Freedom Debt Relief App
Accelerating MVP Launch & In-App Conversion
My Contribution
Role
Design Advisor & Native Experience Consultant
Platform
React Native
Output for iOS and Android
Company
Achieve
Formally Freedom Financial Network
Timeline
6 months
Overview
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.
Action
- 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.
- Android (first 3 weeks):30% close rate, with 20% completing the full journey in-app
- 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.
