Monai
“Meet Monai Your Gentle Financial Companion”
The Story Behind Monai
Problem
I noticed how many people, including myself, feel anxious and even ashamed when dealing with personal finances.
Most budgeting apps I’ve used felt cold, judgmental, and overly focused on numbers with little regard for the emotions tied to spending and saving.
I wanted to address the side of money that no one really talks about: the feelings.
People deserve to feel supported, not overwhelmed or disconnected, when working toward their goals.
I asked myself:
How might I design an emotionally safe space that helps people improve their financial wellness with more compassion, reflection, and mindfulness?
Goal
That question led me to create Monai. A mobile-first AI financial companion that feels more like a supportive friend than an app. My goal was to help people build a healthier, more emotionally intelligent relationship with their money by combining AI-powered conversation, mindful journaling, and goal tracking into one gentle, human experience.
Unlike conventional money apps, Monai speaks softly, celebrates small wins, and helps you reflect on your patterns without judgment or shame. Through this project, I set out to design not just another budgeting tool, but a companion that understands the emotional journey behind every dollar.
My Design Process
User Flow
User Persona
Design
Outcome
This project pushed me to grow as a designer by combining emotional insight, user research, and careful visual design into one cohesive experience.
I learned how to balance user needs, business goals, and technical constraints while maintaining a soft, supportive tone throughout the product.
Moving forward, I’m excited to explore more ways Monai can proactively guide users through emotional moments, offering encouragement and helping them stay on track without judgment.
