Kobble: Revolutionizing Card Issuing for Fintech
In the B2B card issuing landscape, inefficiencies and outdated systems hindered innovation for fintech companies. At Yondr Money, we recognized the need to transform this experience by addressing the tedious processes and pitfalls that delayed card programs from reaching the market. Our goal was to leverage our experiences with Yondr and Shouta to create a solution that would help clients avoid similar challenges, ultimately changing the game through superior user experience.
Melbourne, Victoria
2024
Financial Services
Problem Statement
The traditional card issuing process was marred by complexity, lengthy timelines, and a lack of customization options. This not only frustrated clients but also limited their ability to innovate and adapt to changing market conditions. Our challenge was to design a platform that would streamline these processes, enhance user experience, and provide businesses with the flexibility they needed to thrive.
Process/Methodology
To tackle this challenge, we employed a methodical and user-centric approach:
Discovery Phase: We defined the product scope by co-creating features and ecosystem elements. Extensive research included qualitative evaluations and consultations with domain leaders, exploring best practices in enterprise service design. We identified real customer pain points from our experiences with Yondr and Shouta.
Define Phase: We crafted a comprehensive roadmap of services, established design principles aligned with brand extension and vision, and created a governance model with success metrics.
Design Phase: We built on the Mantine design system, leveraging its flexibility and robust component library. A custom design system was developed for brand customization, ensuring adaptability across various client identities of the core whitelabeled solution. Our focus was on functional design that felt familiar yet innovative, drawing inspiration from leading B2B enterprise UX.
Brand Identity & Design Principles
To ensure consistency and clarity across the platform, we defined a set of design principles that guided our design decisions. These principles emphasized simplicity, scalability, and user-centricity, ensuring that every element of the platform aligned with the brand’s mission and vision.
Implementation
We implemented several key features to transform the user experience:
Microservices Architecture: A highly scalable, cloud-native platform using microservices allowed for rapid iterations and seamless integration with banking systems.
API-First Design: A robust API layer enabled easy integration with client systems and third-party services, using RESTful APIs with OAuth 2.0 for secure authentication.
Mastercard Certification: Achieving Mastercard certification for issuing integrated their APIs and adhered to stringent security protocols, enhancing our credibility and capabilities.
Machine Learning for Fraud Detection: Advanced ML algorithms were explored to detect and prevent fraudulent activities in real-time.
Results/Outcomes
Our design strategy for Kobble resulted in a platform that not only solved existing problems but also anticipated and eliminated potential pain points. Key outcomes include:
Streamlined Operations: Intuitive processes for tasks like card expiry management simplified workflows, reducing operational burdens.
White-Label Flexibility: Businesses could easily apply their branding, fostering a sense of ownership and customization.
Enhanced Control: A comprehensive analytics suite provided clients with real-time performance tracking and cost optimization capabilities.
Future-Proof Design: The scalable design system and modular components supported future feature expansions and platform growth.
Strategic Integration with Yondr Money & Shouta
As part of our go-to-market strategy, we leveraged our existing tech stack across Yondr Money, a digital wallet app, and Shouta, a gift card platform, to create customized solutions for diverse clients. This approach allowed us to adapt our platform effectively to meet the unique needs of various businesses. By integrating multiple fintech products, we developed a comprehensive design strategy that not only solved existing challenges but also positioned Kobble for future growth and success.
Customized Solutions
Our modular design approach enabled us to create tailored solutions for different industries. For example, we developed corporate card features for financial institutions, integrated loyalty programs for sports organizations, and emphasized employee recognition and rewards for hospitality businesses. We also incorporated travel-related features and rewards for major airlines.
Takeaway
Kobble stands as a testament to the power of combining deep industry knowledge with cutting-edge design principles and advanced technical infrastructure. By transforming our own challenges into innovative solutions, we created a platform that not only meets current needs but anticipates future demands. This approach demonstrates that in fintech, success lies not just in advanced technology, but in making that technology accessible, intuitive, and indispensable to clients.
