In a world rapidly going cashless, service workers who rely on tips are being left behind. THNX is a digital tipping device that reimagines how people show appreciation—offering a seamless, intuitive, and portable way to tip without cash. I led the end-to-end UX process, blending industrial and digital product design to create a connected, scalable solution. This project not only solves a user pain point—it also legitimizes tipping in informal contexts, supporting transparency and income stability for workers.

Service workers—like bartenders, valets, and street performers—are increasingly missing out on tips due to the inconvenience of cash. Traditional tip jars no longer align with modern payment behaviors, and there was no simple, universal way to tip digitally in person. This project aimed to create a frictionless experience for both tippers and recipients.

THNX is a user-friendly device that accepts NFC (Apple Pay, Google Pay), chip card, or touch payments. Users simply spin the dial to select the tip amount and tap to pay. Workers can track and split their earnings via an associated app. The design prioritizes accessibility, quick interaction, and portability—all rooted in real user needs.

I led the end-to-end product design process, from ethnographic research and sketch ideation to prototyping, 3D modeling, and physical testing. I engaged real users—service workers and tippers—to refine usability and physical ergonomics. The final solution emerged from a deep understanding of user workflows, accessibility needs, and contextual behavior.

UX/UI Highlights include Interaction Design: A tactile selection wheel creates a familiar, game-like engagement for selecting tip amounts. Interface Design: The minimal digital display communicates clearly and adapts for various payment scenarios. User Research: Early field interviews and observational studies shaped both the physical form and interaction patterns. Prototyping & Testing: Low-fidelity sketch models and high-fidelity 3D prints were tested and iterated with user feedback.

THNX was awarded 1st place at Startup Weekend, validating the design’s feasibility and user appeal. It successfully bridges industrial and UX design by addressing both form and function—creating a scalable solution for real-world service environments.

This project exemplifies my ability to translate user insight into product interaction, blending physical and digital UX. As I shift into UX/UI roles, this work highlights my strengths in human-centered design, rapid prototyping, and building systems that meet users where they are—skills that directly apply to digital product environments.

This project taught me how critical simplicity and clarity are in spontaneous-use products. It reinforced my belief that good UX doesn’t just reduce friction—it builds trust, creates delight, and solves real problems with elegance.