Elk Currency Converter

What it does

Elk is a currency converter that reimagines the user interaction for speed and simplicity. Instead of requiring users to type numbers into a calculator, it presents a clean, scrollable conversion table. Its core feature is the ability to instantly scale all values by a factor of ten with a simple swipe, making it ideal for travelers who need quick ballpark estimates.

Where it shines

The app's design brilliance lies in its gesture-first approach. The swipe-left-to-multiply (00:04) and swipe-right-to-divide (00:06) mechanic is incredibly intuitive and fast. Another standout moment is the 'tap to interpolate' feature (00:08), which reveals more granular decimal values without cluttering the main interface. This demonstrates a strong understanding of progressive disclosure, serving both users who need a quick glance and those who need more precision.

UX highlights

Contextual Onboarding: The app teaches its unique gestures through interactive overlays on the main screen (00:00 - 00:12), which is far more effective than a separate tutorial.
Keyboardless Interaction: The primary method of changing value magnitudes is through swiping, which means no keyboard is needed, keeping the UI clean and focused.
Progressive Disclosure: The main view shows simple integer conversions. A single tap (00:11) reveals a more detailed breakdown, catering to different user needs gracefully.
Clean Visual Design: The interface is minimal, with a clear visual hierarchy and legible typography, focusing entirely on the conversion data.
Utility Extensions: Premium features like the wallpaper creator (01:47) and Siri shortcuts (02:19) extend the app's functionality beyond its own screens, adding significant value.

Monetization & growth

Monetization is handled through a premium subscription, 'Unlock Elk', which is presented when a user tries to access a pro feature like setting a custom rate (00:48). The paywall screen at 00:49 clearly lists the benefits, offers a 58% discount for the annual plan, and reframes the cost to a more palatable monthly price ($0.83/mo). The purchase is a standard App Store transaction with a 3-day free trial, followed by a clear success message (01:03).

Who it’s for

Elk is clearly designed for international travelers. The emphasis on speed, gesture-based controls, and quick estimation is perfect for someone standing in a shop or market trying to figure out the cost of an item. The offline functionality and utility features like the wallpaper creator further solidify its role as a practical travel companion rather than just a financial tool.

Notes & opportunities

While the gesture-based system is powerful, it might not be immediately obvious without the initial tutorial. Replaying this tutorial via a 'Help' button could be useful for returning users who have forgotten the gestures. Additionally, the process of changing currencies (00:27) requires a few taps; exploring a faster way to swap between favorite currencies could further enhance the app's core promise of speed.