CHEQUE

BFA THESIS PROJECT | FALL 2016-SPRING 2017

BFA THESIS PROJECT

FALL 2016-SPRING 2017

"How can design help end the predatory payday loan debt cycle?"

My BFA design thesis started with this loaded topic and consisted of an app prototype, a motion piece, and accompanying posters that were exhibited at the Snite Museum of Art. Keep reading to see how I got there!

RESEARCHING THE TOPIC

My exploration of the topic of payday lending began through my involvement with the Jubilee Initiative for Financial Inclusion (JIFFI), a student led organization that works with victims of this industry. Through my involvement with JIFFI, I was able to see positive change through the club's financial empowerment programs and financial coaching and lending to clients. However, I was also able to firsthand see the negative impact of predatory payday lending. Many, if not all, clients that I worked with expressed that if they had known how expensive payday lending would be when they had originally taken out the loan, they never would have gone to a payday lender in the first place.

In order to find a solution to predatory payday lending, I began with research to find the root of the problem. Shown are some slides revealing and explaining my research.

FINALIZING MY TOPIC

On November 4, I presented my research and ideation for my project to the faculty of the Art, Art History, and Design Department. Upon passing the review and receiving the Grief Award of $600, I was approved to move on with me thesis. I was then able to begin the fun part- designing! Below is the timeline that I created to keep myself accountable throughout the year.

VISUALIZING THE RESEARCH

My exploration of the topic of payday lending began through my involvement with the Jubilee Initiative for Financial Inclusion (JIFFI), a student led organization that works with victims of this industry. Through my involvement with JIFFI, I was able to see positive change through the club's financial empowerment programs and financial coaching and lending to clients. However, I was also able to firsthand see the negative impact of predatory payday lending. Many, if not all, clients that I worked with expressed that if they had known how expensive payday lending would be when they had originally taken out the loan, they never would have gone to a payday lender in the first place.

In order to find a solution to predatory payday lending, I began with research to find the root of the problem. Shown are some slides revealing and explaining my research.

NARROWING MY GOALS: BUDGET, PREDICT, BALANCE

I decided to focus on three main purposes for the app— to help individuals budget, predict, and balance their finances.

BUDGET: My intent for the app is to be an overall budgeting tool for individuals who have a hard time keeping track of their finances. Users will be able to input their transactions in a more simple way and can customize their budget towards different areas, such as groceries or transportation, each month. Through the simple and clear graphics, they will be able to see if they are overspending in certain areas.

PREDICT: Many budgeting apps look back on ones finances. I wanted this app to look forward by allowing one to predict the negative effects of payday lending on their current finances. They can input their intended loan amount, the number of late payments, and the app will predict how much the loan will end up being, which will allow individuals to directly see how expensive the loan can be. This forecast tool allows users to plan months ahead and find alternatives to payday lending.

BALANCE: Other features, such as the history tool, will allows users to graph their current progress and compare their spending habits with previous days, months, and years. They will also be able to set aside part of their income to go towards savings and debt, allowing them to plan ahead and take more control of their finances.

LOGO EXPLORATION

Above are several later iterations of my logo. A big feature of my app is the easy sliding feature that users can use to input data. Many apps require users to manually input numbers, which can be tiresome and time consuming. Through the simple sliders, users can input data with a simple swipe of the finger. I decided to play off this motif by focusing on the use of curves and circles. I also used animated the logo to better illustrate the sliding feature of the app. The name cheque subtly refers to the financial nature of t

INTERFACE CONCEPTION

Shown are the graphics I created for the interface of the app. The main menu page features 6 tools, which are further explained below.

Quick Overview: Quickly check recent transactions and progress regarding your planned budget

Expenses: Easily create a budget based on essential, discretionary, or other expenses

Debt & Savings: Set aside part of your income to go towards savings or paying off debt while tracking progress

Predictions: Predict whether payday loans or paying a bill late is an option you can afford

History: Compare your progress to previous days, months, or years to see where you can improve

Financial Help: Find resources and organizations near you that can help with your financial needs

THE FINAL PROTOTYPE

To the right is my prototype. Feel free to click around and see what the app is like!

*If you are unsure of where to click, click anywhere and blue boxes will appear, showing you which areas of the app you should explore!

MOTION PIECE

I created a motion piece using After Effects to better inform my audience who may not be familiar with the topic of payday lending, as well as illustrate how the app works.

EXHIBIT PROPSAL

Shown is my proposal for my exhibition at the Snite Museum of Art. The app is displayed on an iPad for visitors to explore with a poster above it to explain the different features. The motion piece, displayed at eye level, is played on a loop to draw viewers in while also informing those who are unfamiliar with the payday loan industry. Accompanying posters feature infographics and "in use" shots to give better context to the app.