Project Overview
Pay Small Small is a flexible credit-based payment option integrated into the ECG PowerApp. It enables mobile money users on MTN and Vodafone to split payments into manageable weekly installments. This solution was designed to help users handle larger expenses more affordably, while gradually building a credit culture in everyday transactions.
Goal
User Goal: Help customers manage payments more easily by allowing them to pay in small, scheduled portions.
Business Goal: Increase accessibility to ECG services, reduce failed payments due to high upfront costs, and establish a credit lifestyle for users.
Key Outcome
Pay Small Small improved service accessibility, boosted repayment success through automation and credit limit growth, and increased user trust by offering flexible, transparent, and user-friendly payment options.
Problem Statement
Many users struggle with paying bills or buying prepaid credit fees upfront due to financial constraints. This created friction in service access and increased payment drop-offs. A solution was needed to reduce the burden of lump-sum payments without compromising revenue collection. This approach makes payments more manageable and supports financial accessibility. It empowers customers to access services conveniently without undue strain.
Solution
Pay Small Small introduces a credit-based checkout option that splits payments into four parts:
25% upfront + interest (charged on the remaining 75%)
3 equal weekly installments auto-debited from the user’s wallet
Eligibility is determined via an integrated credit scoring system (myCreditScore) that verifies identity and evaluates risk using Ghana card data, mobile wallet status, and payment history.
The system offers:
Automatic deductions
Real-time payment reminders
Dynamic credit limit adjustments based on user behaviour
Full visibility into upcoming payments and missed payments
Impact
25% increase in completed payments — More users were able to follow through thanks to the flexible 4-part payment structure.
40% of users returned for another credit — Showing strong trust and satisfaction with the service.
60% increase in user activations — The streamlined onboarding process encouraged more users to activate with their Ghana Card.
Research
To build a solution that truly supported users with financial constraints, we conducted in-depth research focused on understanding the needs, habits, and pain points of ECG PowerApp users. Our goal was to identify why users abandoned payments and how we could help them complete transactions without stress.
Methods Used
We analyzed recurring complaints about unaffordability, and lack of flexible options.
We gathered insights from credit scoring teams, customer service, product, and engineering to understand technical and behavioral limitations.
Key Insights
Users needed to see exactly how much they owed, what was being charged, and when deductions would happen.
Most users are familiar with wallet-based transactions, making mobile wallets the ideal channel for both activation and repayment.
Ideation & User Flows
We kicked off the design phase by mapping out the real challenges users faced with upfront payments. Our goal was to create a simple, trustworthy flow that made credit-based payments feel just as easy—and even more flexible—than paying in full.
When and how to present the Pay Small Small option
How to clearly explain the payment breakdown (instant payment + interest + instalments)
What information users needed to feel in control and informed
How to handle edge cases like ineligibility, missed payments, and multiple active credits
Designs, Iterations & Testing
The design phase focused on building trust, simplicity, and clarity. We aimed to make the payment process feel as familiar and seamless as possible.
We started with wireframes that laid out the entire journey—from selecting Pay Small Small at checkout to viewing the full repayment schedule. Early designs included:
A payment breakdown screen with a clean display of the upfront 25% payment, interest
Placing the Pay Small Small Card on the transactions page
Key Iterations Based on User Feedback
A credit status and limit page for transparency
Eligibility prompts to guide users through activation if they were not yet qualified
A payment breakdown screen with a clean display of the upfront 25% payment, interest, and future instalments
We added a repayment summary page so users could see their upcoming payments and status at a glance
Final Designs, Impact, Lessons Learnt
The final design of Pay Small Small focused on making the credit payment experience feel as easy, transparent, and reliable as possible. Every screen was desiged to help users understand how the service works, how much they owe, and when they’ll pay—without overwhelming them.
Key Design Highlights
Payment Breakdown Page: Clearly displayed the 25% upfront payment, interest, and upcoming instalments.
Eligibility & Activation Flow: Users were guided through Ghana Card verification, profile completion, and a live photo check.
Repayment Schedule Page: Included a real-time timeline of upcoming payments, completed instalments, and any missed payments. This page helped users stay organized and confident about what was coming next.
Notifications & Alerts: Designed with clear headlines and color indicators to notify users of due dates, missed payments, or auto-deductions. The goal was to keep users informed.
Lessons Learned
I learned how to communicate financial complexity in a way that feels safe and understandable for everyday users. Designing for trust is just as important as usability
This project required close coordination with product managers, engineers, credit teams, and support staff. I gained a deeper appreciation for cross-functional teamwork and how early collaboration leads to smarter, more scalable design decisions.
This project wasn’t just about UI—it was about enabling financial inclusion. I saw firsthand how thoughtful design can empower users to take control of their spending in ways that genuinely improve their lives.