PNC Banking App Re-design

Concept
October 2024
UX Design
Snap shot of the new AimGarments website.
Overview

Banking is Boring

PNC’s mantra of “boring banking” exemplifies the idea that banking is supposed to be boring. Your hard-earned money has no thrills, nor should it come with unexpected surprises. The same goes for your banking app. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be more functional. The new PNC app features integrated branch-locating capabilities, a modernized look, and a live chat feature to streamline customer support.

Goals
  • Simplify navigation and modernize the interface to create a more intuitive user experience.
  • Introduce live chat for quick issue resolution and more personalized service.
  • Provide timely push notifications about account activity for added security and peace of mind.

Challenges
  • The app looked old and dated compared to more popular banking apps (e.g., Chase, Amex), making it feel behind the times.
  • Without integrated features like live chat, users often struggled to resolve issues quickly.
  • Key functions—such as locating a branch—were buried in multiple screens, leading to frustration.
My Role

UX Designer:

  • User research
  • Wireframes
  • Prototyping

Tools Used:

  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe After Effects
  • Figma
The problem

Simple Doesn't Mean Easy

While PNC’s existing mobile banking app meets basic needs and already offers push notifications, it feels outdated compared to industry-leading apps like Chase and Amex. Users can complete essential tasks, but the dated interface and limited support tools make the experience less seamless and modern than they expect.

Questions

  • How can we modernize the interface to align with competitor experiences like those from Chase and Amex?
  • In what ways can we streamline the user journey to reduce friction and make essential tasks more intuitive?
  • How can customer support be more seamlessly integrated into the user flow for faster issue resolution?

User Goals

  • Enjoy a visually up-to-date, easy-to-navigate app.
  • Access crucial features (like branch locators) in fewer steps.
  • Get quick help when needed, whether for clarifying transactions or expediting card replacements.
AimGarments previous website being scrolled on a computer.
The workflow

Making "Boring" Feel Modern

This redesign presented a unique challenge: “boring” tasks aren’t typically engaging, yet we count on them being straightforward and hassle-free. After all, just as you wouldn’t want to click through a hundred buttons to turn on your car’s air conditioner, you wouldn’t want to navigate a maze within your banking app.

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From Tedious to Streamlined

A streamlined user interface doesn’t have to be boring. This redesign brings a modern approach to a clunky, yet practical experience.

Updated Navigation

Simplified the menu structure to reduce clicks and surface frequently used features.

Integrated Live Chat

Added a live chat button across all screens, so users can quickly reach support without leaving the apps main workflow.

Added a Map Feature

Removed the previous misleading, “ATM Access” button and added a locator to show users relevant options at a glance.

Early wireframes of the Aim Garments website.
Scrolling the AimGarments new website.
The result

A Modern Banking Experience

By eliminating clunky navigation, integrating real-time support, and refreshing the interface, the PNC mobile banking app now offers a streamlined experience that meets users’ evolving expectations. Customers can quickly view account balances, resolve issues through live chat, and find nearby branches in just a few taps—no unnecessary steps or tedious processes.

From Tedious to Streamlined

A streamlined user interface doesn’t have to be boring. This redesign brings a modern approach to a clunky, yet practical experience.

Updated Navigation

Simplified the menu structure to reduce clicks and surface frequently used features.

Integrated Live Chat

Added a live chat button across all screens, so users can quickly reach support without leaving the apps main workflow.

Added a Map Feature

Removed the previous misleading, “ATM Access” button and added a locator to show users relevant options at a glance.

FAQ drop down being opened and closed.
Takeaways anyone?

Function Over Form, Every Time

Throughout this project, I discovered the importance of striking a balance between aesthetics and usability. It would have been easy to create a visually striking redesign that, ultimately, didn’t address user needs. Instead, I focused on ensuring every design choice—whether it was a layout tweak or a new feature—enhanced the app’s overall functionality. By putting function first, the user experience became smoother, faster, and more satisfying, proving that “boring” can indeed feel modern when it’s done right.

PNC Banking App Re-design

Concept
October 2024
UX Design
Overview

Banking is Boring

PNC’s mantra of “boring banking” exemplifies the idea that banking is supposed to be boring. Your hard-earned money has no thrills, nor should it come with unexpected surprises. The same goes for your banking app. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be more functional. The new PNC app features integrated branch-locating capabilities, a modernized look, and a live chat feature to streamline customer support.

The brief

Simple Doesn't Mean Easy

While PNC’s existing mobile banking app meets basic needs and already offers push notifications, it feels outdated compared to industry-leading apps like Chase and Amex. Users can complete essential tasks, but the dated interface and limited support tools make the experience less seamless and modern than they expect.

Brand Persona

  • How can we modernize the interface to align with competitor experiences like those from Chase and Amex?
  • In what ways can we streamline the user journey to reduce friction and make essential tasks more intuitive?
  • How can customer support be more seamlessly integrated into the user flow for faster issue resolution?

My Task List

  • Enjoy a visually up-to-date, easy-to-navigate app.
  • Access crucial features (like branch locators) in fewer steps.
  • Get quick help when needed, whether for clarifying transactions or expediting card replacements.
The Result

Making "Boring" Feel Modern

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