Reimagining our Financial System.

This confidential, research-driven project was conducted in collaboration with Deloitte and SCADpro. Our objective was to explore the future of finance by uncovering user-centered insights that inform the design of an inclusive, secure, and transparent financial ecosystem.

Project
SCADpro X Deloitte

Year
Jan -March 2025

Team of
11 SCAD students across 6 disciplines

Tools Used
Figma

Opportunity Area:

The project explored gaps in existing financial systems from the perspectives of our core users, with a forward-looking lens on how the next 10–15 years will shape financial behaviors.

The challenge was to identify emerging systems and technologies that can support sustainable business practices, drive inclusivity, and enhance trust in the financial landscape.

How We Solved It:

We followed a phased design thinking process to approach this complex challenge:

  • Discover
    Conducted secondary research across core themes and identified our key users: Gen-Z and small businesses.

  • Define
    Formulated user profiles and pain points, then crafted early solution concepts using persona development and journey mapping.

  • Develop
    Conducted primary research through interviews with 14 participants. Using affinitization methods, we extracted over 500 data points and synthesized these into 6 key actionable insights.

  • Deliver
    Prototyped speculative concepts and system maps that combine fintech innovation with community-based trust frameworks.
    Throughout the process, we maintained confidentiality while engaging in real-time collaboration and iterative feedback loops with industry professionals.

The Outcome:

⚠️ Due to the confidential nature of this project, detailed deliverables are not disclosed.

We developed speculative design solutions to:

  • Empower next-generation users with inclusive financial access.

  • Support businesses through decentralized and transparent systems.

  • Leverage AI to encourage sustainable wealth building and education.

  • Reimagine the future of finance as a trust-centric, equity-driven experience.

Further Project Insights:

    • Secondary Research (Trend Mapping & Industry Analysis)

    • Primary Research (User Interviews & SME Conversations)

    • Affinitization & Insight Synthesis

    • Persona Creation

    • Journey Mapping

    • System Mapping & Scenario Planning

    • Crazy 8s Ideation

    • Low-to-High Fidelity Wireframes

    • Confidential Concept Prototyping

  • Archithaa Karuppannagounder
    Chloe Au Yeung
    Donovan Slattery
    Soumya Buttan
    Xinjin Xu
    Ludmilla Bottecchia
    Molly Daines
    Delilah Kula

My Role & Responsibility:

UX & Design Researcher Lead

  • Research & Insights
    Led both qualitative and quantitative research efforts to understand the needs of the users. Applied design thinking frameworks to uncover behavioral patterns and generate user-driven insights.

  • Strategic Innovation
    Spearheaded ideation and concept development for future-focused financial systems with the team. Created innovation strategies grounded in emerging fintech trends and aligned with long-term societal shifts.

  • Data-Driven Decision Making
    Helped the team synthesized complex data into clear, visual narratives to inform design direction and stakeholder decisions. Facilitated collaboration by aligning findings with business goals.

  • Market & Trend Analysis
    Analyzed trends and user behavior to validate concepts and forecast future financial behaviors. Ensured that proposed innovations met market needs and evolving user expectations.

For More Information on the Project, Email: archithaakp@gmail.com