Cheddar Financial App
Cheddar is a playful yet practical financial app designed to help students and recent graduates take control of their budgets and savings goals. Built as a collaborative team project, the app reimagines the budgeting experience by making it approachable, interactive, and fun - because managing your money shouldn’t feel like a chore. Cheddar celebrates the little wins, like finally saving up for concert tickets or staying under budget for the month, and offers gentle motivation when things get tricky.
Our goal was to create a tool that felt less like a banking app and more like a friendly coach - reliable, encouraging, and easy to understand. The brand is rooted in ideas of growth, energy, and optimism, which come through in both the tone and visual design. We used a fresh green palette to signify progress and clarity, while our cheerful mascot, Ched, a bright orange character, guides users through the app and adds personality at every step.
Our goal was to create a tool that felt less like a banking app and more like a friendly coach - reliable, encouraging, and easy to understand. The brand is rooted in ideas of growth, energy, and optimism, which come through in both the tone and visual design. We used a fresh green palette to signify progress and clarity, while our cheerful mascot, Ched, a bright orange character, guides users through the app and adds personality at every step.
Key Insights
- Clear hierarchy and consistent layouts to make navigation simple and predictable across all screens.
- Large tap targets and buttons to ensure accessibility and ease of use on mobile devices.
- Minimal text overload so users never feel overwhelmed - key actions and information are always surfaced first.
- Icon and text pairings to make interactions quick to understand and visually engaging.
- A friendly mascot adds warmth and approachability, guiding users through the experience with encouragement and charm.
The Visual Identity & UI Approach
The design of Cheddar is centered around accessibility and user clarity. Through consistent layouts and a lighthearted brand tone, we ensured that the app is intuitive for first-time budgeters while still powerful enough for more seasoned users. We used wire framing and interaction design to look at the layout and how the user will flow through the app.
The design of Cheddar is centered around accessibility and user clarity. Through consistent layouts and a lighthearted brand tone, we ensured that the app is intuitive for first-time budgeters while still powerful enough for more seasoned users. We used wire framing and interaction design to look at the layout and how the user will flow through the app.
Thought Process & Approach
We began by conducting interviews and surveys to better understand the needs and challenges of our target audience. From this research, we developed user personas, user flows, and task flows to inform the overall app structure. We also looked closely at competing apps to identify opportunities for improvement, focusing on areas where financial tools often feel intimidating or overly complex.Our design decisions were driven by a desire to be inclusive and motivating. Every element - from layout to language - was crafted to reduce stress and build financial confidence. Cheddar isn’t just about numbers; it’s about feeling empowered and supported in your financial journey.
The final product is an app that helps users level up their money habits in a way that feels light, personal, and rewarding. With thoughtful UX, a vibrant visual identity, and a character-driven brand voice, Cheddar offers a refreshing alternative to traditional budgeting tools.
Tools Used: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Figma.
FIGMA LINK
We began by conducting interviews and surveys to better understand the needs and challenges of our target audience. From this research, we developed user personas, user flows, and task flows to inform the overall app structure. We also looked closely at competing apps to identify opportunities for improvement, focusing on areas where financial tools often feel intimidating or overly complex.Our design decisions were driven by a desire to be inclusive and motivating. Every element - from layout to language - was crafted to reduce stress and build financial confidence. Cheddar isn’t just about numbers; it’s about feeling empowered and supported in your financial journey.
The final product is an app that helps users level up their money habits in a way that feels light, personal, and rewarding. With thoughtful UX, a vibrant visual identity, and a character-driven brand voice, Cheddar offers a refreshing alternative to traditional budgeting tools.
Tools Used: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Figma.
