Making access to Bitcoin easier than ever in Canada

Client
Mogo Financial Technology

Year
2016-2018

By late 2017, cryptocurrency interest in Canada was surging. However, significant risks, challenges, and barriers to entry prevented many potential users from participating.

At Mogo, a customer-focused online financial services company, we explored opportunities to address these gaps and enhance our platform’s value. After extensive research, we decided to introduce a cryptocurrency service—MogoCrypto—to our portfolio of products, designed to simplify access to Bitcoin.

MogoCrypto simplified Bitcoin transactions for MogoMembers, offering a fast, intuitive experience for first-time users and those seeking quick access. A core priority was eliminating friction in funding and cashing out—ensuring a seamless experience.

MogoCrypto launched simultaneously on web, Android, and iOS in 2018.

Key focus areas

We prioritized usability by designing an intuitive interface that catered to beginners.

Regulatory compliance was a critical factor, so we collaborated with legal teams to meet financial regulations and made changes to the product strategy as needed.

We ensured cross-platform consistency by integrating MogoCrypto into Mogo’s existing app, web dashboards, and design framework—delivering a unified experience across all platforms.

Collaborating with the UX Lead and Art Director, I led the research and iteration process—developing comprehensive prototypes to test and refine the product continuously.

I independently conducted qualitative studies, gathering insights from users to understand their experiences, pain points, and needs. By continuously translating user feedback into actionable insights, we refined the product design strategy as needed.

I rigorously tested each prototype using user panels and platforms like InVision and Proto.io—refining the user journey step by step.

This cycle of continuous iteration—researching, testing, sharing insights, and refining—ensured that every aspect of MogoCrypto was aligned with user needs while driving toward a seamless, intuitive product experience.

Throughout the development of MogoCrypto, team cohesion and collaboration were critical to our success. While I served as Lead Designer, this project was a true team effort.

I worked closely with our UX lead, writer, and the Art Director to ensure that every aspect of the design was aligned with our broader vision. By regularly consulting with these key stakeholders, as well as the legal, development, and leadership teams, we were able to address challenges and refine the product as a unified group.

This cross-functional collaboration was key to meeting deadlines and delivering a high-quality launch. Ultimately, MogoCrypto’s success was driven by the collective efforts of a dedicated team, working together toward a shared goal.

Process

1

Conduct surveys, interviews, and research to understand MogoMembers' cryptocurrency knowledge gaps and preferences

2

Develop a clear product strategy focused on ease of use, speed, and accessibility while meeting regulatory requirements

3

Rapidly prototype the dashboard and key flows, testing with user panels and collecting feedback

4

Engage cross-functional teams (Legal, Dev, UX) to ensure alignment on all aspects of the design and implementation

5

Execute the launch of MogoCrypto and monitor user engagement, feedback, and KPIs, iterating as necessary

6

Conduct ongoing A/B testing and user research to optimize the experience, closely monitoring metrics and success—iterating on feature enhancements as needed.

The takeaway

Mogo played a pivotal role in democratizing access to cryptocurrency in Canada—breaking down barriers that kept many on the sidelines.

By designing an intuitive, accessible, and secure platform, we introduced Bitcoin to a new audience and elevated Mogo’s standing as an innovative financial services provider.

Through strategic collaboration, rigorous regulatory compliance, and a user-first approach, we designed a seamless, innovative experience that made cryptocurrency accessible to first-time users.