Vontobel eBanking
Vontobel had multiple product teams, no shared design language, and a banking app that needed to scale across private banking. My role wasn't just to redesign the app it was to build the system that would make consistent, scalable design possible across the entire organisation.
Client
Vontobel
Date
2023-2025
Role
Senior System Designer
App Store
Vontobel Wealth
Challenges
Challenges in the field of UX
How do we develop a cutting-edge e-banking app that not only excels in terms of functionality and design but also offers intuitive navigation and personalized interactions, all while seamlessly integrating into Vontobel’s existing architecture? Or, in short, how do we deliver a simple and modern banking experience?
The solution is
Using an agile and interdisciplinary development approach with ongoing user testing, we have completely redesigned our e-banking app.
It combines intuitive navigation and personalized services with an outstanding user experience that adapts to changing customer needs without compromising brand integrity.
Challenges in the field of UI
How do we build a comprehensive design system for the Vontobel e-banking app that aligns with brand identity, scales across multiple teams and apps, and introduces new tooling like Figma Dev Mode all without an existing system foundation to build on?
The solution is
We established a token-based design system from scratch in Figma — closely aligned with Vontobel's brand identity and built to scale. Through continuous collaboration between design, development, and branding teams, we created a shared design language that set a new standard across Vontobel's digital products.
Approach and cooperation
The development of the Vontobel e-banking app was based on close, interdisciplinary collaboration. Through agile sprints and regular iterations, we efficiently integrated design and functionality. Design concepts were quickly visualized and refined through workshops, prototyping, and continuous user testing.
It was also important to continuously validate different design variants to ensure that the solutions were both technically feasible and visually appealing.
Design Evolution Process
Validation
Tested with over 100 test users.
Expert reviews by Relationship Managers (RMs).
Old E-Banking
Wealth 2.0 Prototyp
What has changed?
Direct success
+34.5%
Average duration
-31.3%
Misclick rate
-19.2%
Result
old application vs. new application
Figma Design System
As part of the redesign, I built a comprehensive, token-based design system in Figma from the ground up. Over 70 UI components were developed and documented across all states, variants, and micro-interactions.
I established a component review workflow with the engineering team ensuring every new pattern was technically validated before entering the library. Change communication processes were introduced so that all teams were informed when components were added or updated, reducing inconsistencies across product surfaces.
The system is now used as a shared library across multiple teams and applications within Vontobel serving as the single source of truth for design and development."
User Feedback
High overall satisfaction
Both usability and design received predominantly positive ratings, with 72% rating usability positively and 80% rating design positively.
User Feedback
“I love the logical flow of the website, which makes it easy for me to complete all tasks successfully.”
High user-friendliness for users with a financial background
Users with advanced financial knowledge rated the user-friendliness and design most positively, suggesting that the platform is well-suited to the needs of experienced users.
User Feedback
“The layout and functionality are excellent, and I think everything is in the right place.”
Appealing design for all age groups
Younger users (under 40) and experienced investors rated the design particularly highly, suggesting that the platform’s modern, user-friendly interface appeals to a broad demographic.
User Feedback
“I like simple black and white. The design looks fresh and modern.”
Navigation feedback
Most users found the navigation to be clear and straightforward, although minor adjustments (such as adding tooltips and reducing white space) could improve its intuitiveness, especially for users with prior experience.
“In my opinion, however, there’s still too much white space on the page—meaning too much space is being wasted, which makes the page look stretched out.”
App Icon
Impact
The design system is live across multiple Vontobel apps and actively used by teams beyond the original project. It reduced design-to-development friction, established a consistent visual language across the bank, and enabled new teams to onboard faster with a clear, documented foundation.
The measurable results speak for themselves: +34.5% direct task success, −31.3% average session duration, −19.2% misclick rate all validated with over 100 test users and expert reviews by Relationship Managers.
Testimonials
Reliable, creative, and positive are the first words that come to mind when I think of Daphne. I would say that working with her is a blend of professionalism and meaningful collaboration. What truly sets her apart is how comfortable people feel around her from the beginning, making it easy to dive straight into projects without the usual initial barriers. It’s not just her personable nature, it’s the combination with her broad knowledge and expertise that foster an environment where projects flow seamlessly from the very start.
Semira Deanova
Technical Product Manager
at Vontobel