PocketPal and PocketMentor is dynamic duo of apps designed to foster financial literacy in children and involve parents in the process
project type
Product Design
skill
Figma | UI/UX Design
Year
2023
Role
DESIGNER
The adoption and growth of cashless and digital payments have been significant in recent years, as indicated by various global and regional statistics.
of U.S. adults now use digital payments
Traditional financial education, typically delivered through parental guidance, school programs, and hands-on experiences like handling cash, provides a foundational understanding of money management.
However, in the digital age, traditional methods may fall short in addressing the complexities of modern financial systems and lack the engagement and accessibility offered by digital tools
User Research
Middle childhood kids(Ages 6 - 12) in this age group are learning how to plan ahead, budget and rely on their own inner-guidance when making decisions.
Therefore, Middle childhood kids and their parents would be the target user group.
94% of children aged between 8 and 18 years had a smartphone/watch
In many urban and developed markets, roughly 1/4-1/3 of families with school-age children now own or are considering a children’s smartwatch, driven by safety concerns and screen-time-controlled alternatives to smartphones.
Persona
Ideation
Dynamic duo of apps designed to foster financial literacy in children and involve parents in the process
PocketPal
PocketPal is child-friendly digital wallet app for the smart watch, PocketPal turns abstract financial concepts into interactive and engaging experiences. It's tailored to help children grasp the fundamentals of money management in a digital age
Money Jar
The Money Jar feature in PocketPal offers a customizable, visual representation of a virtual jar for users to manage their money
Users can create and personalize multiple jars to organize their savings for different goals. Additionally, the Money Jar can be set to a collaborative mode, encouraging children to work together on financial projects and develop their cooperative skills
Receive & Pay
A child-friendly money system using color-coded income and expenses, QR-based payments, and animated circular progress indicators. Introduced customizable “money jars” and a double-tap payment interaction to enhance engagement and security, improving children’s understanding of money management
Receive
Receive Code
Pay
Finish Task
Finished parent-assigned tasks in PocketMentor, earned different rewards, and tracked progress as tasks were completed
To-do List
Finish Task
PocketMentor is parent-facing companion app that helps families guide children’s financial habits. Parents can assign tasks with rewards, monitor spending and saving through visual money jars, and track progress over time, turning everyday activities into structured financial learning moments
