We involved customers deeply in the design process. Through participatory workshops, I explored their needs and tested ideas that might resonate. They weren't looking for more charts or more work; they wanted a solution that would "just show me a number" and help them make progress with minimal effort.
I also ran a weeklong Google Ventures-style design sprint with C-level stakeholders to work through the research findings. The sprint helped shape the dashboard and product roadmap around what customers actually needed.
We challenged the assumption that a successful app needed to maximize time spent or repeat visits. For Varo's customers, a better banking experience meant getting the information and reassurance they needed with minimal effort.
Working directly with them helped us remove features and details that would have added work rather than value. It was a reminder that deciding what not to show could be the hardest part of design.
