Cashmonki is a budgeting and expense tracking app that helps users log transactions, manage budgets, and scan receipts with AI. While the core experience focused on clarity and control, the team saw an opportunity to introduce a layer of personality, something optional that could make budgeting feel more human without getting in the way of serious money management.
The Roast feature is an opt-in interaction that uses humor and a friendly mascot to react to users' spending after logging an expense. Designed to make budgeting feel lighter and more approachable, it adds personality to the experience while respecting users who prefer a straightforward, no-frills approach.
Design Challenge and Iteration
The biggest challenge wasn't usability, but finding the right tone.
Early feedback raised concerns that the Roast feature might feel cringey or distracting in a finance app, with an initial preference for a quieter, more subtle approach. Through iteration, the feature was refined to strike a balance between playful and supportive, adding personality without getting in the way of the core budgeting experience.
First Iteration
In parallel, we explored a full-screen overlay to understand how increased visibility would affect tone and perception.
Second Iteration
Final Direction
The final design uses a compact bottom drawer that can be expanded when more space is needed, giving the feature room for longer messages and more expressive copy without taking over the entire screen.
The mascot was also refined to hold the receipt at the center instead of outward, improving visual focus and balance. A darker background increased contrast with the Roast flames, creating a clearer visual hierarchy while reinforcing the playful personality of the feature.
Product Design Team:
Dante Cardines - Head Designer
Ysa Alvarez - Senior Product Designer
Yuko Mitsuhashi - Junior Product Designer
Design Contributions:
Feature Design
Mascot & Illustration
