In the dynamic world of technology, design is more than just creating appealing visuals—it’s about crafting user experiences that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Ariyibi, a Senior Product Designer with a track record of transforming industries, has brought this philosophy to life in healthcare, digital music streaming, and fintech.
Who is Kayode Ariyibi?
Kayode Ariyibi’s journey into the world of design began most organically—through curiosity and a passion for creating. As a teenager, Kayode spent countless hours teaching himself design and coding, simply for the fun of it. What started as a hobby quickly turned into something more when his work caught the eye of a neighbour who was impressed by the quality and creativity.
Recognizing his potential, Kayode was invited to interview for an entry-level graphic designer position. That opportunity marked Kayode’s official entry into the labour market, where he quickly proved that his self-taught skills were more than just a hobby—they were the foundation of a promising career.
Building on that early experience, Kayode committed himself to continuous learning and self-improvement. The relentless pursuit of knowledge and growth has been a constant throughout Kayode’s career, driving him to excel in every role he’s taken on.
Revolutionising Healthcare with Helium Health
Ariyibi’s journey into the healthcare sector began with Helium Health, a pioneering health tech company aimed at digitizing healthcare across Africa and beyond. This motivation stems from experiencing the impact of the difference between healthcare in Developed Countries and Africa, which resulted in losing his mother at the age of 14, 7 months after she moved back to live in Nigeria.
His work on HeliumOS, a comprehensive electronic medical records (EMR) system, has been nothing short of transformative. HeliumOS enables healthcare facilities to manage everything from patient records to billing and financing, streamlining operations and significantly improving care delivery.
“Designing for healthcare is not just about creating functional interfaces,” Ariyibi explains. “It’s about understanding the needs of healthcare professionals and patients and developing solutions that enhance the overall care experience, which can be a great determinant between life and death for patients.”
Another of Ariyibi’s standout achievements at Helium Health was his work on HeliumCredit, a product that enables healthcare providers to access critical funds for medical supplies and equipment.
By improving its loan decision-making process through design, Ariyibi significantly reduced the time required to evaluate loan applications, increasing the total disbursement value by an impressive 186% in 2023.
His commitment to social impact is evident in his work on the Antenatal Risk Assessment system, an innovative tool that stratifies pregnant women into risk categories. This tool, which assesses thousands of pregnant women, ensures that high-risk pregnancies receive the attention they need, contributing to improved maternal health outcomes.
Pioneering Growth in Digital Music Streaming at Boomplay
Before his impactful work in healthcare, early on in his career, Ariyibi made waves in the digital music industry with Boomplay, a leading music streaming platform in Africa.
When Ariyibi joined Boomplay in 2017, the platform was undergoing a critical rebranding phase from BoomPlayer to Boomplay. His role was pivotal in seamlessly integrating the new branding and design direction across all traditional and digital marketing communications.
Reflecting on this experience, Ariyibi notes, “Rebranding isn’t just about updating visuals; it’s about transforming a brand’s narrative to resonate more deeply with its audience. For Boomplay, the goal was to connect with the cultural pulse of Africa.”
Ariyibi was responsible for designing marketing campaigns aimed at retaining Boomplay’s existing user base of over 6 million and driving significant app installations. His efforts contributed to a dramatic increase in users—from 6 million to over 16 million in just over a year.
His campaigns were particularly effective, driving app installations from 1 million in January 2016 to over 10 million by June 2018.
“My design philosophy has always been centred around creating user experiences that are not only visually compelling but also deeply engaging,” He explains. “At Boomplay, this meant designing campaigns that resonated with the diverse needs and tastes of African music lovers.”
Innovating in Fintech: Transforming Digital Banking
In addition to his achievements in healthcare and digital music, Ariyibi has made significant contributions to the fintech industry, particularly in advancing financial inclusion in Nigeria. His work with Moneymaster PSB, a subsidiary of Glo, Nigeria’s second-largest telecom company, stands out as a critical effort in bridging the financial access gap in underserved regions.
Ariyibi designed the Moneymaster’s personal and corporate Internet banking applications across mobile and web platforms. The personal banking mobile app, Gkala, was particularly innovative, allowing users to manage their finances solely through a registered Nigerian mobile number.
This approach, which leveraged the Nigeria Communications Commission’s directive linking mobile numbers to National Identification Numbers (NINs) and Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), played a crucial role in extending banking services to rural and underserved areas.
Ariyibi’s fintech expertise also extends to his work with other notable financial institutions. At Interswitch Group, he designed personal and corporate banking applications for several prestigious banks, including MoneyMaster, First Bank of Nigeria, and First Atlantic Bank, Ghana. His work catered to an extensive user base of millions, facilitating millions of transactions daily.
“Fintech is all about trust and efficiency,” He remarks. “Users need to feel confident that their transactions are secure, and that the app they’re using is intuitive and reliable. My goal has always been to design solutions that not only meet these needs but exceed them.”
Looking Ahead
As Ariyibi continues to explore new challenges in the world of product design, his legacy at Helium Health, Boomplay, and in fintech stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful, user-centric design. His work not only enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare, music streaming, and digital banking but also underscored the profound social impact that design can achieve.
“In the end, great design is about empathy,” says Ariyibi. “It’s about understanding the user’s journey and creating experiences that truly resonate with them.”
Ariyibi’s story is one of dedication, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether in healthcare, digital music, or fintech, his achievements highlight the critical role that design plays in shaping the future. As he continues to break new ground, he remains a shining example of how design can be a force for impact in the world.
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