P2P Payments
BaaS Visa Direct
Turning Ambiguity Into Action: Building a Client-Ready ACH Solution in 4 Weeks
Role
Industry
What do you do when you have the technology but no product to show for it?
That was the challenge posed to my team. We were tasked with creating a demonstration for a cutting-edge ACH payment feature—similar to Cash App or Venmo—that could seamlessly integrate into a partner’s solutions. However, the problem was clear: we had the code, the tech, and the backend capabilities, but no tangible application or interface to showcase its value. With a new partnership with Visa Direct, the pressure was on!
To complicate matters, the project was highly ambiguous. Two teams — product and engineering — were unsure of how to proceed, and the only target in sight was a fast-approaching client pitch to a major insurance company in just four weeks.
This case study explores how I turned a vague starting point into a clear plan, united teams around a shared vision, and delivered a solution that exceeded expectations.
The ask was simple on the surface: “Sell the client on this feature.” But the execution wasn’t straightforward. We faced several challenges…
Ambiguity
With no existing interface or product, we needed to craft something entirely from scratch.
Uncertainty Across Teams:
Both the product and engineering teams were unsure how to position the feature for client meetings.
Time Constraints:
We had just four weeks to craft and validate a compelling demonstration.
CRAFTING A PLAN FROM SCRATCH
Recognizing the need to cut through the ambiguity, I took the lead in shaping a clear path forward. I organized a brainstorming session to bring all stakeholders together, which helped identify the feature’s core capabilities, potential applications and set expectations for the work ahead.
During this session, I proposed a bold but practical idea:
check
Build a faux consumer-facing application
Tailor this specifically to the insurance industry, the initial target for sales, to demonstrate real-world usability and value.
check
Showcase how the ACH payment feature integrates seamlessly into an industry-specific workflow, crafting a relatable and impactful narrative that highlights its value.
From this foundation, I led the team to:
check
Define user stories
We mapped out core user needs and functions.
check
check
Using an abbreviated service blueprint, we mapped out the product, business, and engineering needs to align efforts and prioritize work.
With a clear scope in place, I set a timeline:
check
2 weeks for product and design
Define a user journey and then design and build a high-fidelity prototype.
check
Fig 1.1 - User scenario mapping
Fig 1.2- User journey and flow map of the key features
Execution required aligning cross-functional teams and maintaining momentum. My role involved:
check
Fostering collaboration
I organized bi-weekly check-ins to ensure alignment across product, design, and engineering. These frequent touchpoints kept everyone on track and addressed roadblocks early.
check
I bridged gaps between technical and business teams, translating the ACH feature’s backend capabilities into an intuitive, consumer-facing experience.
check
check
By maintaining clear communication and celebrating progress, I kept the team motivated under tight deadlines.
The final demonstration was a success, delivering results that exceeded expectations:
The project highlights my ability to:
check
Navigate ambiguity: I turned a vague starting point into a clear, actionable plan.
check
Unite teams: By fostering collaboration and alignment, I ensured the success of cross-functional efforts.
check
Deliver results under pressure: Operating on a tight timeline, I delivered a solution that exceeded expectations and drove business impact.
By simplifying complex technical topics, keeping teams aligned, and creating a vision that resonated with the client, this project exemplifies my strengths as a product designer and strategist who thrives in ambiguous and fast-paced environments.