Client
  • Tangem Smart Notes
Design Tools
  • Sketch
  • Affinity Photo
  • Affinity Designer
  • Affinity Publisher
  • Procreate
  • Notability (digital notebook)
Deliverables
  • Branding
  • Design
  • UX

Redefining Currency for the Digital Age

Tangem set out to merge the familiarity of physical currency with the innovations of cryptocurrency. The objective was to design a physical crypto wallet that is both secure and user-friendly, combining advanced technology with a seamless user experience.

Four illustrated cryptocurrency cards featuring birds: XRP (blue), BCH (orange), BTC (yellow), and ETH (green).

Customer-Centered Design

Our audience was diverse—ranging from blockchain aficionados to those just dipping their toes into the crypto world. The design needed to strike a balance between being approachable and technically robust.

Two men are seated and conversing in a cozy coffee shop. One is using a laptop while the other holds a cup. Additional patrons and a barista are visible in the background.

Colors & Moodboard

PANTONE 429 C

#a2aaad

PANTONE 427 C

#c62a41

PANTONE 2955 C

#003865

Typography

Abril

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Questrial

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Crafting the Experience

Inspired by the intricate designs of traditional currency, elements like bird illustrations and guilloche patterns were integrated into the project.

These design choices added a touch of elegance while evoking a sense of trust and security. The exposed NFC chip and wiring, juxtaposed with natural imagery, created a balanced blend of technology and nature.

A collage including a camo-patterned luggage, geometric black and white designs, golden geometric shapes on black, a hand holding a patterned sheet, green lines, and blue waveform lines.
Image of various banknotes from different countries, including a 20-dollar bill, 10-kronor note, and other denominations featuring diverse designs, colors, and images.
Colorful Tangem Bitcoin (BTC) hardware wallet with a red, blue, yellow, and white patterned background.
A Tangem BTC card is partially obscured by a red and blue striped digital pattern. The card has the Tangem logo and wireless symbol.
A yellow Tangem card with a BTC logo and a pixelated design at the bottom, indicating it is a Bitcoin hardware wallet.
A blue card with illustrations of fish and white flowers. The text
Image of a Tangem card featuring a wireless signal icon, the Tangem logo, and the letters
A colorful Tangem card design with a red and orange abstract pattern and the word
Illustration of a flamingo on a patterned background, featuring a bold

Final Direction

The design aimed to give each note a unique personality, accentuated by the exposed wiring and embedded NFC chip.

The sleek aesthetic, featuring bird illustrations and natural textures like fish scales, highlights the contrast between the old and new. This combination results in a striking visual tension that embodies the blend of nature and technology.

Illustration of a perched barn owl, showing its side profile with detailed lines depicting feathers and facial features. The owl has a heart-shaped face and speckled chest.
A detailed black and white line drawing of a small bird with a crest on its head, facing left.
An illustration of a bird, likely a cardinal, with detailed lines. The bird is standing on the ground, facing right. It has a distinctive crest on its head.

Blending Nature and Technology in Design

The multi-layered design bridges the gap between a love for nature and cutting-edge technology, creating a compelling narrative:

  • Layer 1: Features bird illustrations, a currency ID, and color coding for easy identification.
  • Layer 2: Displays a transparent card with an NFC chip and visible wiring, adding a modern touch.
  • Layer 3: The background includes a bird’s shadow, a budding tea tree, company details, and a card number, seamlessly tying all elements together.

Each design layer was thoughtfully crafted to complement the exposed technology within the transparent card, resulting in a cohesive and visually appealing product.

Two overlapping cards featuring a bird illustration on a patterned background, with one card showing a blue accent at the bottom.
A stack of rectangular objects featuring various designs, including a stylized owl illustration on the top item.
An illustration of a bird next to a pattern and a small NFC chip. Text reads:
A Tangem card with a patterned black and green background featuring a bamboo design, a small chip on the right, and a yellow section at the bottom displaying a number and link.

Crafting the Tangem Wallet: Layers and Visual Elements

The design process incorporated elements rooted in both history and innovation. The guilloche, a decorative pattern often found on banknotes and passports, was used to enhance the card’s security and aesthetic value.

This pattern dates back to 1775 and was traditionally used to prevent counterfeiting while adding artistic detail. By incorporating such timeless designs, the Tangem wallet connects the legacy of traditional currency with the future of digital assets.

Three round illustrations with abstract patterns: one with flying birds, one with a bird drawing, and one with the text
A card with a BTC label, featuring an owl illustration and a wave-like background pattern. The card has a small square chip visible on the left side.
A decorated card with a bird illustration on a patterned background, labeled