A SAFE AND FAST JOINT CERTIFICATE APP THAT IS STORED ON A SIM CARD
USIM Smart Authentication is a joint certificate used representatively in Korea. By storing the joint certificate in the SIM card, hacking is prevented and safer and faster identity authentication is possible. If you need to access a public institution or bank, authentication is performed safely to prevent your personal information from being exposed.
Overview
Background
In Korea, it is necessary to obtain a certificate issued by a Certification Authority to verify your identity online, such as for online financial transactions. A joint certificate is a security system that is used for personal authentication. In recent years, there have been incidents of financial fraud involving the theft of joint certificates. To address this issue, SIM card Authentication was developed as a mobile authentication service by a collaboration of mobile carrier companies, financial companies, and the security industry. SIM card Authentication involves storing an authorized certificate in the SIM card of a smartphone and signing it electronically. This method is secure because it is difficult to replicate externally. By storing the authorized certificate in a SIM card with applied security measures, and using an electronic signature, there is no risk of the joint certificate being leaked through hacking or phishing using viruses or malicious codes on existing PCs or smartphones. Additionally, since the joint certificate is stored on a smartphone that is always carried, there is no need to carry a separate USB or security token, making it highly portable.
My role
I worked on a mobile joint certificate security app as a main designer. I redesigned the guidelines and concepts for the app and researched to identify and address any problems with the current design. My goal was to improve the overall user experience of the app.
Goal
Improving the entire UI to a design that matches current trends, resolving complaints about previous services, and providing users with a better user experience.
discovery
During user testing, we identified several issues with the current design of the app. One issue was that the main function was difficult for users to access due to invisible problems and somewhat complicated content. Another issue was that the process of issuing the co-certificate was slow, as the user had to manually check for it on the screen for any proof or payment. These issues negatively impacted the user experience and efficiency of the app.
Test and issues
An outdated design that does not align with current trends
Difficulty accessing important features from the main page
A lack of biometric security
An unnecessarily complex task flow
Talking to actual customers
To gather more qualitative data about our potential user's motivations, pain points, and needs, I interviewed approximately 50 people across the company. These participants all had experience with some SIM card authentication service apps, and fall under my client’s target customer demographic of young to middle-aged people. I wanted to answer the question:
What is inconvenient about this application? And are there any other features you would like?
“The interface feels a bit old-fashioned and could benefit from a more modern and intuitive design. Additionally, I've found that accessing certain features can be difficult at times, as they are not always clearly labeled or located.”— F.
“In today's digital age, I believe it's important for apps to incorporate biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, to ensure user data remains secure.”— H.
“I think the app's task flow could be simplified. Some tasks, such as renewing certifications, can be complex and confusing. Streamlining these processes would make the app more user-friendly and efficient.”— A.
Competitive Analysis
To identify potential competitors and gather information for improving the app's accessibility and convenience. We also searched for similar applications, such as SIM Smart by Dream Security, UBI Key by Infovine, and PASS, on Google Play, as Android has a high market share in Korea. This research allowed us to identify the strengths and weaknesses of these competing apps and incorporate that knowledge into our design process.
scenarios
Persona
The persona definition is crucial for understanding the end-users of the app. Amy is a persona we can often find around us. and she is an office worker in an age group where both income and consumption occur simultaneously.
For example, she might be required certificates needed for payments and contracts. Let's analyze and organize Amy's needs and thoughts about these products.
analysis
test result
During testing, the revised app allowed users to easily access and use the main feature from the first launch. The improved design encouraged users to reach the main feature and use it quickly.
Key finding
Gathered negative feedback. And we've compiled a list of things we need to rethink.
Positive point
Work can be completed quickly.
Users can easily check the status of certificates.
Negative point
Burden of billing
Ideate
We received feedback from several design colleagues and used it to improve the design of the app. A high-fidelity version was created with clearer text and more readable icons. The revised design was tested and received positive feedback from users.
User story
Amy is actively involved in managing their money and making purchases online. They use web banking to manage their finances and frequently need to access public agencies for tasks such as year-end settlement, insurance payments, and tax calculations. As a result, they often need to use certificates for authentication.
Business analysis
Sign up for a certificate
Set the security type
Add certificate
Manage certificates securely
Core feature required by users
The core feature required for the product is as follows.
Certificate security (verification of security and reliability - prohibition of media copying and movement / electronic signature (available for services such as public institutions, Internet shopping malls, financial institutions, etc.)
Storage medium certificate can be renewed or reissued at any time
User task analysis
Through several steps, we have drawn out the process of reaching the required goal.
Accessibility improvements
Change to a flat design
The previous designs featured a three-dimensional effect, which could be mistaken for a button by users. We changed to a flat design to avoid this confusion.
Reduce depth
The previous design required navigating through one depth to access the list of certificate cards. By placing the most important feature, the certificate card, on the main page, we improved accessibility. We also simplified the depth as much as possible, particularly by replacing unnecessary pages in the middle process with a pop-up.
Alleviate payment burden
The monthly billing payment system is maintained, but advertisements are added so users can use it without payment. so If they want to use it without advertisements, they are billed monthly.
Before
After
Final Products
After extensive testing and iteration, we achieved a design that is optimized for speed, safety, and simplicity from the user's perspective. It is also competitive with other products in terms of appeal.
Design System Language
I defined colors, typography, icons, and layouts that can be used in common. It was based on the symbol color of SIM card certification. As if designing a brand, the concept of the app was put into each kit. I set the rounding value, icon design, color, font, grid, etc. In addition, natural color values were set so that the visually impaired could easily recognize them.