Designing a financial dashboard people actually want to use
90%
of users found there balance and progress in under 5 seconds
Designing a financial dashboard people actually want to use
90%
of users found there balance and progress in under 5 seconds
Designing a financial dashboard people actually want to use
90%
of users found there balance and progress in under 5 seconds
Role
Product Designer
Team
Myself (design lead), UX researcher, front-end developers, product managers, Q&A, Software Engineers (2)
Preview the experience
Most people avoid checking their retirement accounts because the experience feels unclear and stressful. Corebridge’s overview screen had the same problem. It displayed numbers but provided no clear guidance. I collaborated with product, research, and engineering teams to create a clear, personalized dashboard that enabled participants to instantly see their current status and next steps. That shift changed how they showed up for their financial future.
Role
Product Designer
Team
Myself (design lead), UX researcher, front-end developers, product managers, Q&A, Software Engineers (2)
Preview the experience
Most people avoid checking their retirement accounts because the experience feels unclear and stressful. Corebridge’s overview screen had the same problem. It displayed numbers but provided no clear guidance. I collaborated with product, research, and engineering teams to create a clear, personalized dashboard that enabled participants to instantly see their current status and next steps. That shift changed how they showed up for their financial future.
Role
Product Designer
Team
Myself (design lead), UX researcher, front-end developers, product managers, Q&A, Software Engineers (2)
Preview the experience
Most people avoid checking their retirement accounts because the experience feels unclear and stressful. Corebridge’s overview screen had the same problem. It displayed numbers but provided no clear guidance. I collaborated with product, research, and engineering teams to create a clear, personalized dashboard that enabled participants to instantly see their current status and next steps. That shift changed how they showed up for their financial future.
Before: Clutter made it hard for participants to find key tools and info
Before: Clutter made it hard for participants to find key tools and info
After: A simplified dashboard most-used actions at a glance
After: A simplified dashboard most-used actions at a glance
Cutting Through The Clutter
Clarity over complexity
The Challenge
User testing revealed that the legacy dashboard lacked structure, hierarchy, and a clear path to action. Users were confused by competing tools and static, impersonal data, making it difficult to track their progress. Compared to competitors with clear, "above the fold" progress indicators, our dashboard felt dated and unhelpful. We also found that educational content was often irrelevant and buried, creating a significant barrier to user engagement.
48%
of users abandoned after the first screen
The Challenge
User testing revealed that the legacy dashboard lacked structure, hierarchy, and a clear path to action. Users were confused by competing tools and static, impersonal data, making it difficult to track their progress. Compared to competitors with clear, "above the fold" progress indicators, our dashboard felt dated and unhelpful. We also found that educational content was often irrelevant and buried, creating a significant barrier to user engagement.
48%
of users abandoned after the first screen
The Challenge
User testing revealed that the legacy dashboard lacked structure, hierarchy, and a clear path to action. Users were confused by competing tools and static, impersonal data, making it difficult to track their progress. Compared to competitors with clear, "above the fold" progress indicators, our dashboard felt dated and unhelpful. We also found that educational content was often irrelevant and buried, creating a significant barrier to user engagement.
48%
of users abandoned after the first screen
The Solution
As the lead product designer, I led the dashboard redesign. I created a clearer hierarchy with the user's balance, performance data, and a retirement progress gauge at the top. I collaborated closely with engineers to integrate personalized content via a specialized API. I also prioritized accessibility, updating visuals and color choices after receiving direct feedback from a colorblind user. The final design successfully delivered a more approachable experience with clear next steps and less overwhelm.
90%
task success rate in user testing
The Solution
As the lead product designer, I led the dashboard redesign. I created a clearer hierarchy with the user's balance, performance data, and a retirement progress gauge at the top. I collaborated closely with engineers to integrate personalized content via a specialized API. I also prioritized accessibility, updating visuals and color choices after receiving direct feedback from a colorblind user. The final design successfully delivered a more approachable experience with clear next steps and less overwhelm.
90%
task success rate in user testing
The Solution
As the lead product designer, I led the dashboard redesign. I created a clearer hierarchy with the user's balance, performance data, and a retirement progress gauge at the top. I collaborated closely with engineers to integrate personalized content via a specialized API. I also prioritized accessibility, updating visuals and color choices after receiving direct feedback from a colorblind user. The final design successfully delivered a more approachable experience with clear next steps and less overwhelm.
90%
task success rate in user testing
Discovery Goals
Asking the right questions
To ground the redesign in real user needs, we started with guiding questions. These questions framed every design decision and shaped how we approached research and user testing.
Discovery Goals
Asking the right questions
To ground the redesign in real user needs, we started with guiding questions. These questions framed every design decision and shaped how we approached research and user testing.
Understand + Ideate
Research & Strategy
Research & Strategy
Initial assumptions about user needs were challenged by user testing, which revealed that users simply wanted to see their balance. We also discovered that 7/10 users were interested in personalized financial resources, a finding that reshaped our product strategy.
My process involved:
User interviews (prototype walkthroughs).
Competitor analysis to inform design.
Agile collaboration with devs and engineers.
Design
Design Execution
Design Execution
I created responsive high-fidelity mockups for a clear interface. My design choices were constantly shaped by feedback, as I iterated on layouts and interactions based on input from participants and stakeholders.
My core activities included:
Developing high-fidelity, responsive mockups.
Building an interactive Figma prototype.
Collaborating in daily sprints with the dev team.
Validate
Testing & Refinement
Testing & Refinement
To finalize the design, I ran usability tests with a diverse group of participants, using an interactive prototype to gather both qualitative and quantitative feedback. This process helped resolve stakeholder conflicts and validate our key design decisions.
What we learned:
Usability testing confirmed that our design effectively addressed key pain points.
We ensured a clear and accessible user path with a dashboard vs a static overview screen
Discovery Goals
Asking the right questions
To ground the redesign in real user needs, we started with guiding questions. These questions framed every design decision and shaped how we approached research and user testing.
Understand + Ideate
Research & Strategy
Initial assumptions about user needs were challenged by user testing, which revealed that users simply wanted to see their balance. We also discovered that 7/10 users were interested in personalized financial resources, a finding that reshaped our product strategy.
My process involved:
User interviews (prototype walkthroughs).
Competitor analysis to inform design.
Agile collaboration with devs and engineers.
Design
Design Execution
I created responsive high-fidelity mockups for a clear interface. My design choices were constantly shaped by feedback, as I iterated on layouts and interactions based on input from participants and stakeholders.
My core activities included:
Developing high-fidelity, responsive mockups.
Building an interactive Figma prototype.
Collaborating in daily sprints with the dev team.
Validate
Testing & Refinement
To finalize the design, I ran usability tests with a diverse group of participants, using an interactive prototype to gather both qualitative and quantitative feedback. This process helped resolve stakeholder conflicts and validate our key design decisions.
What we learned:
Usability testing confirmed that our design effectively addressed key pain points.
We ensured a clear and accessible user path with a dashboard vs a static overview screen
User Personas
Seeing through the user’s eyes
To design a dashboard that felt personal and intuitive, we created two primary personas. Each reflected a key participant segment with distinct needs, behaviors, and frustrations. These personas were crucial for keeping the team aligned on who we were designing for and why our decisions mattered. This ensured our work wasn't just a list of features, but a solution tailored to real people.
"I’d rather spend my time living life than crunching numbers."
"I’d rather spend my time living life than crunching numbers."
Ethan Cruise // 27 – Early Career
Rarely checks in, driven by major financial milestones
“Tell me where I stand and what I should do next …not ten different charts I have to figure out.”
“Tell me where I stand and what I should do next …not ten different charts I have to figure out.”
Harlow Raes // 59 – Nearing Retirement
Logs in monthly and wants clear next steps
“Tell me where I stand and what I should do next …not ten different charts I have to figure out.”
Harlow Raes // 59 – Nearing Retirement
Logs in monthly and wants clear next steps
“Tell me where I stand and what I should do next …not ten different charts I have to figure out.”
Harlow Raes // 59 – Nearing Retirement
Logs in monthly and wants clear next steps
"I’d rather spend my time living life than crunching numbers."
Ethan Cruise // 27 – Early Career
Rarely checks in, driven by major financial milestones
Iterations + Wireframes
Shaping the experience through feedback
Using Uizard and Figma I evolved wireframes into a high-fidelity design, guided by testing and feedback.
V1 — Right Side Navigation Layout
Goal: Transform a static, 3-click deep action into a key feature on the main dashboard.
Key Change: Moved key actions to the right side and grouped accounts.
Assumption vs. Reality: We assumed this would increase engagement. User testing showed it actually reduced a user's ability to quickly find their balance, a top priority. This insight was critical for our next iteration, showing that even minor changes can have a major impact.
V2 — Consolidated Accounts
Goal: Simplify the information architecture and reduce cognitive load for the user.
Key Change: We combined individual plans into a single, scannable grid with a clear progress bar.
Assumption vs. Reality: We assumed this would make the dashboard faster to scan. User testing confirmed this was a success, but revealed a new challenge: detailed performance data for individual plans was now buried. This showed us that while we improved high-level clarity, we needed a better way to make specific data accessible.
Final — Detail Plan View
Goal: Balance a high-level overview with the ability to perform a deep dive on individual plans.
Key Change: We added a quicklinks bar and a detailed single-plan view. We also ensured the new navigation and layout were intuitive and structurally accessible for all users.
Assumption vs Reality: This design provided smoother navigation and richer, more visible data, validated by user testing. Our final version successfully balanced quick scanning with detailed information, solving our initial user pain points.
Iterations + Wireframes
Shaping the experience through feedback
We evolved wireframes into a high-fidelity design, guided by testing and feedback.
V1 — Right Side Navigation Layout
Goal: Show key actions without scrolling.
Key Change: Moved actions to right side and grouped accounts.
Impact: Actions surfaced, but balance and wellness prompt lost visibility.
V2 — Consolidated Accounts
Goal: Reduce cognitive load.
Key Change: Combined plans into one grid with a progress bar.
Impact: Faster scanning, but single-plan performance data still buried.
Final — Plan View
Goal: Support quick comparisons and deep dives.
Key Change: Added quicklinks bar and single-plan view + accessibility updates.
Impact: Smoother navigation and richer, more visible data for all users.
Iterations + Wireframes
Shaping the experience through feedback
Using Uizard and Figma I evolved wireframes into a high-fidelity design, guided by testing and feedback.
V1 — Right Side Navigation Layout
Goal: Transform a static, 3-click deep action into a key feature on the main dashboard.
Key Change: Moved key actions to the right side and grouped accounts.
Assumption vs. Reality: We assumed this would increase engagement. User testing showed it actually reduced a user's ability to quickly find their balance, a top priority. This insight was critical for our next iteration, showing that even minor changes can have a major impact.
V2 — Consolidated Accounts
Goal: Simplify the information architecture and reduce cognitive load for the user.
Key Change: We combined individual plans into a single, scannable grid with a clear progress bar.
Assumption vs. Reality: We assumed this would make the dashboard faster to scan. User testing confirmed this was a success, but revealed a new challenge: detailed performance data for individual plans was now buried. This showed us that while we improved high-level clarity, we needed a better way to make specific data accessible.
Final — Detail Plan View
Goal: Balance a high-level overview with the ability to perform a deep dive on individual plans.
Key Change: We added a quicklinks bar and a detailed single-plan view. We also ensured the new navigation and layout were intuitive and structurally accessible for all users.
Assumption vs Reality: This design provided smoother navigation and richer, more visible data, validated by user testing. Our final version successfully balanced quick scanning with detailed information, solving our initial user pain points.
Iterations + Wireframes
Shaping the experience through feedback
We evolved wireframes into a high-fidelity design, guided by testing and feedback.
V1 — Right Side Navigation Layout
Goal: Show key actions without scrolling.
Key Change: Moved actions to right side and grouped accounts.
Impact: Actions surfaced, but balance and wellness prompt lost visibility.
V2 — Consolidated Accounts
Goal: Reduce cognitive load.
Key Change: Combined plans into one grid with a progress bar.
Impact: Faster scanning, but single-plan performance data still buried.
Final — Plan View
Goal: Support quick comparisons and deep dives.
Key Change: Added quicklinks bar and single-plan view + accessibility updates.
Impact: Smoother navigation and richer, more visible data for all users.
Iterations + Wireframes
Shaping the experience through feedback
Using Uizard and Figma I evolved wireframes into a high-fidelity design, guided by testing and feedback.
V1 — Right Side Navigation Layout
Goal: Transform a static, 3-click deep action into a key feature on the main dashboard.
Key Change: Moved key actions to the right side and grouped accounts.
Assumption vs. Reality: We assumed this would increase engagement. User testing showed it actually reduced a user's ability to quickly find their balance, a top priority. This insight was critical for our next iteration, showing that even minor changes can have a major impact.
V2 — Consolidated Accounts
Goal: Simplify the information architecture and reduce cognitive load for the user.
Key Change: We combined individual plans into a single, scannable grid with a clear progress bar.
Assumption vs. Reality: We assumed this would make the dashboard faster to scan. User testing confirmed this was a success, but revealed a new challenge: detailed performance data for individual plans was now buried. This showed us that while we improved high-level clarity, we needed a better way to make specific data accessible.
Final — Detail Plan View
Goal: Balance a high-level overview with the ability to perform a deep dive on individual plans.
Key Change: We added a quicklinks bar and a detailed single-plan view. We also ensured the new navigation and layout were intuitive and structurally accessible for all users.
Assumption vs Reality: This design provided smoother navigation and richer, more visible data, validated by user testing. Our final version successfully balanced quick scanning with detailed information, solving our initial user pain points.
Iterations + Wireframes
Shaping the experience through feedback
We evolved wireframes into a high-fidelity design, guided by testing and feedback.
V1 — Right Side Navigation Layout
Goal: Show key actions without scrolling.
Key Change: Moved actions to right side and grouped accounts.
Impact: Actions surfaced, but balance and wellness prompt lost visibility.
V2 — Consolidated Accounts
Goal: Reduce cognitive load.
Key Change: Combined plans into one grid with a progress bar.
Impact: Faster scanning, but single-plan performance data still buried.
Final — Plan View
Goal: Support quick comparisons and deep dives.
Key Change: Added quicklinks bar and single-plan view + accessibility updates.
Impact: Smoother navigation and richer, more visible data for all users.
High Fidelity Design
Where clarity meets visual polish
The redesigned dashboard delivers a modern, streamlined layout that keeps balance, performance, and progress front and center. A retirement score gauge offers instant context, while a consistent quicklinks bar keeps actions in one place. Personalized learning resources and an accessible color palette make the experience more relevant and easier to navigate for all users. A video walkthrough highlights the special features of the new experience:
High Fidelity Design
Where clarity meets visual polish
The redesigned dashboard delivers a modern, streamlined layout that keeps balance, performance, and progress front and center. A retirement score gauge offers instant context, while a consistent quicklinks bar keeps actions in one place. Personalized learning resources and an accessible color palette make the experience more relevant and easier to navigate for all users. A video walkthrough highlights the special features of the new experience:
High Fidelity Design
Where clarity meets visual polish
The redesigned dashboard delivers a modern, streamlined layout that keeps balance, performance, and progress front and center. A retirement score gauge offers instant context, while a consistent quicklinks bar keeps actions in one place. Personalized learning resources and an accessible color palette make the experience more relevant and easier to navigate for all users. A video walkthrough highlights the special features of the new experience:
Mobile Experience
Extending the redesign to iOS and Android
We adapted key improvements from the desktop dashboard for the Corebridge mobile app, ensuring the experience was equally clear and actionable on smaller screens. Navigation was simplified, progress tracking remained visible without requiring scrolling, and key actions, such as statements and withdrawals, were accessible with one tap.
Mobile Experience
Extending the redesign to iOS and Android
We adapted key improvements from the desktop dashboard for the Corebridge mobile app, ensuring the experience was equally clear and actionable on smaller screens. Navigation was simplified, progress tracking remained visible without requiring scrolling, and key actions, such as statements and withdrawals, were accessible with one tap.
Mobile Experience
Extending the redesign to iOS and Android
We adapted key improvements from the desktop dashboard for the Corebridge mobile app, ensuring the experience was equally clear and actionable on smaller screens. Navigation was simplified, progress tracking remained visible without requiring scrolling, and key actions, such as statements and withdrawals, were accessible with one tap.
Impact & Results
Real users, real impact
Clear hierarchy and a retirement score helped users understand their progress in under 10 seconds. Personalized content drove higher engagement with educational resources that were previously ignored, and simplified navigation reduced the clicks needed for core actions like statements, withdrawals, and history.
“This is so much easier to navigate than the old dashboard.”
“I like that it tells me how I’m doing without making me dig for it.”
“It feels like it was designed for me, not for financial advisors.”
Impact & Results
Real users, real impact
Clear hierarchy and a retirement score helped users understand their progress in under 10 seconds. Personalized content drove higher engagement with educational resources that were previously ignored, and simplified navigation reduced the clicks needed for core actions like statements, withdrawals, and history.
“This is so much easier to navigate than the old dashboard.”
“I like that it tells me how I’m doing without making me dig for it.”
“It feels like it was designed for me, not for financial advisors.”
Impact & Results
Real users, real impact
Clear hierarchy and a retirement score helped users understand their progress in under 10 seconds. Personalized content drove higher engagement with educational resources that were previously ignored, and simplified navigation reduced the clicks needed for core actions like statements, withdrawals, and history.
“This is so much easier to navigate than the old dashboard.”
“I like that it tells me how I’m doing without making me dig for it.”
“It feels like it was designed for me, not for financial advisors.”
The stats
Impact at a glance
These stats reflect what we measured in user testing. In a perfect world I'd like to also test long-term retention, satisfaction, and real-world usage.
< 5 sec
Participants grasped score & next steps in under 5 seconds
1 click
Plan information is reached in one click instead of three
+40%
Personalized content boosted interaction with resources
The stats
Impact at a glance
These stats reflect what we measured in user testing. In a perfect world I'd like to also test long-term retention, satisfaction, and real-world usage.
< 5 sec
Participants grasped score & next steps in under 5 seconds
1 click
Plan information is reached in one click instead of three
+40%
Personalized content boosted interaction with resources
The stats
Impact at a glance
These stats reflect what we measured in user testing. In a perfect world I'd like to also test long-term retention, satisfaction, and real-world usage.
< 5 sec
Participants grasped score & next steps in under 5 seconds
1 click
Plan information is reached in one click instead of three
+40%
Personalized content boosted interaction with resources