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PhonePe · Case Study 01

Masthead Visual System

A scalable masthead language that flexes across payments, investments and commerce — while staying unmistakably one brand.

Client
PhonePe
My role
Led the visual system & masthead language
Surface
In-app merchandising
Disciplines
Visual systems · Brand · Motion

The PhonePe masthead visual revamp was initiated to bring a fresh, story-led approach to in-app merchandising and create a more cohesive brand expression. The goal was to move away from repetitive, text-heavy creatives and address key challenges like low memorability, weak visual hierarchy, high cognitive load, and lack of contextual relevance.

This project focused on creating a scalable visual direction, guided by emotional mapping, to make communication more engaging, intuitive, and impactful.

The problem, stated plainly

  • Not memorable enough — low recall value
  • Poor visual hierarchy — users don't pause
  • High cognitive load leading to scroll fatigue
  • Monotonous and repetitive — content blends into the feed
  • Low contextual relevance — a blind spot in the journey

Here is a snapshot of the research — happy to walk you through it in detail.

The visual system

Current functional state analysis of PhonePe mastheads
Research — current functional state and what it leads to
Shape, typography, font size and colour palette explorations, before and after
Shape, typography and palette — the system, before and after
Everyday emotions mapping and pill shape brand evolution
Everyday emotions mapping · Pill shape & brand evolution
The masthead system in motion
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