Connect API Payments

Revolutionizing API Payments through a a fully comprehensive and PCI-Compliant Widget that allows customers to integrate payments into their platform and allow users to make ACH/Debit payments as well as allowing them to leverage their credit.

Year
2021
Client
Plastiq, Connect
Project Type
Strategic Product Initiative - API Payments Solution
role
Lead Product Designer

Overview

Plastiq Connect transformed API payments, crafting an end-to-end payment widget and a developer portal. Through iterative wireframing and expert interviews, the solution achieved client recognition for its solidity and intuitive design. This project sets a new standard, emphasizing security, usability, and collaborative design in shaping the future of financial transactions.

Navigating Complexity: Designing Plastiq Connect to Tackle the Challenges of API Payments

The challenge was to create a solution that provided flexibility to payers and vendors, ensuring seamless transactions across various payment methods. Plastiq Connect aimed to eliminate merchant fees, enhance security, expedite payment processes for sellers, and allow buyers to pay vendors by card regardless of acceptance. Additionally, the project focused on expanding working capital for sellers and providing a robust framework for capturing additional revenue and insights from in-product customer payments.

The solution: Crafting a Seamless Financial Ecosystem

At the epicenter of Plastiq Connect's success was a meticulous design solution, where my daily collaboration with the product manager played a pivotal role in shaping the product's vision.

White labeled end-to-end payment widget created for Nearside

End-to-End Payment Widget and Developer Portal: A Gateway to Innovation

In close collaboration with the product manager, we set a clear vision for the product. Iterating tirelessly on wireframes, we crafted a solution that not only satisfied business needs but also ensured a seamless onboarding experience for potential clients. The design process involved countless hours of expert interviews and iteration of initial ideas and strategies. By remaining agile and respecting the collective vision of the company and potential clients, we produced a solution that stood at the intersection of innovation and usability.

Security Beyond Standards: PCI Level 1 Certification and Bank-Grade Protection

The commitment to security was not just a checkbox but an integral part of the design process. The implementation of PCI Level 1 certification and bank-grade security measures was a result of continuous iteration and expert interviews. This rigorous approach reassured our partners and users, garnering frequent comments on the solidity of the product's design.

Tokens and alias tokens that I created to make collaboration between design and developers easier

Seamless Integration with Freedom of Choice: UI Design Excellence

The UI design was a labor of love, guided by the principles of usability and clarity. Clients frequently commented on the solid design of the product, particularly highlighting the intuitiveness of the partner portal. The portal, developed through countless iterations, provided an easy way for developers to integrate Connect into their systems, ensuring a smooth and intuitive experience.

In essence, our design solution was not just about creating a product; it was about fostering a collaborative vision, iterating tirelessly, and respecting the diverse needs of clients. Plastiq Connect's end-to-end payment widget and developer portal, coupled with stringent security measures and an intuitive UI, emerged as a testament to the success that can be achieved through a harmonious blend of collaboration, innovation, and user-centric design.

Connect Partner Portal
Connect API Payments

Shaping Future Transactions

Even though I was the sole (lead) product designer and architect, the journey with Plastiq Connect was a collaborative triumph. Working tirelessly alongside the product manager and business analyst, we collectively crafted a PCI-compliant end-to-end payment widget that not only met but exceeded industry standards, redefining the landscape of secure and seamless financial transactions. This was done through countless hours of expert interview and iteration of initial ideas and strategies for the product. By remaining agile and respecting and incorporating the collective vision of the company and potential clients I was able to produce

Key KPI's

Strategic Partnerships (Pre-Launch)

  • Successfully collaborated with Billfire, Brex, and PayGround
  • Resulted in partnerships secured before the official launch

Monthly Payment Volume (Post-Launch)

  • Exceeded $20 million monthly payment volume in the first month of launch
  • Demonstrated the success of teamwork, strategic design, and valuable partnerships

Client Satisfaction

  • Frequent client comments on the solidity and intuitive design
  • Particularly noted the intuitiveness of the partner portal

Developer Integration Ease

  • Partner portal offered an easy integration path for developers
  • Contributed to the overall success of Plastiq Connect in the API payments landscape
  • Clients can get up and running in as little as 8 weeks
“Plastiq’s APIs enabled us to seamlessly integrate our mobile app and payments capabilities. From day one, we received a ton of support from the team at Plastiq, helping with engagement and fueling the project.”

— Adam Younger, COO of Payground

Read customer story

Connect API Payments