Zip (Quadpay)
Transformative UX/UI and Brand Strategy Propel Fintech App to Acquisition
Product Designer
Services
Product Design
Marketing Design
Brand Design
Design Systems
The Client
Zip, formerly Quadpay, disrupts traditional payment models with their "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) service that allows consumers to split purchases into four interest-free installments without impacting credit scores when paid on time. By 2020, BNPL adoption had surged to 37% of consumers, reflecting steady growth even amid economic uncertainty. This innovative payment solution bridges the gap between consumer purchasing power and financial responsibility.
The Challenge
In an increasingly competitive BNPL market dominated by established players like Afterpay and Klarna, Quadpay needed to differentiate their offering and strengthen their market position. What began as a request for discrete product and marketing design improvements evolved into a comprehensive brand and user experience transformation to build a distinctive identity in the fintech landscape.
The Solution
Through strategic design collaboration, we helped transform Quadpay's digital experience and brand presence. This partnership contributed to remarkable growth, with the platform reaching two million active users and achieving an exceptional 4.8 App Store rating. These achievements positioned Quadpay for acquisition by Zip, a major international fintech player, validating the effectiveness of our design strategy.
Impactful Fusion of UX/UI and Brand Strategy
Recognizing that acquisition readiness required more than incremental UX improvements, we implemented a comprehensive brand strategy targeting Quadpay's two key audiences: "lifestyle optimizers" (savvy consumers seeking financial flexibility) and "momentum brands" (growth-focused retailers). Working closely with stakeholders, we conducted extensive discovery workshops that informed a cohesive design direction across all touchpoints.
The brand refresh maintained recognition while introducing a more contemporary visual language that resonated with their target demographic. We developed a distinctive typography system that balanced digital readability with personality, alongside a vibrant color palette that differentiated Quadpay from competitors' more conservative approaches. These elements were supported by a revitalized brand voice that simplified financial concepts without sacrificing credibility.
Our UX enhancements focused on removing friction from critical user journeys—specifically application, merchant discovery, and payment processes. By optimizing these pathways, we helped increase conversion while reducing support inquiries. The streamlined interface established a clear visual hierarchy that guided users intuitively through complex financial transactions.
Boosting Brand Recognition
Quadpay's transformation extended beyond aesthetic improvements to feature development and market positioning. Using data-driven insights, we identified high-value feature opportunities and guided their implementation through rapid testing and iteration cycles. These enhancements were showcased through the redesigned website and engaging video content that demonstrated the platform's evolving capabilities.
Our design system ensured consistent expression across acquisition channels, retention communications, and the core product experience. This cohesive approach strengthened brand recall while allowing for efficient implementation of new features and marketing initiatives. The system's flexibility supported Quadpay's rapid growth while maintaining the integrity of the refreshed brand identity.
Conclusion
Our comprehensive transformation of Quadpay's digital experience and brand positioning played a significant role in their journey to acquisition by Zip. By elevating both product functionality and brand perception, we helped position Quadpay as a premium player in the competitive BNPL market. The success of this engagement demonstrates how strategic design thinking can drive business outcomes beyond aesthetic improvements—creating tangible value that contributes directly to company valuation and market position. The acquisition validated our approach while providing Quadpay with the resources to further scale their reimagined experience to global markets.
