Charles Schwab

Designing the future of high frequency trading

More informed trading and the quest for data density.

The challenge

One size fits all isn’t for everyone.

Schwab has multiple trading platforms but didn’t have one that was right for the entry-level high frequency trader. My goal was to create an on-rails system that could accommodate endless combinations of tools and trading styles.

Layout options for the trading workspace, from single pane through dense multi-tool grids

The process

In-person workshops, agile sprints, fast results.

I worked with the client in two week rolling sprints. Each week we started the next set of designs while simultaneously wrapping up the previous sprint. I worked closely with the development teams in order to assess the feasibility and ease of development.

The rolling two-week sprint schedule, with design and development phases overlapping

Endless possibilities

Customization on rails.

Multiple options for tool configuration creates endless possibilities for customizing your trading experience.

Choosing a workspace layout
1. Select a layout
Adding a tool into an empty pane
2. Add a tool
Picking the instrument the tool should track
3. Make a selection
Tuning the tool's settings within the pane
4. Make adjustments

Flexibility

Full screen when you need it.

A well timed trade could mean the difference between a green day and a red day. Maximizing your screen real estate allows you to get all the information in a split second.

A single tool expanded to fill the screen for a fast, information-dense read

The results

A more custom trading experience.

A data visualisation of investment strategy clusters from the BlackRock project

Blackrock

Exploring the universe of the beta investment strategy and helping institutional investors understand all of their options.

Read the case study: Blackrock