No matter how advanced the technology stack or feature-rich the interface, a trading platform’s true effectiveness lies in the experience and the results it delivers. As user experience (UX) becomes increasingly crucial to the success and efficiency of trading platforms, designers face new challenges. So how can UX design keep up, enhancing performance without sacrificing usability or compliance, especially as AI reshapes trader workflows and trading volumes grow?
These and other questions were discussed at a recent A-Team Group webinar, entitled “Smart Trader Desktops: Placing UX at the front and centre of the trading workflow“, featuring Louis Blackburn, Lead Product Designer at Lloyds and Founder of The Frontier Studio; Stephen A Smith, Product Management Lead and Strategy at Bank of America; Ivan Kunyankin, Data Science Team Lead at Devexperts; and webinar moderator Mike O’Hara, Editorial Contributor at TradingTech Insight.
The Role of UX in Trader Efficiency
The first topic addressed was the critical influence of UX on the efficiency and decision-making process of traders. One panellist shared an insightful example from his own experience, where a highly customisable alerting system led to inefficiencies because crucial alerts were being lost amidst the noise. By rethinking the design, his team created a standardised panel for critical alerts, ensuring these were prioritised and acted upon without friction. The result was a significant reduction in trading errors and improved response times, reinforcing the idea that while customisation is valuable, some elements must remain standardised for operational efficiency.
This point was further highlighted by another panellist, who emphasised that user experience is not solely about usability—it’s about understanding users’ needs and workflows. He noted that by engaging in discovery processes, such as user research and workflow analysis, teams can uncover hidden pain points that may otherwise be overlooked. He stressed the importance of getting to the root of what users are truly trying to achieve, rather than just focusing on specific feature requests.
The Importance of Discovery in UX Design
The panellists agreed on the importance of uncovering and addressing assumptions during the early stages of UX design. One highlighted that in trading platforms, discovery involves not just speaking with users but also observing them in their workflow. He shared an anecdote where, despite extensive interviews with traders, a key use case only came to light when he observed the head of the desk switching between several applications during a call. This use case, which had not been mentioned in interviews, became a focal point of the UX redesign.
Another panellist stressed that the success of UX design depends on building the right thing and building it right. By engaging users in structured interviews and user testing, UX designers can ensure that new platforms or features are well-aligned with traders’ actual needs.
AI and UX in Trading Platforms
Artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) are transforming trading platforms, but panellists were careful to temper expectations. One shared some insights on how conversational assistants, powered by AI, are being integrated into trading platforms to enhance user experience. This can assist with tasks like Know Your Customer (KYC) processes and trade recommendations, leading to measurable increases in user engagement and satisfaction. However, he warned against assuming that AI can handle every task. Misconceptions about AI’s capabilities and the high costs of deploying and maintaining AI solutions are common pitfalls that need careful consideration.
Another speaker pointed out that while AI opens up new possibilities, it should be integrated thoughtfully into existing workflows. The goal remains the same: reduce friction between decision-making and action. In some cases, traditional interfaces might still be more effective than AI-powered solutions, depending on the complexity and nature of the task.
Balancing Automation and the Human Element
Part of the discussion focused on maintaining a balance between automation and the human element in trading platforms. One panellist noted that not all processes should be automated—some critical tasks require human judgment, especially in high-stakes environments like trading. The key is to identify which parts of the workflow can benefit from AI without compromising safety or control.
Differences in UX requirements for retail and institutional traders were also discussed. While both sectors value stability, performance, and security, institutional users tend to prioritise functional components such as handling high data volumes and supporting complex workflows. In contrast, retail traders often require greater accessibility and personalisation across multiple platforms, including mobile and desktop. One panellist pointed out that mobile-first design is increasingly relevant as more traders and clients expect seamless, cross-device usability. However, for institutional clients, desktop interfaces with large amounts of screen real estate remain the primary focus.
Key Takeaways
UX as a Strategic Asset: Effective UX design is critical for optimising trader efficiency, reducing errors, and enhancing decision-making. The focus should be on building tools that fit seamlessly into traders’ workflows and enhance their ability to make fast, informed decisions.
Customisation vs. Standardisation: While customisation is valuable, some standardised elements—such as alerts and notifications—are necessary to ensure consistency and avoid confusion, particularly in high-pressure environments.
AI’s Role in UX: AI, particularly conversational assistants, is becoming more prevalent in trading platforms. However, it is essential to understand its limitations and costs, and ensure it complements rather than disrupts human workflows.
Cross-Platform Design: As mobile and remote working become more prevalent, ensuring UX compatibility across devices is increasingly important. However, complex tasks are still primarily handled on desktop platforms in institutional trading environments.
The panel concluded with a reminder that user-centricity, context-awareness, and performance remain the core pillars of good UX design in trading platforms, and that the integration of AI technologies will continue to shape the future of trading workflows.
This webinar was sponsored by Devexperts.
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