Seize

Seize

Seize

AI Powered Credit Management App

AI Powered Credit Management App

AI Powered Credit Management App

Seize is an AI-powered financial management app designed for Indian students in the US to proactively manage their credit card debt.

It offers real-time insights into how every purchase affects your credit score, empowering users to make informed spending decisions. By using innovative features such as predictive credit impact analysis and automated round-up savings, Seize helps users build a healthier credit history.


I served as the sole product designer, leading the entire design process—from research and concept to final implementation—creating a solution that truly stands out.

View Prototype

View Prototype

View Prototype

Product
Product
Product

Mobile application

Mobile application

Mobile application

Skills
Skills
Skills

Product design

Product design

Product design

Rapid prototyping

Rapid prototyping

Rapid prototyping

Interaction design

Interaction design

Interaction design

User research

User research

User research

UX strategy

UX strategy

UX strategy

User testing

User testing

User testing

My Role
My Role
My Role

Product Design Lead

Product Design Lead

Product Design Lead

Tools
Tools
Tools

Figma, Fig Jam, Framer, InDesign, Miro, Notion

Figma, Fig Jam, Framer, InDesign, Miro, Notion

Figma, Fig Jam, Framer, InDesign, Miro, Notion

Timeline
Timeline
Timeline

10 months

10 months

10 months

Context

Context

Context

Indian students have credit card debt, but are they not concerned?

Indian students have credit card debt, but are they not concerned?

Indian students have credit card debt, but are they not concerned?

International students, especially those from India, arrive in the US with limited experience in managing credit. The unfamiliarity with the US credit system, combined with new financial responsibilities, often leaves them unprepared for credit management challenges. Without proper tools or guidance, these students can quickly find themselves overwhelmed by credit card debt and financial strain.

These students accumulate significant credit card debt without having any concern because they rely on uncertain future income to manage their finances. The absence of real-time insights into how each transaction impacts their credit score prevents them from making smart financial decisions, ultimately hindering their ability to build a robust credit history and achieve long-term financial stability.

Making it real...

Making it real...

Making it real...

What if students could see credit-score impact before they swipe their card?

What if students could see credit-score impact before they swipe their card?

What if students could see credit-score impact before they swipe their card?

To address this challenge, Seize introduces an AI-based credit management tool with three core features: a real-time Impact Checker that forecasts score changes before a transaction, a Round-Up Savings Wallet that passively collects spare change to pay down debt, and Smart Nudges that offer tailored tips and warnings at the point of decision. Together, these tools shift users from reactive debt tracking to proactive financial control.

Research Process

Research Process

How did we go from insights to interface?

How did we go from insights to interface?

How did we go from insights to interface?

Before interacting with the actual user, I began searching for resources that are already available in the public domain. Asking questions like:

  1. Who is the primary user impacted within the problem space?

  2. What is the size and cost of the problem?

  3. What is the impact-AKA who cares about this?

  4. What are the existing solutions-what's working and what's not?

helped in shaping up the problem space and look in the correct direction.

~ Less than 5% of people in India

own a credit card, compared to a

whopping 66% in the United States.

~ Less than 5% of people in India

own a credit card, compared to a

whopping 66% in the United States.

~ Less than 5% people in India own a credit card compared to a whopping 66% in the US.

5%

66%

300,000

Indian students studying in the us

$9 billion

contribution to the US

in terms of fees and expenses

17%

students have prior

experience with

credit cards

These students arrive with aspirations of achieving the
"American Dream"-

financial independence, stable jobs, and a secure future.

300,000

Indian students

studying in the us

17%

students have prior

experience with

credit cards

$9 billion

contribution to the US

in terms of fees and expenses

These students arrive with aspirations of achieving the "American Dream"-

financial independence, stable jobs, and a secure future.

Initial Problem
Statement

How Might We Reduce...

How Might We Reduce...

the uncertainty Indian students experience while balancing credit card usage in the US, ensuring they can build a strong credit and avoid financial strain.

Initial Problem
Statement

How Might We Reduce...

the uncertainty Indian students experience while balancing credit card usage in the US, ensuring they can build a strong credit and avoid financial strain.

Primary Research

Primary Research

Primary Research

Approach:


After identifying key patterns and gaps through secondary research, I moved into the primary research phase to validate assumptions and explore real user experiences in-depth.

My goal was to understand how international students, especially those from India, experience and manage credit card usage in the U.S.

Approach:

After identifying key patterns and gaps through secondary research, I moved into the primary research phase to validate assumptions and explore real user experiences in-depth.

My goal was to understand how Indian students experience and manage credit card usage in the U.S.

User Interviews

~ Participants: 12

~ Type: Generative

~ Location: Philadelphia

~ Avg. Time: 37 min

~ Participants: 12

~ Type: Generative

~ Location: Philadelphia

~ Avg. Time: 37 min

Across all interviews, several key themes consistently appeared;

Most participants had never used a credit card in India. They were unfamiliar with terms like “minimum payment,” “APR,” or how credit scores function. This lack of foundational knowledge led to poor early decisions.

Many participants described credit cards as “extra money” or “invisible cash,” which created a sense of detachment. This often led to impulsive or unnecessary spending, especially during emotionally heightened moments like stress, loneliness, or peer pressure. Participants only realized the long-term impact of poor credit decisions after facing debt, missed payments, or being rejected for financial products. Many wished they had been taught these concepts earlier.

Some students spoke about how credit cards made them feel more in control or confident in social settings, while others highlighted the stress of “keeping up” with peers in spending.

Common Problem
Areas

Common Problem
Areas

Common Problem
Areas


These problem areas were identified through patterns observed during interviews and research synthesis. The goal was find recurring themes, which vary from having a lack of real-time credit awareness to emotional overspending. I outlined the key issues that contribute to financial strain among students.

These problem areas were identified through patterns observed during interviews and research synthesis. The goal was find recurring themes, which vary from having a lack of real-time credit awareness to emotional overspending. I outlined the key issues that contribute to financial strain among students.

User Interviews

~ Participants: 12

~ Type: Generative

~ Location: Philadelphia

~ Avg. Time: 37 min

Across all interviews, several key themes consistently appeared;

Most participants had never used a credit card in India. They were unfamiliar with terms like “minimum payment,” “APR,” or how credit scores function. This lack of foundational knowledge led to poor early decisions.

Many participants described credit cards as “extra money” or “invisible cash,” which created a sense of detachment. This often led to impulsive or unnecessary spending, especially during emotionally heightened moments like stress, loneliness, or peer pressure. Participants only realized the long-term impact of poor credit decisions after facing debt, missed payments, or being rejected for financial products. Many wished they had been taught these concepts earlier.

Some students spoke about how credit cards made them feel more in control or confident in social settings, while others highlighted the stress of “keeping up” with peers in spending.

Stakeholders View

Stakeholders View

Stakeholders View

“International students tend to spend more than domestic students and they are much more careful about their credit scores.”

“International students tend to spend more than domestic students and they are much more careful about their credit scores.”

“International students tend to spend more than domestic students and they are much more careful about their credit scores.”

Stakeholder interviews revealed that many Indian students arrive in the U.S. without any familiarity with credit cards, creating a gap in understanding key concepts like interest rates, minimum payments, and credit scoring. Although they care about building good credit, they lack accessible, reliable tools and guidance, often relying on peers who may perpetuate misinformation. Even when resources exist, students struggle to find or use them effectively, highlighting a need for clearer, more approachable credit education.


These insights confirmed that the problem isn’t just about overspending, it’s about lack of visibility, support, and structure. This shaped the core focus of my project, helping students make informed, real-time decisions, understand the impact of their actions, and develop better financial habits from the start.

Stakeholder interviews revealed that many Indian students arrive in the U.S. without any familiarity with credit cards, creating a gap in understanding key concepts like interest rates, minimum payments, and credit scoring. Although they care about building good credit, they lack accessible, reliable tools and guidance, often relying on peers who may perpetuate misinformation. Even when resources exist, students struggle to find or use them effectively, highlighting a need for clearer, more approachable credit education.

These insights confirmed that the problem isn’t just about overspending, it’s about lack of visibility, support, and structure. This shaped the core focus of my project, helping students make informed, real-time decisions, understand the impact of their actions, and develop better financial habits from the start.

Zooming In Targeting Debt
and Financial Strain

Zooming In Targeting Debt and Financial Strain

Zooming In Targeting Debt and Financial Strain

“Main purpose of getting a credit card was

to build a credit score but ended up in debt.

Right now, just trying to maintain a good

credit score and not falling into debt”

- Participant 1

“Main purpose of getting a credit card was to build a credit score but ended up in debt. Right now, just trying to maintain a good credit score and not falling into debt” - Participant 1

“Main purpose of getting a credit card was to build a credit score but ended up in debt. Right now, just trying to maintain a good credit score and not falling into debt”

- Participant 1

Through the synthesis phase, one issue consistently stood out as the most alarming and urgent: managing debt and financial strain. When reviewing participant responses, I discovered that 9 of the 12 participants had accumulated over $20,000 in credit card debt. While this number alone is concerning, what was even more surprising was the lack of urgency or concern students expressed about their financial situation. Rather than treating debt as a critical problem, many participants accepted it as a temporary side effect of studying in the U.S. a necessary risk they believed they could recover from later.

Through the synthesis phase, one issue consistently stood out as the most alarming and urgent: managing debt and financial strain. When reviewing participant responses, I discovered that 9 of the 12 participants had accumulated over $20,000 in credit card debt. While this number alone is concerning, what was even more surprising was the lack of urgency or concern students expressed about their financial situation. Rather than treating debt as a critical problem, many participants accepted it as a temporary side effect of studying in the U.S. a necessary risk they believed they could recover from later.

This prompted me to look beyond the obvious and ask; Why aren’t they worried?

9 out of 12
participants have a
total of debt of over
$20,000!

9 out of 12 participants have a

total debt of over

$20,000!

9 out of 12
participants have a
total debt of over
$20,000!

50%

of them have admitted of using over 50% of their credit limit.

50%

of them admitted of using over 50% of their credit limit

50%

of them admitted of using over 50% of their credit limit.

70%

had difficulty budgeting their monthly expenses

70%

reported difficulty budgeting their monthly expenses

70%

reported difficulty budgeting their monthly expenses.

This prompted me to look beyond the obvious and ask;

Why aren’t they worried?

Through the synthesis phase, one issue consistently stood out as the most alarming and urgent: managing debt and financial strain. When reviewing participant responses, I discovered that 9 of the 12 participants had accumulated over $20,000 in credit card debt. While this number alone is concerning, what was even more surprising was the lack of urgency or concern students expressed about their financial situation. Rather than treating debt as a critical problem, many participants accepted it as a temporary side effect of studying in the U.S. a necessary risk they believed they could recover from later.

This prompted me to look beyond the obvious and ask; Why aren’t they worried?

Looking Outside the Frame

Zooming In Targeting Debt and Financial Strain

Zooming In Targeting Debt and Financial Strain

Is DEBT the real problem?

Students are confident in paying of their debt once they land a job.

“Credit cards are helping me and spoiling me at the same time because my debt is increasing day by day, as I’ve already told you that it’s almost like 6 to 8000 dollars. If I get a job then hopefully I’ll clear all my debts.” - Participant 10

but,

but,

but,

1 in 6

1 in 6

International students struggle to find a job within 6 months after graduation

International students struggle to find a job within 6 months of graduation

This reframed everything. The problem wasn't just impulsive spending, managing debt, or lack of awareness,

it was a how they perceived debt with a deeper dependence on uncertain future opportunities.

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Final Problem Statement

How Might We...

How Might We...

help Indian students in the US, better manage their credit card debt and make more informed financial decisions, not relying on uncertain future opportunities.

Final Problem Statement

How Might We...

help Indian students in the US, better manage their credit card debt and make more informed financial decisions, not relying on uncertain future opportunities.

Current Market

Current Market

Students today already have access to dozens of apps to check their credit scores or plan a monthly budget.

Most of these apps are reactive, they tell you after the damage is done.

Most of these apps are reactive, they tell you after the damage is done.

Students today already have access to dozens of apps to check their credit scores or plan a monthly budget.

How Do You Stand Out In A Crowded Market?

Introducing Seize

Seize mobile application offers real-time insights on how every purchase could affect your credit score before you swipe your card! 

We provide actionable financial insights and suggest actions, guiding students in making more informed financial decisions.

View Full Prototype

View Full Prototype

View Full Prototype

Branding

Visually expressing Seize’s intent to be both intelligent and human centered.

Visually expressing Seize’s intent to be both intelligent and human centered.

The style guide for Seize was created to visually express the app’s core values; reliability, clarity, and empowerment through a well-structured and cohesive visual system.

Since the core function of the app is to help Indian students make smarter financial decisions, it was important that the visuals communicated one key value: reliability.

We ensured that all design decisions anchored in trust, security, and transparency, rather than adopting a generic fintech look.

The primary typeface used is Gilroy, a modern geometric sans serif font known for its clean lines, legibility, and friendliness. Gilroy strikes a balance between professional and approachable, perfectly aligning with Seize’s intent to be both intelligent and human centered.

The color palette is built on a spectrum of cool-toned blue gradients, taken directly from the moodboard. These range from deep navy to cyan, flowing smoothly between trust, calmness, and forward thinking energy. Gradients allowed for a dynamic feel which were use sparingly across backgrounds to add depth without distraction.

A pop of Neon Lime is used as an accent to draw attention to important actions and alerts such as real time credit impact feedback without alarming the user.

The color palette is built on a spectrum of cool-toned blue gradients, taken directly from the moodboard. These range from deep navy to cyan, flowing smoothly between trust, calmness, and forward thinking energy. Gradients allowed for a dynamic feel which were use sparingly across backgrounds to add depth without distraction.

A pop of Neon Lime is used as an accent to draw attention to important actions and alerts such as real time credit impact feedback without alarming the user.

Together, the typography and color system create an interface that feels secure, intuitive, and emotionally reassuring, an essential quality for a product guiding students through the complexities of debt and financial decisions.

Together, the typography and color system create an interface that feels secure, intuitive, and emotionally reassuring, an essential quality for a product guiding students through the complexities of debt and financial decisions.

Branding

Visually expressing Seize’s intent to be both intelligent and human centered.

The primary typeface used is Gilroy, a modern geometric sans serif font known for its clean lines, legibility, and friendliness. Gilroy strikes a balance between professional and approachable, perfectly aligning with Seize’s intent to be both intelligent and human centered.

View Full Casetudy

View Full Casetudy

View Full Casetudy

Looking for a new talent?

Looking for a new talent?

Looking for a new talent?

anirudhkolakaleti@gmail.com

anirudhkolakaleti@gmail.com

anirudhkolakaleti@gmail.com

Linkedin

Linkedin

Linkedin

View Resume

View Resume

View Resume

2025 Anirudh Kolakaleti

2025 Anirudh Kolakaleti

2025 Anirudh Kolakaleti

Available for a full-time position

Available for a full-time position

Available for a full-time position

Made with care and lots of caffeine

Made with care and lots of caffeine

Branding

Visually expressing Seize’s intent to be both intelligent and human centered.

The style guide for Seize was created to visually express the app’s core values; reliability, clarity, and empowerment through a well-structured and cohesive visual system.

Since the core function of the app is to help Indian students make smarter financial decisions, it was important that the visuals communicated one key value: reliability.

We ensured that all design decisions anchored in trust, security, and transparency, rather than adopting a generic fintech look.