Revolutionizing Nigeria’s Financial Sector With Digital Chat Banking – Adedoyin
Oyinloluwa Adedoyin a Nigerian web designer in this interview shares his most exciting project, being part of a team that pioneered digital chat banking in Nigeria, particularly with ‘Chat With Leo’, a product of the United Bank for Africa, UBA. Grace Ihesuelo brings excerpts.
What do you want the Nigerian banking population to know about digital char banking?
We were pioneers of digital chat banking in Nigeria. It was exciting to be part of something that changed how people interacted with payments and banking. Chat With Leo introduced the ability to bank seamlessly through WhatsApp, Instagram, iMessage, and other social networks. It was unheard of in Nigeria at the time, and in an industry where convenience is king, it was revolutionary. No doubt competitors followed suit soon after, but Chat With Leo by UBA had already set the standard.
What was your role in bringing Chat With Leo to life?
My role was clear: web and visual design. I worked as a web designer and visual designer in the web and online department of this digital product launch at UBA. The department was responsible for communicating and promoting the “Chat With Leo” product across the web and online through the use of website pages, social media and other web media outlets. I was responsible for designing every visual asset that appeared on the web, including banners, GIFs, and UI elements. Everything users saw had to align with the brand while maintaining a seamless experience. I used tools like Figma, Photoshop, and After Effects to craft visuals that weren’t just eye-catching but also intuitive and functional.
What do you think makes a great design?
Great design isn’t just about aesthetics; it needs to work. My principal goal was to make sure my design wasn’t confusing and that it effectively communicated the message before I think about how it looked. A beautiful design that frustrates users isn’t effective. I wanted to ensure that the design was simple, easy to navigate, and straightforward in its intent, especially for the audience in Africa, where many users rely on low-end devices with limited storage.
Were there any particular challenges you faced designing for this audience?
Yes, absolutely. Imagine designing a webpage that’s 120MB, but your audience mostly uses budget smartphones. You have to create something that works for everyone. It was crucial to keep the design lightweight and user-friendly, with a smooth experience across all devices, even for those with limited resources.
Looking back, how do you feel about the impact of Chat With Leo today?
Chat With Leo is still going strong, and so is the impact. I even bank through WhatsApp myself, proof that the innovation wasn’t just a trend, it was a lasting shift in how we think about digital chat banking. Seeing that change in the industry was an incredible experience.
What drives you beyond creating great products?
My biggest passion now is helping others break into the design industry. Design is expensive. Getting a good laptop is costly, and mentorship can be hard to find. I share my journey because I want beginners to see that it’s possible to grow in this field, even without the perfect resources. It’s all about dedication and continuous learning.
What’s next for you?
With the knowledge I’ve gained, I’m just getting started. I’m passionate about pushing boundaries and creating innovations, but now, I’m also focused on empowering others to grow within the design industry.
