Kotak 811
A strategic design solution for enhanced user experience and engagement
Kotak Mahindra Bank is one of India’s leading private sector banks, established in 1985. In 2017, the bank launched Kotak 811, a digital savings account initiative named after India’s demonetization date, 8/11. Designed to encourage financial inclusion, the offering provided a completely digital onboarding experience with zero balance requirements, aiming to reach a younger, mobile-first demographic.
Brief
The objective was twofold: to simplify the customer acquisition journey and to elevate the overall digital banking experience for a wider, more digitally native audience.
Challenge
Despite being a forward-thinking initiative, the process of opening a digital bank account remained tedious and technical. User drop-offs were common, often due to minor information mismatches or verification errors, issues that weren’t always within the bank’s control. The key challenge was to make the experience feel intuitive, lighter, and more human, while also simplifying the presentation of complex, compliance-heavy information in a way that built trust and encouraged completion.
Solution
We developed over 100 digital assets that helped define the visual identity system for Kotak 811. This included a warm, modern UI design across web and app, a unified iconography system using universally recognisable symbols, and the integration of soft 3D visuals to create a sense of approachability. Debit cards were reimagined as sleek, digitally rendered 3D visuals to appeal to a neo-banking audience, while subtle UI motion and micro-interactions were used to enhance engagement and ease of navigation. The entire experience was designed to reflect the brand’s legacy while meeting the expectations of today’s digital-first users.
