CHARLES SCHWAB
RMD Center – Responsive Web Platform for Seniors
A self-service web experience designed for clients age 73+ to complete their Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) with clarity, compliance, and confidence. Built with responsive layouts to support accessibility and ease of use on desktop devices.
What was at stake?
Schwab’s aging clientele faced confusion and stress around their required IRS withdrawals. Our job wasn’t just clarity — it was confidence and peace of mind, backed by seamless digital tools.
TL;DR
Project: Charles Schwab RMD Center – Retirement planning dashboard for desktopGoal: Help clients aged 73+ understand and complete their IRS-mandated RMDs confidently and compliantly
Role: Led end-to-end UX design, collaborating across product, legal, dev, and accessibility teams
Tools: Figma, internal Schwab design system, stakeholder workshops, accessibility audits
Outcome: Platform used by over 1 million clients; improved clarity, reduced service center calls, and passed WCAG 2.1 AA
"Designing for trust was just as important as designing for usability. Every screen had to reassure older clients that their finances were safe, compliant, and in their control."
The responsive desktop version of the RMD Center, a user-friendly digital solution designed for clients aged 73 and older to manage their annual IRS obligation known as the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). The platform provides clients with their current RMD status, ensuring they satisfy their RMD by the end of the year.
After selecting the 'Schedule My Distribution' button, the client can start the process of satisfying their RMD by choosing one of the four available options. In this scenario, the client selects the second option.
This starts the three-step process. On the ‘Set Up’ page, clients choose the destination account, dollar amount, tax exclusions, and distribution schedule for their Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). A minimum amount is shown in this scenario, but clients have until the end of the year to complete their RMD.
The client can review their selections before they commit to the final step.
After the client submits their RMD distribution request, a confirmation will be displayed. In this instance, the RMD is still incomplete. However, the client can either repeat the process or select one of the other options provided at the beginning to complete their RMD.
Results & Reflections
This project taught me the importance of designing not just for usability — but for trust. Working within accessibility and compliance constraints helped sharpen my communication and my craft.