Overview

This case study details the design and development of a user-centric email system for Open, aimed at delivering seamless communication, efficient email management, and an intuitive user experience. The project focused on tackling challenges around organization, usability, and feature integration - empowering users to effortlessly manage their emails within Open’s fintech ecosystem.

Problem Statement & Objectives

Problem Statement:

Users faced difficulties managing their emails due to a cluttered, unintuitive interface and a lack of prioritization for important messages. The existing system was text-heavy, rigid, and did not support optimal productivity or brand consistency.

Objectives:

• Create a clean, organized interface to simplify email management.
• Implement prioritization tools to help users focus on critical communications.
• Ensure smooth navigation and tight integration with Open’s overall platform.

Challenge

This was my first project at Open, an early-stage fintech startup with an email communication system that was entirely auto-generated and text-based. The challenge was twofold: build a comprehensive email system from scratch, and define a consistent brand voice within an industry governed by strict standards.

Key considerations included:

• Understanding fintech communication best practices and compliance requirements.
• Designing versatile email templates for various scenarios while maintaining brand consistency.
• Minimizing bounce rates and ensuring emails land in users’ primary inboxes.
• Adhering to device compatibility constraints, including font limitations and light/dark mode support.

Design Process

We started by thoroughly researching the fintech space, competitor email systems, and industry trends. Some key decisions made during the design process: