Achieve’s first in-house app launch

Role: Design Advisor & Native Experience Consultant
Company: Achieve
Team: 1 Product Designer, 1 Product Manager, Dedicated Dev Team
Platform: React Native (iOS & Android)

Summary

While not directly involved in the visual design, I partnered with the product and design teams to support the launch of an MVP servicing app for users enrolled in a Financial Debt Resolution (FDR) program. My focus was on ensuring a native-feeling experience in a cross-platform environment, mentoring the lead designer, and scaling practices through shared tools and training.

Challenges

  • The existing prototype, created during a hackathon, needed refinement for real-world launch.
  • The team lacked familiarity with native app standards.
  • With SMS engagement becoming less effective, we needed a more reliable, high-retention channel.

Actions

  • Shared my Ascend Native Design System Library, helping the designer identify scalable, accessible components.
  • Led training sessions on native UX best practices, covering mobile-specific design patterns like haptics, platform nav conventions, and push notifications.
  • Provided ongoing design feedback, flagged UX risks, and supported QA during implementation.
  • Consulted on React Native-specific trade-offs to maintain parity across platforms while still respecting native norms.

Results

  • Launched MVP in record time, going from concept to release in just a few months by reusing coded components originally built for Achieve Money, dramatically accelerating development and reducing overhead.
  • Strong early performance:
    • Android (first 3 weeks):
      • 30% close rate, with 20% completing the full journey in-app
      • 5,000+ downloads
      • 4.7 Google Play Store rating
    • iOS:
      • 5.0 App Store rating, indicating high user satisfaction, though download data was not available.
  • Cross-functional alignment was key: partnered closely with PMs, engineering, and the product designer to align on design intent, rapidly iterate, and meet tight deadlines.
  • The MVP’s success validated the impact of component-driven design and collaborative reuse, enabling scalable, high-quality native experiences across lines of business.

Skills

  • Fintech
  • Platform Design
  • Design Systems
  • UX Strategy
  • Accessibility
  • Omni-channel Design
  • Cross-functional Collaboration
  • Team Leadership