From screen to saving

The challenge was to understand the complex relationship between young adults' financial behaviors, attitudes, and their motivation to seek financial knowledge. We adopted a Research through Design approach, conducting semi-structured interviews, autoethnographic reflections, co-design workshops and iterative concept testing. This allowed us to capture emotional, behavioral, and cognitive barriers to financial literacy, while informing us of potential opportunities for creating optimal conditions for motivation. Using these insights, we developed a series of provocations and low- to mid-fidelity prototypes that explored motivational triggers – from gamification to storytelling and digital rituals. Our aim was not just to inform, but to emotionally connect and support young adults on their path toward better money habits.