, leading to underutilization of key functionalities and increased support requests.
Project Goal
Redesign the UI while preserving the existing UX.
The objectives are:
• Improve visual hierarchy for financial data
• Increase trust and clarity through fintech design patterns
• Standardize UI components
• Improve readability and accessibility
• Create a modern dark/light interface suitable for financial apps
Design Approach
Since the UX was already validated, the redesign focused on three UI principles:
1. Financial Data First: Balances, transactions, and payment statuses were given stronger visual priority using typography, spacing, and contrast.
2. Reduce Cognitive Load: Clean layouts and consistent components allow users to scan financial information quickly.
3. Build Trust: Modern fintech visual language (cards, clear currency labels, structured tables) improves confidence in the platform.
Key UI Improvements
Onboarding
The onboarding experience was redesigned with a modern, user-friendly interface to make getting started seamless.
Key improvements:
• Clean step-by-step screens with clear instructions
• Visual cues and progress indicators for each step
• Minimalist forms for faster input
Result: New users can set up their account and start receiving USD payments quickly, with a smooth, intuitive onboarding flow that feels modern and trustworthy.
Dashboard Redesign.
The dashboard was redesigned to prioritize the most important information; the USD balance.
Improvements include:
• Larger balance typography
• Clear currency labels
• Simplified card structure
• Better spacing between elements
The result is a dashboard where users can immediately understand their financial status.
Current (left), Redesign (right).
Result: Users can instantly see how much USD they have available.
USD Virtual Card
Freelancers often need a way to spend their USD balance online for subscriptions, tools, and services. The redesign introduced a clearer and more modern virtual card interface to make card management simple and trustworthy.
Key improvements:
• Visual Card Component – The card is displayed as a realistic card element so users can instantly recognize which card they’re using.
• Quick Actions – Easy access to actions like freeze/unfreeze card, copy details, and manage settings.
• Security Indicators – Masked card numbers and secure reveal interactions improve trust when viewing sensitive information.
• Card Transactions – Card payments are clearly labeled in the transaction list for easier tracking.
Result: Freelancers can now manage and use their USD card more confidently, with better visibility and control over their spending.
Adding Funds
To make it easier for freelancers to fund their USD account, the redesign introduced a clearer “Add Money” interface supporting both traditional and crypto-based transfers.
Users can add funds through bank transfers or stablecoin deposits, depending on what is most convenient for them.
Supported methods:
• Bank Transfer – Users can send USD directly from their bank account using the provided account details. The interface clearly displays the beneficiary name, routing information, and reference instructions to reduce transfer errors.
• Stablecoin Deposits – The app also supports deposits using USDC on multiple networks, including USDC (TRON) and USDC (Solana). Each option displays the correct wallet address and network to ensure users send funds to the right destination.
Design improvements:
• Clear method selection between Bank Transfer and Crypto
• Easy-to-copy account and wallet details
• Network labels to prevent incorrect transfers
• Simple instructions displayed directly within the interface
Result: Freelancers can fund their USD balance quickly using either traditional banking or stablecoins, giving them more flexibility when receiving international payments.
Currency Switching
The redesign added a bottom sheet interface to make switching between currencies fast and intuitive.
Key improvements:
• Tap the current balance to open the bottom sheet
• Select from available currencies instantly
• Real-time balance conversion displayed
• Clean, scrollable layout for multiple currency options
Result: Freelancers can switch between USD and other currencies quickly, without leaving the main dashboard, making multi-currency management effortless.
Money Conversion
The app now features a refined UI for converting funds between currencies, making the process clear and effortless.
Key improvements:
• Clean input fields for amount and target currency
• Real-time conversion rates displayed
• Prominent “Convert” button with immediate feedback
• Smooth transition animations for better clarity
Result: Freelancers can convert USD to other currencies confidently, with a clear, modern interface that reduces errors and speeds up transactions.
Referrals Program
The referrals page was redesigned with a cleaner, more engaging interface to make inviting friends and tracking rewards easier.
Key improvements:
• Clear referral link and copy button
• Visual summary of rewards earned and pending
• Step-by-step instructions for sharing
• Modern card-style layout with consistent typography
Result: Users can invite friends and track their rewards effortlessly, with a clear, visually appealing interface that encourages engagement.
Cleva Bank Website
I revamped Cleva’s landing page incorporating vibrant visuals, more straightforward messaging, and enhanced call-to-action buttons to improve the overall user interface and experience for its USD banking features.
Web Preview
View Redesigned site
View Cleva Website
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