Project Summary
This two-month UX project focused on enhancing the discount experience for users via a Google Chrome extension that integrates exclusive student offers alongside existing discount codes. The aim was to simplify the online shopping journey, reduce user drop-off, and improve conversion rates by offering a streamlined experience with added value for students.
Inspired by existing tools like Honey, Klarna, and CouponBirds, I saw a key gap: none of them integrated verified student discounts. By bridging this with content from platforms like UNiDAYS and Student Beans, I designed a solution that merged broad discounts with exclusive student offers, increasing relevance and convenience for users at checkout.
The final design presents a clean, intuitive browser extension that enhances the shopping experience by surfacing the best possible discounts in one place, with a focus on usability and brand trust.
My Approach
I began by researching discount browser extensions to understand how they present and activate coupons in real-time. I studied Honey, Klarna, and CouponBirds to analyse UI behaviour, engagement patterns, and limitations, particularly the lack of student-focused offers. In parallel, I explored the differences between UNiDAYS and Student Beans, identifying a key opportunity to integrate both sets of offers into one unified flow.
With this insight, I mapped a simple user flow that outlined the entire journey, from downloading the extension to completing a purchase with discounts applied. Prototyping progressed from low to high fidelity, with multiple rounds of user testing to identify pain points.
A key innovation involved visually representing discount sources using small brand logos (e.g. UNiDAYS, Student Beans) so users could see where the deal came from, offering both transparency and trust. Usability testing helped refine this further, ensuring the process felt seamless and intuitive.
Project Highlights
User Flow Mapping
Outlined the complete journey from Chrome Store to checkout, breaking down decision points and actions into a simplified, intuitive structure.
Competitive Analysis
Researched Honey, Klarna, and others to understand current solutions; compared UNiDAYS and Student Beans to identify gaps and overlapping features.
Unified Discount Solution
Designed a feature that aggregates student discounts from multiple providers, clearly tagged with recognisable logos for user clarity.
Prototyping & Testing
Created clickable prototypes at multiple fidelity levels and conducted usability testing throughout.
User feedback surfaced needs such as a back button during sign-up and clickable text alongside icons, which were implemented and successfully validated.
Extension & Marketing Assets
Developed final UI for the extension and designed promotional visuals for the Chrome Store to clearly communicate the product’s value proposition.
Results & Impact
Improved Shopping Experience (Potential)
The prototype was designed to reduce cognitive load at checkout by automatically surfacing relevant student discounts, aiming to support a faster, more confident user journey.
Positive User Feedback (Observed)
User testing sessions highlighted appreciation for the visibility of both UNiDAYS and Student Beans discounts, as well as the clean, accessible interface.
Increased Conversion Potential (Anticipated)
By consolidating multiple discount platforms into a single tool, the prototype addressed known pain points such as platform-hopping and drop-off, suggesting it could help streamline the path to purchase.
Strong Brand Identity (Achieved)
The final prototype and promotional assets presented a cohesive, student-focused identity that clearly communicated the tool’s purpose and value.
