Smart business spending solution
Smart business spending solution
Smart business spending solution
How Digital Transformation Reduced Manual Financial Work by 75%
How Digital Transformation Reduced Manual Financial Work by 75%
How Digital Transformation Reduced Manual Financial Work by 75%
Fin-tech
Web
Pre beta-Release
TrustBill is a B2B SaaS expense tool for SMEs, combining a simple app for employees to log expenses and a live dashboard for admins to track and manage company spending in real time.
TrustBill is a B2B SaaS expense tool for SMEs, combining a simple app for employees to log expenses and a live dashboard for admins to track and manage company spending in real time.
TrustBill is a B2B SaaS expense tool for SMEs, combining a simple app for employees to log expenses and a live dashboard for admins to track and manage company spending in real time.
My role
My role
Product designer & manager
Product designer & manager
Timeline
Timeline
8 Months (4/2021)
8 Months (4/2021)
Team
Team
12
12
The story behind
The story behind
The story behind
The Spark That Started It All
The Spark That Started It All
The Spark That Started It All
How did it started?
How did it started?
How did it started?
It was at the first of October 2020, when I joined TrustBill team as a junior product designer -yes, product, not a UI/UX- to help shape a vision Farouk -the founder- got in mind, out of his own need as a business owner of multiple brands, to track all his business expenses by his own hands, without having to ask for it, stare at complicated excel sheets, or worst, a bunch of papers.
It was at the first of October 2020, when I joined TrustBill team as a junior product designer -yes, product, not a UI/UX- to help shape a vision Farouk -the founder- got in mind, out of his own need as a business owner of multiple brands, to track all his business expenses by his own hands, without having to ask for it, stare at complicated excel sheets, or worst, a bunch of papers.
It was at the first of October 2020, when I joined TrustBill team as a junior product designer -yes, product, not a UI/UX- to help shape a vision Farouk -the founder- got in mind, out of his own need as a business owner of multiple brands, to track all his business expenses by his own hands, without having to ask for it, stare at complicated excel sheets, or worst, a bunch of papers.
Tarbeeta?
Tarbeeta?
Tarbeeta?
At first, we called it Tarbeeta—an Arabic name that reflects the idea of “linking.” The name captured our vision: a product that connects financial stakeholders through a single source of financial truth. Alongside my friend and product manager, Osama Bilal, and a few brilliant engineers—Ahmed, Abdelbaset, and Shawky—plus Farouk, our founder, we began drafting the first version of Tarbeeta. Back then, it was just a simple expense recording tool.
At first, we called it Tarbeeta—an Arabic name that reflects the idea of “linking.” The name captured our vision: a product that connects financial stakeholders through a single source of financial truth. Alongside my friend and product manager, Osama Bilal, and a few brilliant engineers—Ahmed, Abdelbaset, and Shawky—plus Farouk, our founder, we began drafting the first version of Tarbeeta. Back then, it was just a simple expense recording tool.
At first, we called it Tarbeeta—an Arabic name that reflects the idea of “linking.” The name captured our vision: a product that connects financial stakeholders through a single source of financial truth. Alongside my friend and product manager, Osama Bilal, and a few brilliant engineers—Ahmed, Abdelbaset, and Shawky—plus Farouk, our founder, we began drafting the first version of Tarbeeta. Back then, it was just a simple expense recording tool.
Project summary
Project summary
Project summary
From challenge to impact: A focused look at the problem, process, solution, and results.
From challenge to impact: A focused look at the problem, process, solution, and results.
From challenge to impact:
A focused look at the problem, process, solution, and results.
User’s Problem
User’s Problem
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often find it tough to stay on top of their finances. Whether it’s the CEO, CFO, or the finance team, they’re constantly battling scattered tools, manual processes, and systems that just aren’t built for their scale. That leads to messy records, poor visibility, and a lot of wasted time. And in fast-moving environments—where every penny and every minute counts—that kind of friction makes it harder to make smart, timely decisions.
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often find it tough to stay on top of their finances. Whether it’s the CEO, CFO, or the finance team, they’re constantly battling scattered tools, manual processes, and systems that just aren’t built for their scale. That leads to messy records, poor visibility, and a lot of wasted time. And in fast-moving environments—where every penny and every minute counts—that kind of friction makes it harder to make smart, timely decisions.
Design challenge
Design challenge
The core challenge was designing a smooth, intuitive experience for non-tech-savvy users, while also building a feature set that could serve both ends of the spectrum: CEOs who just want a quick, high-level financial snapshot, and finance teams who need deep control and detail.
But if I’m being real, the biggest push came from the personal side. I was still a junior designer, working solo, and was suddenly responsible for designing a full-on financial system. No backup, no safety net. I had to connect every dot, close every logic gap, and make sure what I was building wasn’t just usable—but genuinely valuable. And I had to do it all while making the experience feel effortless for the people using it.
The core challenge was designing a smooth, intuitive experience for non-tech-savvy users, while also building a feature set that could serve both ends of the spectrum: CEOs who just want a quick, high-level financial snapshot, and finance teams who need deep control and detail.
But if I’m being real, the biggest push came from the personal side. I was still a junior designer, working solo, and was suddenly responsible for designing a full-on financial system. No backup, no safety net. I had to connect every dot, close every logic gap, and make sure what I was building wasn’t just usable—but genuinely valuable. And I had to do it all while making the experience feel effortless for the people using it.
Our solution
Our solution
We designed a simple, minimal mobile app that lets employees log their expenses on the go—right when they happen. Each entry syncs instantly to the cloud and connects with a powerful admin dashboard we built alongside it.
On the admin side, finance teams get full visibility and control. They can track every business expense in real-time, filter by date, employee, category, amount, source, or reason—everything they need, all in one place, and without the usual hassle.
We designed a simple, minimal mobile app that lets employees log their expenses on the go—right when they happen. Each entry syncs instantly to the cloud and connects with a powerful admin dashboard we built alongside it.
On the admin side, finance teams get full visibility and control. They can track every business expense in real-time, filter by date, employee, category, amount, source, or reason—everything they need, all in one place, and without the usual hassle.
Current solution
Most SMBs still run their finances using a mix of Excel, Google Sheets, pen and paper, and basic accounting software—tools that were never meant to work together. While these familiar solutions may have gotten them off the ground, they’re now a patchwork of manual tasks, disconnected data, and limited automation. This setup slows down collaboration, creates blind spots in financial visibility, and makes it harder for teams to act quickly or strategically when it matters most.
Execution Process
Given the challenges we were dealing with, the whole process had to be customized to fit both the goal and the context. That meant tweaking everything—from the design process itself, to the tools we used, the way we did research, even the roles within the team. Nothing was off the shelf.
We kicked things off with a simple, scrappy flow: Design → Test → Iterate → Develop. To validate our early ideas, we shared a pre-alpha version with a few internal users—an accountant, an account manager, and a couple of branch managers. Their feedback gave us the first real sense of direction.
Once the MVP was locked in, we shifted gears into discovery mode. We added tracking tools, started running user interviews, and tested new ideas as we built—keeping the process flexible and grounded in actual user needs, not assumptions.
Current solution
Most SMBs still run their finances using a mix of Excel, Google Sheets, pen and paper, and basic accounting software—tools that were never meant to work together. While these familiar solutions may have gotten them off the ground, they’re now a patchwork of manual tasks, disconnected data, and limited automation. This setup slows down collaboration, creates blind spots in financial visibility, and makes it harder for teams to act quickly or strategically when it matters most.
Execution Process
Given the challenges we were dealing with, the whole process had to be customized to fit both the goal and the context. That meant tweaking everything—from the design process itself, to the tools we used, the way we did research, even the roles within the team. Nothing was off the shelf.
We kicked things off with a simple, scrappy flow: Design → Test → Iterate → Develop. To validate our early ideas, we shared a pre-alpha version with a few internal users—an accountant, an account manager, and a couple of branch managers. Their feedback gave us the first real sense of direction.
Once the MVP was locked in, we shifted gears into discovery mode. We added tracking tools, started running user interviews, and tested new ideas as we built—keeping the process flexible and grounded in actual user needs, not assumptions.
Solution Values
Solution Values
Real-time financial tracking
Real-time financial tracking
Reduced admin workload
Reduced admin workload
Easier audits and compliance
Easier audits and compliance
Clearer spending insights
Clearer spending insights
Boosted morale and productivity
Boosted morale and productivity
Better fraud and error detection
Better fraud and error detection
Numbers speaks
98.9%
less time to log expenses
75%
Less manual fin. team work
80%
Reduction errors and fraudulent entries
Numbers speaks
98.9%
less time to log expenses
75%
Less manual fin. team work
80%
Reduction errors and fraudulent entries
PS: These numbers are hypothetical & approximate based on studies, assumptions, and user reviews before and after the alfa release.
PS: These numbers are hypothetical & approximate based on studies, assumptions, and user reviews before and after the alfa release.
Tools & Practices
Tools & Practices
Tools & Practices
Blending design and product management, I led with vision and strategy—gaining confidence to explore, experiment, and learn fast.
Blending design and product management, I led with vision and strategy—gaining confidence to explore, experiment, and learn fast.
Blending design and product management, I led with vision and strategy—gaining confidence to explore, experiment, and learn fast.
Tools
Over my 2+ years at TrustBill, I used a wide range of tools—many of them new to me. Tools like Adobe XD and Figma supported the design work, while Roam Research and Notion helped me capture and organize ideas. For mapping and diagrams, I relied on X-Mind and Whimsical, and when it came to research, I used Mixpanel for event tracking and Hotjar to observe user behavior through session recordings.
Roam research
Hotjar
Adobe XD
Whimsical
Jira
Notion
Mixpanel
Figma
X-Mind
Slack
Practices
The practices I followed blended design, research, and product management. On the design side, I focused on efficiency by using component-based systems and adopting a tech-friendly front-end framework to streamline execution. At the same time, I leaned on research methods like surveys, user interviews, and usability testing to ensure that every design decision was grounded in real user insights.
User interviews
Surveys
Card sorting
Persona
Usability testing
Value proposition
Backlog refinement
Sprint planning
Prioritization
Tools
Over my 2+ years at TrustBill, I used a wide range of tools—many of them new to me. Tools like Adobe XD and Figma supported the design work, while Roam Research and Notion helped me capture and organize ideas. For mapping and diagrams, I relied on X-Mind and Whimsical, and when it came to research, I used Mixpanel for event tracking and Hotjar to observe user behavior through session recordings.
Roam research
Hotjar
Adobe XD
Whimsical
Jira
Notion
Mixpanel
Figma
X-Mind
Slack
Practices
The practices I followed blended design, research, and product management. On the design side, I focused on efficiency by using component-based systems and adopting a tech-friendly front-end framework to streamline execution. At the same time, I leaned on research methods like surveys, user interviews, and usability testing to ensure that every design decision was grounded in real user insights.
User interviews
Surveys
Card sorting
Persona
Usability testing
Value proposition
Backlog refinement
Sprint planning
Prioritization
Visuals
Visuals
Visuals
With no prior experience, I shaped both design and product at TrustBill—using Tailwind, basic brand guidelines, and close team collaboration. With Aya’s branding support, we brought the product to life.
With no prior experience, I shaped both design and product at TrustBill—using Tailwind, basic brand guidelines, and close team collaboration. With Aya’s branding support, we brought the product to life.
With no prior experience, I shaped both design and product at TrustBill—using Tailwind, basic brand guidelines, and close team collaboration. With Aya’s branding support, we brought the product to life.
Dashboard
Dashboard
Here where the super admin can get an overview of all his company’s expenses lively, as well as approving certain expenses and 3ohdas.
Designing this dashboard for the admins was a try to give as much data as we can, within the smallest view possible. Giving the admin to get to the key updates quickly, including employees accounts balances and more.
Here where the super admin can get an overview of all his company’s expenses lively, as well as approving certain expenses and 3ohdas.
Designing this dashboard for the admins was a try to give as much data as we can, within the smallest view possible. Giving the admin to get to the key updates quickly, including employees accounts balances and more.
Dashboard
Here where the super admin can get an overview of all his company’s expenses lively, as well as approving certain expenses and 3ohdas.
Designing this dashboard for the admins was a try to give as much data as we can, within the smallest view possible. Giving the admin to get to the key updates quickly, including employees accounts balances and more.
Expense request
Expense
request
Here where the employee can submit a new expense request for the financial manager to approve. This is for the use case where the expense amount is bigger than a certain internally pre-defined amount.
Expense record
Expense
record
Here where the employee can submit a new expense request for the financial manager to approve. This is for the use case where the expense amount is bigger than a certain internally pre-defined amount.
Expense request
Here where the employee can submit a new expense request for the financial manager to approve. This is for the use case where the expense amount is bigger than a certain internally pre-defined amount.
Expense record
Here where the employee can submit a new expense request for the financial manager to approve. This is for the use case where the expense amount is bigger than a certain internally pre-defined amount.
Helicopter
Overview
HelicopterOverview
This view meant to be for the company high-level managers like CEOs and CFOs to get a simple live tracking and visibility over each penny, aiming to answer some basic tho critical questions, which is knowing where each penny has been spent, when, how much and by whom.
This view meant to be for the company high-level managers like CEOs and CFOs to get a simple live tracking and visibility over each penny, aiming to answer some basic tho critical questions, which is knowing where each penny has been spent, when, how much and by whom.
HelicopterOverview
This view meant to be for the company high-level managers like CEOs and CFOs to get a simple live tracking and visibility over each penny, aiming to answer some basic tho critical questions, which is knowing where each penny has been spent, when, how much and by whom.
Other screens
Other screens
Other screens
Over 300 screen calculating each and every case scenario, which considering product complicity and the views conditions for different end users.
Over 300 screen calculating each and every case scenario, which considering product complicity and the views conditions for different end users.
Over 300 screen calculating each and every case scenario, which considering product complicity and the views conditions for different end users.
Learnings
Learnings
Learnings
Reflections, takeaways, and what I’d do differently.
Reflections, takeaways, and what I’d do differently.
Reflections, takeaways, and what I’d do differently.
What did I learn?
What did I learn?
What did I learn?
What did I learn? Mmm… a lot, actually. It felt like planting a seed that kept blossoming at every stage of my career. I learned how to do research, how to truly listen to users and make them my strongest ally in an ever-changing world. I learned how to turn complex problems into simple, seamless flows.
I also dove into the science of data — and TrustBill was an ocean of it. As Farouk, my manager, always said: “Data is power.” In B2B and Fintech, the more insights we provide to businesses about their own operations, the more value our users get — and ultimately, the more value we gain.
Beyond the technical side, I grew in other ways too. I learned how to work cross-functionally, how to navigate different mindsets, and how to strike a balance — being kind and soft when needed, yet sharp and tough when it counts.
Massive thanks to Farouk the founder, Osama the product manager, Kareem the engineer, and Aya the graphic designer — each of them left an incredible, unforgettable mark on my journey.
What did I learn? Mmm… a lot, actually. It felt like planting a seed that kept blossoming at every stage of my career. I learned how to do research, how to truly listen to users and make them my strongest ally in an ever-changing world. I learned how to turn complex problems into simple, seamless flows.
I also dove into the science of data — and TrustBill was an ocean of it. As Farouk, my manager, always said: “Data is power.” In B2B and Fintech, the more insights we provide to businesses about their own operations, the more value our users get — and ultimately, the more value we gain.
Beyond the technical side, I grew in other ways too. I learned how to work cross-functionally, how to navigate different mindsets, and how to strike a balance — being kind and soft when needed, yet sharp and tough when it counts.
Massive thanks to Farouk the founder, Osama the product manager, Kareem the engineer, and Aya the graphic designer — each of them left an incredible, unforgettable mark on my journey.
What went well?
What went well?
What went well?
Having an MVP ready to use within just 4 months-before the AI wave :)-, meeting and onboarding 5 beta users, including Breadfast, Jackardina and Chickin Worx. Having ongoing retros with my team, and 1:1 meetings regularly to check on the personal and professional level. Interact with real big clients, explore their use cases, solve their problems, and study their requests and ideas.
Having an MVP ready to use within just 4 months-before the AI wave :)-, meeting and onboarding 5 beta users, including Breadfast, Jackardina and Chickin Worx. Having ongoing retros with my team, and 1:1 meetings regularly to check on the personal and professional level. Interact with real big clients, explore their use cases, solve their problems, and study their requests and ideas.
What could be improved?
What could be improved?
What could be improved?
Looking at this now as a Sr. product designer, a lot that could be better. But back then, and as I can recall, the way I was dealing with my team, it could be better. Also, I could pay more attention to some flows like the 3ohda ones, and integrating it with the documentation and the safe in a smarter way. Lastly, I could benefit much from visual feeding and benchmarking, which is a tip I learned later.
Looking at this now as a Sr. product designer, a lot that could be better. But back then, and as I can recall, the way I was dealing with my team, it could be better. Also, I could pay more attention to some flows like the 3ohda ones, and integrating it with the documentation and the safe in a smarter way. Lastly, I could benefit much from visual feeding and benchmarking, which is a tip I learned later.
Keep Exploring
Keep Exploring
Keep Exploring
More projects, more perspective—see what else is shaping the way I design.
More projects, more perspective—see what else is shaping the way I design.
More projects, more perspective—see what else is shaping the way I design.
Lets Talk!
Send me a message describe what is in your mind, I'll get back to you ASAP. See you soon!
Lets Talk!
Send me a message describe what is in your mind, I'll get back to you ASAP. See you soon!
LET'S CONNECT
I collaborate with ambitious teams and founders around the world to craft digital experiences that connect, engage, and drive real impact.
Let’s talk if you’re building something meaningful.
LET'S CONNECT
I collaborate with ambitious teams and founders around the world to craft digital experiences that connect, engage, and drive real impact.
Let’s talk if you’re building something meaningful.
LET'S CONNECT
I collaborate with ambitious teams and founders around the world to craft digital experiences that connect, engage, and drive real impact.
Let’s talk if you’re building something meaningful.
