Mindful Money

Part of

Finance

Breaking the Cycle of Impulsive Spending

MA 22/23

Keywords

Financial wellbeing, Inclusive design, Neurodiversity

Overview

Our project focuses on addressing the issue of impulsive spending among neurodiverse and Gen Z individuals. With approximately 40% of Gen Z exhibiting impulsive spending tendencies and 27% diagnosed with ADHD, it is crucial to understand their unique cognitive differences and challenges in regulating behaviors.

By gaining a deeper understanding of their needs, we aim to develop targeted strategies and interventions to promote responsible financial behavior. Through research and collaboration, we strive to empower these individuals to overcome impulsive spending habits and achieve greater financial well-being.

Collaboration

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SECTION ONE SECTION TWO STATEMENT SECTION THREE SECTION FOUR

BACKGROUND

Impulsive spending is a common issue among Genz individuals, however, neurodiversity conditions make it worse.

Neurodiversity is the concept that brain differences are natural variations. Some people’s brains simply work differently and that's made up at least 20% of the adult population in the UK. One of the most significant behavioral problems we found is related to spending money impulsively. 40% of Gen Z have impulsive spending and there is 27% of Gen Z who are ADHD. ADHD is a condition that affects people's behavior. They can seem restless, have trouble concentrating, and act impulsively.

INSIGHT

Impulsive spending is often attributed to executive dysfunction in financial behavior, which arises from a combination of diminished self-control and the inability to formulate effective plans.

Executive function refers to a collection of cognitive abilities that influence decision-making. it appears that nonverbal working memory, internalization of speech, self-regulation of affect/motivation/arousal, and reconstitution associated with planning, all of which are interconnected and have a combined appearance. Neurodiversity conditions especially ADHD/ASD make it worse. With 48% of individuals with ADHD being four times more likely to engage in impulsive spending compared to those without ADHD (12%), and 60% of individuals with ADHD experiencing direct financial implications due to its impact on day-to-day money management.

Problem Statement

Gen Z individuals commonly struggle with impulsive spending. However, individuals with ADHD/ASD are more prone to becoming victims of impulsive behaviour due to their unique cognitive differences, which lead to lower executive function and difficulties in regulating certain abilities, skills, and self-control.

TARGET USER

Starting with marginalized users and expanding to encompass a wider spectrum, ensuring inclusivity and maximizing your impact.

Based on primary user research and using four fundamental cognitive abilities evaluation criteria, we have classified our users into three main representative personas based on their levels of executive function capacity. With the launch of Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) new Customer Duty Act, inclusivity is being greatly recognized in the world of banking, and people have the desire to make changes. Our design strategy is to assign different weights to the three levels of users. Tigger will be our key user, representing individuals with ADHD/ASD who struggle with impulsive spending. They will be our priority users and the ones who need the most support from the service. Piglet will be our special user, representing individuals on the neurodivergent spectrum who need support in other user-friendly aspects. Owl will be our general user, representing all Gen Z individuals who are transitioning out of campus life and seeking to learn how to manage their money wisely in the long run.