Reimagining One of the Oldest Fintech Apps in Pakistan
Reimagining SimSim app for post-pandemic fintech in Pakistan with FINCA Microfinance Bank.
The Challenge
SimSim was one of the earliest movers in the Pakistani Fintech and Digital Payments space. It laid the groundwork for popularizing digital wallets, QR payments, and mobile banking. Many of the Fintech organizations we've seen come up over the past few years used the awareness created by SimSim to launch their products. One of the organizations behind this app was FINCA Microfinance Bank. We partnered with them to ask: how might we reimagine their app in the post-pandemic fintech landscape of Pakistan?
Our partnership with Ideate Innovation for ethnographic user research and UI/UX design was exceptional. Their insights were crucial to our app's development. Working closely with their team was a true collaboration, marked by professionalism and a shared vision. Ideate Innovation's dedication and expertise made this journey both rewarding and productive.
The Work
We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the fintech landscape in Pakistan, comparing it with similar emerging markets like India, China, and Bangladesh. We also studied the histories and strategies of popular fintech apps in these markets to identify a north star for the app redesign.
Ideate worked closely with FINCA to define the target audience and understand their preferences, habits, and perceptions related to digital payments, banking, and loans.The extensive fieldwork included both interviews and focus groups, to gather insights directly from current and potential users. Tested printed prototypes of app redesign ideas were also taken to the field to involve participants in co-creative exercises, ensuring that the final product resonated with their needs and expectations.
Ideate partnered with a brand design studio to rebrand SimSim as FINCA Pay, reflecting a modern and user-centric approach. FINCA Pay was developed with a focus on providing a seamless banking experience, facilitating money transfers, mobile top-ups, loan management, and more. The app has been made available on both iOS and Android platforms to ensure accessibility.
The Outcome
Through the collaborative effort, FINCA Pay emerged as a reimagined solution that not only met the evolving needs of Pakistani consumers but also reflected a fresh brand identity aligned with FINCA Microfinance Bank's vision. With its clean and modern interface, FINCA Pay positioned itself as a versatile platform for diverse banking needs, contributing to the continued growth and innovation within Pakistan's fintech ecosystem.
Client
FINCA Microfinance Bank
Services Offered
Experience Design Business Innovation Research & Strategy