4 Biggest Fintech Design Challenges: Creating a User-Friendly Experience
Fintech Design
Website Design
July 24, 2023
3 mins read

What Are The Fintech Design Challenges?

4 biggest fintech design challenges infographic

What are the key challenges faced by fintech designers when it comes to striking the delicate balance between security and user experience? In the fast-paced world of financial technology, ensuring robust security measures is essential to protect sensitive information and prevent cybercrimes. However, implementing stringent security protocols can sometimes compromise the user experience, leading to frustration and dropouts. This article explores the specific design challenges encountered by fintech companies and provides insights on how to address them effectively. Discover how to create seamless user experiences while maintaining top-notch security standards, ultimately paving the way for trust, loyalty, and success in the fintech industry

So as a UX designer, how can you balance security with user experience? 

1. Multiple and Risk-Based Authentication

Having multiple and strong authentications like lengthy complicated passwords coupled with other methods can frustrate a user. To tackle this fintech design challenge, companies can use a risk-based approach. This means that in high-risk situations, fintech companies should have a more stringent authentication process. For example- if the user is logging in from an unfamiliar device, then the fintech company can add an extra step for verification.

Further, multi-factor authentication can be used for high-risk transactions such as transferring money of large amounts. Single-factor authentication can be applied in low-risk activities such as checking account balances. 

Risk based authentication

2. Biometric Authentication

One of the best ways to balance user satisfaction and security is using biometric authentication. This typically happens in onboarding where users can complete their KYC by uploading selfies, and pictures of their ID proof and participating in a liveliness check where companies get on a video call with customers. To access the app and their accounts later, biometric authentication can be incorporated in the form of fingerprints and voice, iris, face, or other reliable methods of recognition.

Biometric authentication is effective because hackers cannot replicate biometrics. Also, users don't have to remember long and complicated passwords to log into their accounts. This is not only convenient but also secure. Research shows that most often, users write passwords that are difficult to remember, thus putting themselves at risk for unauthorized access.

Biometric Authentication

3. User education

UX Designers should ensure that users are educated about any potential security issues throughout the app and provide tips for keeping their accounts secure. For example, when the user is setting up their account, tips should be included on how to utilize a strong password. Transparency in data collection practices should be maintained. Fintech companies can also invest in educating their users through blog articles and tutorials or demo videos put up on their websites. Lastly, notifications should be sent to users, alerting them in real-time of any suspicious activity like the possibility of unauthorized access.

4. Instant Customer Care

During security breaches, users need an immediate response or they can get anxious. To create a seamless experience, include an AI-powered virtual assistant or chatbot in your fintech app and website. Human interaction is limited by office hours and can lead to delayed responses and longer waiting time. On the other hand, a well-designed chatbot can instantly answer all queries 24 by 7 and put your users at ease. Chatbots help in verifying user identity and detecting any fraudulent activity which enhances security. Chatbots can also collect data on user behavior based on user interactions and address common pain points. This can help solve the major fintech UX problem. 

Customer care

Conclusion:

While strong security measures are needed for fintech, they can lead to poor user experience, and balancing security with UX design becomes a serious fintech design challenge. The best way to know whether your design for security measures works is by testing on users and gathering feedback. Ensure to test on users every time you iterate to get real-time feedback and build a robust security system that addresses users' concerns. Further, security measures should comply with regulatory and privacy policies and should be technologically viable to implement. Lastly, incorporating emerging technologies such as AI and biometrics can put your fintech one step ahead. After all, increased trust leads to higher user retention and loyalty and solves the major fintech design challenge. 

Source: 

1. https://ciosea.economictimes.indiatimes.com/blog/fintech-and-data-breaches-whats-stopping-change/91430602 

2. https://www.upguard.com/blog/biggest-data-breaches-financial-services  

Read More:

7 Must-Have Design Features for Your Fintech Startup : Fintech UX Design

Designing For Trustworthy Fintech UX: 8 Strategies to Increase Trust in Your App

Future of Fintech UX Design: Top 10 Trends to Watch in 2023

A solution-driven person with a keen interest in solving problems in digital products through designing. I have worked with 15+ clients in successfully delivering digital products such as Saint-Gobain, HDFC, elgi Ultra, LuLu Group, IIFL, Stockal etc.. worked in 10+ digital products across domains such as Network security, Fin-tech, E-commerce, Healthcare, Recruitment, Real estate etc.. Research, Ideation, Wireframing, Designing, Prototyping, testing and delivery are my bread and butter.

Subscribe for Industry insights

Get cutting-edge design insights + Free pro
resources just for subscribing!

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

FAQ

How can fintech designers simplify complex financial workflows for users?

Fintech designers can simplify complex financial workflows by breaking them down into intuitive and digestible steps, providing clear guidance and visual cues throughout the process.

How can data privacy be addressed transparently while maintaining a seamless user experience?

Data privacy can be addressed transparently by providing clear privacy policies, consent mechanisms, and options for users to control their data. Offering granular privacy settings and explaining how data is used and protected can foster trust while maintaining a smooth user experience.

Why is balancing security with user experience important?

Balancing security with user experience is crucial to ensure that user data is protected while providing a seamless and user-friendly experience that doesn't hinder usability.

How can user education contribute to balancing security and user experience?

Educating users about security best practices, potential risks, and how their actions impact security can empower them to make informed decisions while minimizing disruption to their experience.

How does biometric authentication improve user satisfaction?

Biometric authentication offers a convenient and seamless user experience, eliminating the need to remember and enter complex passwords, thus reducing friction and enhancing user satisfaction.