Colu's City Currency:
Designing Local Digital Economies
Launched in 2017, Colu provides cities with a technological solution to incentivize local spending and civic engagement through a digital municipal currency. At its core, Colu's platform enables citizens to make payments, get rewarded for supporting local businesses, and drive positive impact within their communities.
As the lead product designer, I spearheaded the integration of the city currency concept into Colu's existing community app for Tel Aviv. In close collaboration with city partners like Belfast, my role involved conducting user research, workshopping localized reward campaigns, and deeply understanding each city's unique goals and pain points.
What is Colu’s city currency?
A digital municipal currency is a city-specific payment system designed to boost local economies and foster civic engagement. Unlike traditional money, it ensures funds stay within the city, supporting local businesses and strengthening community connections. Colu’s city currency empowers residents to pay for anything, anytime, anywhere—while driving a positive impact by keeping the economic flow within the city.
Wallet App
Home Screen
The Colu Wallet app is designed to seamlessly integrate local spending and community engagement. At the top, users are greeted by name and can easily track their balance of traditional currency and city coins. A convenient top-up option in the header makes adding funds quick and simple.
Payments are just a tap away using the prominent green button, ensuring effortless transactions. Businesses are displayed based on proximity, encouraging users to discover and support nearby local vendors.
With a scrollable interface, users can explore campaigns, deals, and ways to earn more city coins, all while contributing to their city’s economic and social vitality.
Rewards
Innovative design solutions were implemented, introducing card-based 'punch card' interfaces that tap into users' drive to complete rewards. The app was transitioned to an endless scrolling experience, creating a more exploratory and engaging way to browse local offers and incentives. The digital wallet and personalized reward cards were prominently featured on user home screens, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience.
Case Study:
Belfast
Goal: Encourage a healthier lifestyle in Belfast while supporting local businesses in the city center.
Challenge: Motivate citizens to engage with health-focused local shops, such as gyms and yoga studios, while driving economic activity downtown.
Solution: Developed a reward system offering extra Colu city currency for visiting 10 local health shops, incentivizing citizens to adopt healthier habits.
Outcome: Increased foot traffic to local businesses, strengthened the downtown economy, and fostered a community-driven approach to wellness.
Encouraging Social Responsibility
Belfast’s initiative incentivized community impact through a vibrant, progress-based reward system. Citizens earned city coins for social activities, such as volunteering, with each completed task filling a punch card-style tracker. This engaging design gamified social responsibility, motivating citizens to contribute to their community while fostering a sense of achievement.