Effortless Group Savings
ROLE
EXPERTISE
Timeline
Sakhi Savings is an app designed to simplify and modernize traditional group savings (bishi, kitty party, chiti) in India. The app helps admins manage funds, track contributions, and communicate with members more easily. It replaces manual diary entries, reducing errors and making the admin's job smoother.
Timeline
6 weeks from exploration to final design.
Background
Traditionally, group savings are manually recorded, which can be error-prone and cumbersome, especially for large groups. Sakhi Savings makes the admin’s work easier by digitizing key processes while retaining familiar methods.
This category details the step-by-step approach taken during the project, including research, planning, design, development, testing, and optimization phases.
Research & Planning
Interviewed admins and members to understand issues with manual bookkeeping—such as errors, time consumption, and diary loss. Focused on making manual processes more efficient.
Design & Prototyping
Created user-friendly designs to track contributions, send reminders, and simplify group management. The design emphasizes simplicity, cultural relevance, and easy use.
Implementation
Developed the app using agile methods, focusing on manual entry features that keep traditional practices intact while making them more efficient. Added a reminder feature based on user feedback, allowing admins to easily notify members.
Testing & Optimization
Conducted testing with admins and members to refine the app, focusing on reducing workload and making reminders easier.
The app digitizes key parts of the group savings process to reduce admin workload while keeping manual control where needed.
Manual Contribution Tracking & Notifications:
Admins can manually track contributions, generate reports, and send monthly reminders with a simple button. Notifications also keep admins informed of unpaid contributions and group activities, reducing manual follow-ups.
Contact Integration & Language Options:
Admins can easily select members from their contact list to form groups, streamlining setup. Multiple language options ensure accessibility for users with different preferences.
Custom Group Settings & Tracking:
Admins can adjust group settings, such as contribution amounts and schedules, and track payments efficiently using visual indicators, making group management organized and clear.
Calendar Integration & Group Overview:
Contribution reminders and meeting notifications are synced with members' calendars, while the app also provides a clear group overview, enhancing transparency and trust within the group.
Here, the outcomes and achievements of the project are highlighted, including user feedback, adoption rates, and industry recognition.
Improved Efficiency & Reduced Admin Effort:
Admins reported a significant reduction in time spent managing records and tracking contributions, thanks to reminders and streamlined group management features.
Enhanced Member Engagement:
Notifications and clear contribution tracking led to higher contribution rates and better member participation, reducing missed payments.
Positive Adoption & Feedback:
The app received positive feedback from both admins and members, with increased adoption across savings groups in urban and rural areas, making traditional saving practices more manageable.