Summer 2025 - SHORTLISTED

Joanna Yoon

EconoSense is a mobile experience designed to help people understand how economic events impact their personal finances. Financial news often feels abstract and filled with jargon, making it difficult for individuals to connect headlines with real-life consequences. EconoSense bridges that gap by reframing economic data as a personalized story, showing how shifts in interest rates, taxes, or inflation directly affect each user’s situation. The journey begins with a Smart Finance Profile, where users share key details like income, savings, and goals. Using this context, EconoSense’s AI delivers personalized news insights—concise, tailored summaries that translate headlines into meaningful takeaways. Complementing these updates are interactive learning modules that explain financial concepts through visuals and real-world scenarios. In beta testing, over 80% of users reported a clearer understanding of economic topics after one module, with completion rates above 90%—unusually high for financial education tools. This innovative approach has gained recognition at international design competitions including the London Design Awards, French Design Awards, and New York Product Design Awards, highlighting its impact on financial literacy and inclusive design. By combining personalized context, intuitive design, and actionable guidance, EconoSense empowers underserved audiences—including immigrants and young adults—to make informed financial decisions. It turns intimidating economic data into practical knowledge, fostering confidence and resilience in a rapidly changing world.