ANZ Push Notifications
Get real-time updates on your banking transactions with ANZ Push Notifications. Stay informed instantly with alerts sent straight to your device, so you’re always in control of your money.
Industry
Banking
Role
UX/UI Designer
Timeline
Jul 2023 - Feb 2024
Part One
Project Overview
Project Overview
Background
Push Notifications are short messages or alerts delivered to a customer's smart device (mobile phone or tablet), through the ANZ App when their device is both locked and in use, regardless of whether or not customers are using the app.
Client
ANZ Bank
Role
UX/UI Designer
Platforms
iOS (iPhone & iPad)
Android
Key Responsibilities
Low fidelity wireframing
High fidelity UI mockups
Prototyping
Supporting developers
Creating Animations
Project Overview
Problem Context
Many customers rely on real-time updates to stay on top of their finances, but the ANZ app currently does not support push notifications for transactions. As a result, users often need to manually log in and refresh their accounts to check for payments, deposits, or unusual activity. This gap in experience has been consistently highlighted as the top requested feature within App Store and Google Play reviews, with customers expressing frustration at the lack of timely alerts. Without transaction notifications, users feel less in control and less confident in managing their money securely and efficiently.
Lack of Awareness
Users want instant alerts instead of checking balances manually.
Security & Fraud
Users worry about missing suspicious activity without alerts.
Missed Engagement Opportunities
Users feel less connected and engaged with their banking activity.
Falling Behind Competitors
Other big 4 banking apps all offer real-time notifications.
Project Overview
Solution
To address these concerns, the app will introduce push notifications for both incoming and outgoing payments. This ensures users are instantly alerted when money enters or leaves their account, giving them greater visibility, security, and control. By delivering real-time updates, the feature not only reduces the need for manual checks but also aligns the app with industry standards, enhancing trust and overall user experience.
Incoming Payment Notifications
Users receive real-time notifications for deposits like salaries or transfers.
Outgoing Payment Notifications
Every purchase, transfer, or bill payment triggers an instant alert.
Customisable Notification Settings
Users can set thresholds or choose which transactions trigger alerts.
Part Two
Understanding the User
Understanding the User
Empathy Map
An empathy map was created to build a deeper understanding of user needs and pain points.
Understanding the User
User Stories
User stories were developed to guide the design of transaction notifications within the ANZ app.
Part Three
System Considerations
System Considerations
iOS Focus Settings
iOS customers can create or use pre-set Focus, allowing them to filter notifications during a time period they reserve for an activity like sleeping, working, reading, or driving.
The below table shows how our configuration of a push notification will impact the customers chosen settings on a device when using Focus.
System Considerations
Android Do Not Disturb Settings
Android customers can enable Do Not Disturb mode which silences sound and vibration for all notifications. Notifications still appear in the system UI as normal, unless the user specifies otherwise.
Part Four
Final Product
Final Product
Navigating to Notification Settings
Manage notification preferences under Profile tab.
Final Product
Customising Notification Settings
The user can set a thresholds or choose which transactions trigger alerts.
Final Product
Receiving Notification
Opening a notification directs the user to the relevant account for the transaction.
Final Product
Feature Awareness
A full-screen modal highlights the new Push Notification feature.
Part Five
Results & Reflection
Results & Reflection
Results
Push Notifications keep customers informed of incoming and outgoing transactions on their accounts in real time. First released for incoming payments, the feature was later expanded to include outgoing payments, giving customers greater visibility and control over their money.
Usage (as of 31 Dec 2024):
Over 40,000 devices (iOS and Android) have enabled Push Notifications.
Over 100,000 monthly notifications have been sent out
30,000+ accounts have enabled incoming notifications, while 20,000+ accounts have enabled outgoing notifications.
Results & Reflection
Key Learnings
Designing Across Platforms: Creating push notifications for both iOS and Android taught me the importance of following system guidelines while ensuring a consistent experience. Each platform has unique behaviours and constraints, so I learnt to design with flexibility while maintaining brand consistency.
Balancing Simplicity with Flexibility: Designing notifications required finding the right balance between giving users control (e.g., customisable thresholds) and keeping the experience simple. I learnt that offering too many options can overwhelm users, while too few limits usability — the key is clear, intuitive controls.
Designing for Scalability: Although the first release focused on commercial customers and transaction alerts, it became clear that the solution needed to scale to retail customers and other app use cases. I learnt the importance of thinking beyond the initial scope and designing systems flexible enough to grow with future needs.
Results & Reflection
Next Steps
Push Notifications have been released in the ANZ app for commercial users, providing real-time updates on their transactions. This feature enhances visibility and helps users stay on top of their account activity with ease.
Release for Retail Customers
Currently, the Push Notification feature is limited to commercial customers on the ANZ app. The next step is to roll it out to retail customers once it has proven stable and reliable
Push Notifications for Other Services
Push notifications is currently limited to certain accounts and focused on incoming and outgoing transactions, the next goal is to extend its use to other services within the app.