Role
UX Researcher/Designer
Timeline
10 Hours - UX Challenge
Team
UX Researcher/Designer
Skills
User Research
Interaction Design
Visual Design
Wireframing & Prototyping
The Problem
Many users struggle to keep track of their monthly subscriptions, leading to unnecessary expenses. Unwanted or forgotten subscriptions can accumulate, causing financial strain and frustration. A solution is needed to help users manage and cancel unwanted subscriptions easily.
Project Goals
- Develop a product that allows users to view, manage, and cancel subscriptions.
- Ensure the product is user-friendly, secure, and reliable.
- Provide insightful analytics on subscription usage and spending.
Target Audience
- Individuals with multiple subscriptions (streaming services, software, magazines, etc.).
- Budget-conscious users looking to reduce unnecessary expenses.
- Tech-savvy users who prefer digital solutions for financial management.
Research & Insights
Market Analysis for a Subscription Manager App
The subscription management software market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing adoption of subscription-based business models across various industries. In 2022, the market was valued at approximately £7 billion (USD 8.8 billion) and is projected to reach £13.9 billion (USD 17.5 billion) by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.7% from 2024 to 2030.
Key Market Drivers
- Shift Towards Subscription Models: Businesses are increasingly moving towards subscription-based services to ensure stable revenue streams and improve customer retention.
- Need for Automation: Companies are seeking automated billing and invoicing solutions to reduce errors and operational costs.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Businesses are prioritising flexible payment options and personalised services, which are supported by advanced subscription management tools.
Regional Insights
- North America: A significant market share due to early technological adoption and digital transformation.
- Europe: Growth is driven by stricter regulatory requirements and increasing demand for digital subscription services.
- Asia-Pacific: Rapid economic expansion and digitalisation are fuelling adoption in this region.
Emerging Trends
- Cloud-Based Solutions: There is a growing preference for cloud-based subscription management software due to its scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.
- Artificial Intelligence & Analytics: The integration of AI and data analytics is enabling businesses to gain deeper insights into customer behaviour and improve decision-making.
- Customisation & Flexibility: Solutions that offer adaptable features and seamless integration capabilities are increasingly popular among businesses looking to tailor services to specific needs.
Conclusion
The subscription management software market is set for continued growth, driven by technological advancements and the rise of subscription-based business models. Companies investing in this space stand to benefit from improved operational efficiencies and enhanced customer engagement.
Design Solution
User Persona
Emma is a busy professional whose demanding schedule often leads to subscribing to various productivity tools and entertainment platforms. Her primary challenge is keeping track of these multiple services, which can quickly become overwhelming. She urgently needs a simple, intuitive solution to monitor all her subscriptions, enabling her to identify and cancel those she no longer uses. For Emma, the goal is clear: reduce unnecessary monthly outgoings without sacrificing the convenience her subscriptions provide.
John is a university student navigating his studies with a very tight budget, making every pound count. His main concern is financial efficiency, meaning he's extremely wary of wasting money on services he doesn't actively use. John needs a straightforward way to see exactly where his money is going regarding subscriptions. His motivation is purely practical: to ensure he isn't needlessly paying for unused services, freeing up his limited funds for more essential needs like textbooks or daily living expenses.
Lisa is a tech-savvy individual with a genuine enthusiasm for exploring and trying out new applications and digital services. This curiosity often results in her accumulating numerous subscriptions, ranging from niche productivity apps to cutting-edge entertainment platforms. Her core need is a sophisticated yet easy-to-use tool that can effectively manage this extensive portfolio of subscriptions. Lisa values control and organisation, wanting a clear overview of her digital footprint to optimise her usage and effortlessly discover new favourites without losing track.
User Journey Map
The user journey begins with a seamless Sign-Up and Onboarding process, where individuals connect their financial accounts to automatically fetch subscription data. Once onboarded, the Dashboard provides a clear overview of all active subscriptions, highlighting potential savings. Users can then leverage Subscription Management to easily control and cancel services, aided by step-by-step guidance. Proactive Notifications and Alerts keep them informed about renewals and spending, ultimately leading to Ultimate Subscription Control and significant financial efficiency.
Wireframes
The wireframes for this subscription manager app are designed to offer a simple, user-friendly experience for managing multiple subscriptions. The Home Screen provides a clear overview of all active subscriptions, categorised by types such as Entertainment, Utilities, and Productivity, making it easy for users to track their spending. Quick action buttons allow users to swiftly add, edit, or cancel subscriptions, while a search bar enables fast navigation. The Subscription Details page allows users to view and update their subscription information, set renewal reminders, and initiate cancellations, giving them full control over their services.
The Spending Analytics section uses a pie chart to visualise users' monthly subscription expenditure, breaking down spending by category, such as Entertainment, Utilities, and Productivity. This visual representation helps users easily identify where their money is going and track trends over time. The Settings section lets users personalise their experience by managing connected accounts, adjusting notification preferences, and configuring privacy settings. Overall, the design prioritises simplicity, giving users the tools they need to stay organised and informed while offering flexibility in managing their subscriptions and finances.
Results
I built an interactive prototype for my subscription management app using tools like Figma. The idea was to really bring it to life and show exactly how users could effortlessly keep track of, manage, and even cancel their subscriptions. You'd see core screens like the initial setup and account linking, a central dashboard with quick summaries, and then a really detailed management area. I made sure all the interactive bits, like navigation and personalised settings, felt just like they would in the final product. It's all about clearly showing what it can do while giving a realistic peek into the user journey.
Typically, with a prototype like this, the next step would be proper user testing to get feedback on how easy it is to use and the overall experience. But since this is a UX challenge, I skipped the formal testing and instead focused on highlighting the intuitive design, clear user flows, and a strong visual hierarchy. For example, the management section neatly lays out subscription plans, payment history, and renewal options, and you can even tweak notification settings to get alerts just how you like them. I designed these elements to show how well the app could meet user needs if it were fully developed.
Reflection
Upon completing the subscription manager app UX challenge, I'm pleased with the prototype's outcome and visual appeal. Looking ahead, my key refinement would be to conduct user testing with friends, family, and professionals in a Discord community. While the current prototype offers good interaction, I'd aim to incorporate even more interactive elements in the future to enhance the app's overall feel and user experience.
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