Challenge
Constraints
We had to keep strict security practices (especially around seed phrases), reuse existing engineering infrastructure, and ship improvements to both mobile and extension at the same time. The work also needed to lay a small but durable visual system we could extend to future features.
Research
Our team collaborated closely to identify where and why users were struggling during onboarding. We ran focused usability sessions with first-time and light crypto users, documenting their journey from the first screen to account setup. Alongside testing, we conducted a full audit of the onboarding flow—reviewing UX writing, visual hierarchy, and consistency—to identify unnecessary complexity and missing feedback.
Out of many issues identified, three stood out as clear problems for users and the business:
technical jargon confused beginners and increased drop-off
inapporiarte CTAs made the “next step” unclear
visual inconsistencies weakened users' trust and brand credibility
Iterations
With the senior designer and PM, I built quick prototypes for the mobile and Chrome extension, focusing on simplifying onboarding steps and reducing friction. We discussed the pros and cons of each direction and quickly iterated on a model that would best improve the experience for first-time users:
Layout improvements
The first release focused on improvements in how we used screen space on different devices.
Entry point improvements
User-friendly step-by-step onboarding with progress indicators and short guidance to improve clarity and reduce drop-offs.
Visual consistency
Worked with engineers to align components and interactions across mobile and Chrome extension, ensuring a consistent experience.
Key Features
Unified Visual Language
Together with the senior designer, I helped establish a consistent visual foundation across mobile and extension. We defined shared typography, spacing, and color tokens that improved readability and brand cohesion. This alignment not only built user trust but also simplified developer implementation by ensuring both platforms followed the same design logic.
Step-by-Step Onboarding
As a team, we redesigned onboarding into a guided, linear flow. Each screen focused on a single task with clear progress indicators, allowing users to move forward with confidence. By revealing information gradually and reducing cognitive load, we made setup faster and easier for first-time crypto users.
User-friendly Microcopy & Inline Help
Working closely with the senior designer and product manager, we rewrote technical copy into clear, approachable language. Helper text and tooltips were added directly where users needed context—explaining terms like “seed phrase” or “hardware wallet” without overwhelming them. This collaborative rewrite made the experience more inclusive and user-friendly.
Takeaway & Reflection
We delivered a production‑ready onboarding system for Flint Mobile and Flint Chrome Extension, backed by a solid design system (tokens, core components, and copy guidelines). In testing, more users finished setup, made fewer errors, and reported higher confidence on first run. The shared foundations now support future wallet flows without re‑solving the same problems.
Result: Faster completion, fewer drop‑offs, and higher first‑session confidence in testing.