Empowering Long-Term Investors
Web Investment Platform
At Trading212, I was tasked with the design of a new investment platform tailored for users aiming at long-term financial goals. Collaborating closely with our Head of Design and one of our dev teams, we transitioned from manual investing interfaces to a comprehensive system supporting automated, long-term investment plans.
Collaborated with
+ 1 Engineering team
~Q2 2019
The Backstory
The initiative began with a pivotal question: How can we provide users with a platform that facilitates long-term investments seamlessly? Recognizing that our existing CFD-focused interface was not conducive to long-term investment strategies, we embarked on creating a distinct platform. This new platform would cater to users planning for retirement, significant purchases, home improvements, and more.
Starting from scratch allowed us to design without legacy constraints, ensuring a user-centric approach. We focused on developing an interface that was intuitive, educational, and supportive of users' long-term financial objectives.
The Problem
Our existing CFD platform was tailored for short-term trading, which posed several challenges for long-term investors:
Cluttered Interface: The busy UI was overwhelming for users seeking simplicity in long-term investment planning.
Steep Learning Curve: Essential features were hard to find, making the platform less accessible to new investors.
Lack of Planning Tools: There was an absence of features supporting automated, recurring investments and goal tracking.
User Pain Points
Overcomplicated Navigation: Users found it challenging to navigate due to the platform's complexity.
Insufficient Educational Resources: Users desired more accessible educational content to inform their investment decisions.
Limited Customization: The platform did not allow users to tailor their investment plans to their specific goals.
The Solution
The AI Console became a single place where users could interact with AI tools without the confusion. We designed it to be simple, approachable, and effective, ensuring it worked for all users, regardless of experience level.
Key Features & Design Decisions
1. Intuitive Layout
Three-Column Structure: Maintained the instrument list's position with always-visible curated watchlists, providing logical structure and easy navigation.
2. Enhanced Portfolio Management
Comprehensive Overview: Provided users with a clear view of their entire portfolio, including historical performance graphs and fund allocation.
Investment Tracking: Enabled users to monitor both manual and recurring investments efficiently.
3. Educational Resources
Integrated Content: Highlighted educational videos to support users in making informed investment choices.
Accessible Learning: Ensured that educational materials were easy to find and relevant to users' needs.
The Process
1. Research & Testing
User Interviews: Conducted sessions with a diverse user base to understand their needs and challenges.
Workflow Analysis: Mapped existing workflows to identify pain points and areas for improvement.
Collaborative Development: Worked closely with product and engineering teams to prioritize features based on user feedback.
2. Iterative Design
Prototyping: Developed multiple prototypes, incorporating user feedback to refine the design.
Usability Testing: Tested designs with real users to ensure practicality and effectiveness.
Continuous Improvement: Made iterative adjustments to enhance the user experience continually.
What We Learned
User Feedback Highlights
Appreciation for Simplicity: Users valued the streamlined interface and clear navigation.
Desire for Educational Content: The integration of educational resources was well-received, with users expressing increased confidence in their investment decisions.
Need for Customization: Users expressed a desire for more personalized investment planning tools, which we plan to address in future updates.
The Outcome
The Invest Platform transformed how our users approach long-term investing:
User Engagement: Increased user engagement due to the intuitive design and valuable educational content.
Positive Feedback: Received favorable responses from users appreciating the platform's simplicity and functionality.
Foundation for Growth: Established a scalable platform poised for future enhancements based on user needs.
Final Thoughts
Designing the Invest Platform was more than just creating a new interface—it was about shifting the entire investment mindset from short-term speculation to long-term financial empowerment. Balancing simplicity, depth, and trust required strategic decision-making, user research, and constant iteration.
Despite the complexities of launching an entirely new product alongside an existing trading platform, we delivered an intuitive, future-proof solution that allows users to invest with confidence, plan for the future, and grow their wealth effortlessly.
At its core, this project wasn't just about making investing easier—it was about making financial freedom feel achievable for everyone. 🚀