UPI Circle - Feature Introduction Video
A new NPCI-backed UPI feature needed a clear and accessible launch. I led the design of a motion-first,
in-app intro experience that helped millions understand
and adopt the feature - using storytelling, collaboration,
and inclusive design.
Role: Senior Brand Designer & Motion Lead
Timeline: 2 months
Team: Product, UX, Motion Design, Copywriting
Company: PhonePe (Fintech)
Problem Statement
UPI Circle was a new NPCI-backed feature allowing users to delegate payments to trusted contacts. While powerful, the concept was unfamiliar and potentially confusing to a broad demographic — spanning Tier 1 to Tier 4 Indian users. The core challenge:
How might we simplify the concept and drive feature adoption across a highly diverse user base?
Users
PhonePe’s user base across India, ranging from tech-savvy Tier 1 users to first-time digital users in Tier 3/4 regions.
Goal
Design a scalable, accessible way to explain UPI Circle and onboard users seamlessly — using storytelling that works across digital literacy levels.
My Role
-
Strategy: Bridged UX, Product, and Motion to define the right narrative approach
-
Script Direction: Helped the copywriter craft a relatable, clear story
-
Storyboarding: Designed visual flow aligned with PhonePe’s visual identity
-
Execution Oversight: Guided the motion team through visual production
Process
1. Deep Dive with Product & UX
-
Understood the functional mechanics of UPI Circle
-
Aligned on key user pain points and confusion areas
-
Agreed that an in-app explainer video would be the mosteffective medium
2. Script & Narrative
-
Co-developed the script with the copywriter, grounding it in
real-world scenarios -
Focused on showing "Why this matters" to users, not just "
what it does"
3. Storyboarding & Alignment
-
Created clear, minimal, and friendly visuals to support the script
-
Ensured accessibility
and emotional relatability -
Aligned with multiple stakeholders including motion design, product, and legal

4. Production
-
Art-directed vector frames
-
Oversaw motion production and ensured
a consistent tone -
Delivered a polished video for
in-app onboarding


Outcome
-
Achieved strong CTR and engagement metrics on the video
-
High conversion into UPI Circle usage during early launch
-
Helped demystify a new product for millions of users, contributing to national-level UPI adoption goals