Tax return made easy

Turning tax returns into an intuitive app through user research and gamification

Tax returns – the final boss of UX

For many people, filing a tax return is a tedious and confusing process. As a result, many forgo refunds they would actually be entitled to. Together with the app team at Wolters Kluwer, we developed Steuertipps – an app that lets users complete their tax return quickly, easily, and reliably, without paperwork or jargon.

Few topics call for an intuitive workflow as urgently as tax returns – so the project put a special focus on visual design and user research.

Wolters Kluwer

Wolters Kluwer is a global provider of professional information, software, and services for clinical and care staff, lawyers, tax advisors, and auditors, as well as for finance, auditing, regulatory, and compliance. With more than 180 years of experience, they support experts in confidently solving complex problems in an ever-changing world.

UX Research

UI Design

Gamification

Prototyping

Intuitive visual design

Time efficiency was an important aspect of developing the app. Users should get the highest possible refund with minimal effort. The interface guides users through every step of the process with clear instructions and an intuitive design.

Prototype 1 – testing the concept

Before turning to polished designs and exciting animations, we first had to test the basic concept. We wanted to gather feedback from users as early as possible to see whether everything worked the way we had envisioned.

Prototype 2 – first design drafts

Once we were confident the concept worked, we moved on to a first design draft. Which elements needed to stand out, and which should recede into the background? How could the design guide users through the process? We answered these questions in this step.

Prototype 3 – visual refinements

In prototype 3, we further developed all elements that had proven themselves after extensive testing of the previous version. This step was about giving the design its first real polish.

Prototype 4 – rebranding & first implemented version

In longer projects, it sometimes happens that a company gets a new look and the design has to be reworked. Most of the original design idea was preserved, though. So a final prototype – adapted to the new look – was built, and a first version was fully implemented.

The highest refunds at a glance

To ensure time efficiency, we developed a feature that uses differently sized "bubbles" to show users at a glance where they can get the most money refunded. This innovative approach makes it easy to identify exactly the areas with the highest potential refund.

Smart gamification

To lighten up the topic of taxes and make it more playful, we introduced a gamification element: a little helper called "Smarty" who supports users in navigating the app. For Smarty's concept, it was especially important that he appears exactly in the contexts where users need guidance and help.

Project outlook

Steuertipps is continuously developed and optimized based on user feedback, with new features added over time. With its intuitive user interface, clear and understandable help texts, and engaging gamification elements, Steuertipps is an ideal solution for anyone who wants to get the most out of their tax refund in the shortest possible time. The app is available for free on the App Store and Google Play.

To the Steuertipps app