My role
UX Designer
Timeline
4 weeks
Core Problem
It might be difficult to keep track of every subscription, from Netflix to specialised newsletters. This is made easier by Subsync, which offers a single, visually appealing dashboard where users can view, control, and group all of their subscriptions, including those they share with friends or family.
Understanding Users
To understand real user challenges, I conducted a survey with 38 participants aged 18–34 who use at least 3 recurring digital subscriptions.
Key Findings
Most users rely on manual reminders or emails to track renewals.
Several reported missing payments even after receiving app notifications.
A growing number subscribe to free newsletters and waitlists, which clutter inboxes and go unnoticed.
Users want a single place to see all active subscriptions, their costs, and renewal dates.
63% said they share at least one subscription with a friend or family member but find managing payments confusing.
What does secondary data say?
A 2024 Statista report noted that an average user manages 12+ subscriptions across entertainment, utilities, and digital tools.
Statistical Analysis of Subscription Fatigue: A Growing Consumer Phenomenon a research paper from 2024 highlights, "managing multiple platforms, updating payment information, and keeping track of billing cycles may create frustration and a feeling of overwhelm".
Storyboarding
Drafting the problem statement
💡How can we give consumers a sense of control, clarity, and enjoyment while making it simple for them to track, organise, and share their subscriptions, both free and paid?
Competitive Audit
Drafting the user persona
Alex - The spreadsheet Survivor
Age: 28
Occupation: Product manager
Subscriptions: Productivity tools, storage plans, OTT, gym, 10+ SaaS tools
Behavior: Uses Excel + reminders, checks bank statements frequently
Goals
To know exactly where his monthly money is going.
To identify and remove unused or redundant subscriptions.
To stick to a monthly budget without surprise charges.
To get smart insights that help him save money long-term.
Challenges
Hidden or bundled subscriptions buried in old emails.
Difficulty remembering which subscription renews when.
Gets frustrated seeing multiple small payments add up unexpectedly.
Overwhelmed by manual tracking across bank statements and apps.
Behavior
Uses spreadsheets irregularly to track expenses.
Reads SMS alerts only when needed.
Subscribes to productivity and investment tools.
Reviews expenses mainly at month-end.
Needs
Automatic detection of subscriptions from SMS/email.
Recommendations to pause/cancel underused services.
Monthly summaries and projections.
A simple, reliable system that helps him stay accountable.
Tanya Kapoor - The Overwhelmed Tracker
Age: 22
Occupation: Design student
Subscriptions: OTT apps, Spotify, 15+ newsletters, multiple product waitlists
Behavior: Signs up quickly, rarely keeps track, inbox always cluttered
Goals
To view all her subscriptions in one simple, consolidated dashboard.
To avoid surprise renewals and unnecessary deductions.
To stay in control of monthly spending.
To experiment with new tools without the fear of forgetting to cancel trials.
Challenges
Misses auto-renewal dates because reminders are scattered.
Finds subscription cancellation processes confusing and time-consuming.
Doesn’t regularly check her bank statements.
Gets anxious when she realises money was deducted without her awareness.
Behavior
Saves trial expiry dates in Notes or Google Calendar.
Takes screenshots of subscription confirmations but rarely revisits them.
Joins many trials to test new tools and OTT platforms.
Prefers lightweight apps with minimal friction.
Needs
Clear, timely reminders before renewals.
A single place to track payments, billing cycles, and active subscriptions.
A simple cancellation workflow or guidance.
Visual summaries that reduce mental load.
Brainstorming Solutions
