Activation redesign
Streamlining giffgaff’s SIM activation journey to improve user experience, drive activations, and improve revenue growth.
Role:
Lead Content Designer
Team:
Member Acquisition
Skills:
User Research, Interaction Design, Content Strategy & Testing
Situation
The SIM activation journey had become a friction point, especially for users trying to activate a SIM with a voucher. The process was outdated and didn’t align with current UX trends.
Task
My goal was to simplify the activation process and improve the user experience using UX and content design best practices. As the Lead Content Designer, I aimed to demonstrate the value of content design beyond just words by focusing on user-centred improvements.
Action
Understanding the problem
I collaborated with the Lead Product Designer to analyse data and identify where the friction points were.
We found that a significant percentage of users dropped off at the account creation or login stage.
I conducted user testing to explore why users were unclear about the process.
Key issues identified:
Too many choices
Unclear language
Difficulty with account creation
Team alignment
Working with the Product Manager, we presented our findings to senior stakeholders.
We discussed whether to overhaul the entire activation flow or focus on specific improvements, considering technical challenges, time, and resources.
The Product Designer and I mapped out six key scenarios, primarily focusing on a user activating a SIM with a plan and then offering an upsell product based on their specific scenario.
Journey improvements
We simplified the SIM activation process, focusing on the primary objective of activating a SIM with a plan.
We reduced the number of choices users had to make and aligned the content with user expectations and market terminology.
We introduced an upsell service once the SIM was activated, providing clear context on why users might want to add credit.
Content and design iteration
We adopted a mobile-first approach based on the direction of the data and UX strategy.
I used conversational design to craft the content, which matched giffgaff’s brand tone of voice.
I simplified the language by replacing branded terms like "goodybag" with clearer terms such as "plan" and "SIM-only plan."
I introduced support messaging that guided users and validated their choices throughout the process.
Missed opportunity
I noticed that users were receiving up to five emails in the current activation flow.
Working with the communications team, we simplified and aligned the email content with the new activation flow, further improving the user experience.
Results
6% increase in SIM activations, adding approximately £665,000 to annual revenue.
3% increase in top-ups after activation, generating an extra £144,000 in annual revenue.
Fewer support calls from users needing help with the activation process or purchasing the wrong product.
Design process