Chip-In:
A Group Budgeting App

A money management app that makes it easy to save towards shared goals as a group —whether it's for a trip, a gift, or a night out.
Money Management
App design
Student project
Your alt text
My role

Research & analysis
Branding
Wireframing & prototyping

Tools

Figma
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop

Timeline

8 weeks
Sept-Oct 2024

Type

Solo work
Student project

I wanted to design a solution that addresses a key challenge faced during group travel, with the aim of improving the experience for all parties involved.

The challenge

Group travel should bring people closer — but money often gets in the way. From one friend covering the bill to awkward repayment convos, the stress can sour even the best trips.

We know shared goals build connection — especially when everyone feels included and in control.

Our challenge: how might we design a way for groups to save money together — making travel feel fair, fun, and friendship-first?

Our Solution

  • A shared money management app for peers
  • Aims to help users achieve their savings goals as a collective
  • Reduces financial friction and strengthens friendships during group travel.

Design Process

Academic Research
& Surveys
User Journey
& User Flow
Sketching
& User Testing
Wireframing
& Prototyping

Key features

Academic Research & Surveys
My academic research explored the psychological effects of money on friendships. I initially proposed investigating the challenges of splitting costs, but early surveys showed most users didn’t find that conversation awkward—and several existing apps already handle that well.

After digging deeper into the peer dynamics of group travel, I pivoted to a more impactful issue: the tension that arises around money matters during or post trip.

This led me to focus on how groups can save together before the trip—fostering a more equal, stress-free travel experience.
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User Journey & User Flow
We expanded our target audience beyond travellers to include socially active users who regularly chip in for group expenses—like birthday presents, shared meals, and event costs.

Our user journey mapping revealed that the saving and coordination process could easily become complex without a clear structure.

To ensure a seamless experience, we carefully mapped out the user flow to reduce cognitive load and guide users through group goal-setting, contribution tracking, and spending—all in a way that felt intuitive and collaborative.
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Sketching & User Testing
My goal in the UI design phase was to make the experience as clear and actionable as possible. I focused on simplifying onboarding, creating shallow, action-oriented menus, and breaking down complex tasks into smaller, digestible steps.

I also prioritized integrating social features that reflect group dynamics and used goal-oriented visuals to motivate users.

User testing was a key part of this phase—it helped validate design decisions and ensure the interface felt intuitive and engaging across different use cases.
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Wireframing & Prototyping
This phase was where structure met style. I used wireframes to establish layout and functionality, but as I moved into high-fidelity prototyping, the focus shifted to bringing the brand to life visually.

The aesthetic choices—color, typography, iconography —were guided by a stylescape. I aimed for an interface that felt clean, friendly, and socially driven—mirroring the collaborative spirit of the app.
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final design

Last project
SUA: A Rotuman Language Music App
filololo.design@gmail.com
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