Problem & Goal
John Hancock sought to empower their agents with a tool to simplify and enhance conversations about retirement planning and investment strategies. The goal of the Retirement Elements tool was to help clients visualize how different strategies could grow their retirement portfolios.
The challenge was that corporate restrictions on agent devices—locked-down tablets and iPads with limited functionality—required the tool to be provisioned as a web application. To further complicate matters, agents often worked in areas with unreliable Wi-Fi or no data access. The project required:
- A web-based solution that functioned like a native app.
- Compatibility with older-generation devices.
- Translation of complex Excel-based financial calculations into clear, user-friendly visuals.
Solution & Process
- WebKit-Based Interactive Tool
- Developed a web application that mimicked the look and feel of a native app using WebKit technology.
- Built the tool to be fully cacheable on devices, ensuring agents could access and use it even in offline environments.
- Focused on optimizing performance for older-generation devices without compromising functionality or design integrity.
- Data Translation to Visual Simplicity
- Worked closely with John Hancock’s product and technical teams to translate complex Excel-based retirement projections into actionable specifications for developers.
- Designed a user interface that presented financial data in an intuitive, visually straightforward manner, making it easy for agents to explain retirement strategies to clients.
- Adaptable and Intuitive UI
- Focused on clean, responsive design elements that adapted seamlessly to different screen sizes and device capabilities.
- Leveraged user-centric design principles to prioritize clarity, ensuring that complex financial data was easily digestible for both agents and clients.
The Results
- Empowered Agents: The tool provided agents with a powerful, mobile-friendly solution, enabling them to sell retirement products effectively regardless of location or connectivity.
- Improved Client Understanding: Simplified visuals and interactive features helped clients grasp retirement strategies, enhancing trust and decision-making.
- Increased Sales Effectiveness: Agents gained a competitive edge with a tool that functioned smoothly in offline settings, turning technology challenges into strengths.
- Corporate Adaptation: Demonstrated a scalable and adaptable approach to solving enterprise technology constraints, setting the stage for future tools and enhancements.
Core Strengths Highlighted in This Case Study:
- Strategic Problem-Solving: Navigated corporate device limitations and connectivity challenges by creating a web-based app that worked offline.
- Data Visualization Expertise: Translated complex financial calculations into user-friendly visuals that enhanced understanding and trust.
- Creativity and Adaptability: Designed a tool optimized for older devices while maintaining a polished, app-like experience.
- UI Design Excellence: Delivered a responsive, intuitive interface that balanced functionality with simplicity.
