Co-invented patent-pending NFC payment system

Lyft Product Designer 2022-2023 Payments Team

Designed tap-to-store credit card experience that enhances security while simplifying mobile payments

Lyft NFC payment interface concept

Challenge

Adding credit cards during Lyft signup created friction that led to user drop-off. Traditional manual entry was slow and error-prone, while newer payment methods weren't universally accessible.

Solution

Designed and co-invented an NFC-based system that allows users to tap their credit card on their phone to automatically capture payment information, combining physical card security with digital convenience.

Impact

Patent-pending innovation (US Patent Application) that streamlined payment onboarding while maintaining security standards required for financial transactions.

Innovation Process

Problem Definition

Understanding the fundamental challenges with existing payment onboarding methods.

  • High drop-off during payment setup in new user flow
  • Manual card entry prone to errors and abandonment
  • Existing solutions (Apple Pay, Google Pay) had limited adoption
  • Need for universal solution that works with any credit card

Technical Research

Deep dive into the technical possibilities and constraints of NFC technology.

  • Investigated NFC capabilities and limitations
  • Security requirements for payment information handling
  • User experience patterns for novel interaction methods
  • Technical feasibility with engineering team

Design Innovation

Creating intuitive interactions for a completely new payment paradigm.

  • Intuitive tap interaction that mimics contactless payments
  • Clear visual and haptic feedback for successful card reading
  • Error handling for cards that don't support NFC reading
  • Seamless integration with existing payment flow

Collaboration

Working across multiple disciplines to bring this innovation to life.

  • Worked closely with payments engineering team
  • Coordinated with legal team on patent application process
  • User tested prototypes to validate interaction patterns
  • Designed for accessibility and universal usability

Results & Reflection

Innovation Impact

USPTO
Patent application filed (pending approval)
Demonstrated
Lyft's commitment to payment innovation
Created
Framework for future NFC-based features
Established
New interaction pattern for mobile payments

Key Learnings

  • Innovation often comes from combining existing technologies in new ways
  • User testing is crucial for novel interaction patterns
  • Patent process requires detailed documentation of design decisions
  • Security and usability can be balanced with thoughtful design

Patent Status

This innovative payment system has been filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office as a patent application. The design methodology and technical approach demonstrate the intersection of user experience design and payment technology innovation.

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