FutureTrader Transformation: Modernizing Trading Software for Broader Audiences

The FutureTrader, a Java application with a history spanning over two decades, was in need of a modern facelift. Consorsbank aimed to fortify its position in the competitive trading market while expanding its reach to new audiences. Incorporating valuable feedback collected over the years and adapting the experience to HTML5 readiness were among the primary goals.

Collaborating with a junior designer, our journey commenced with an in-depth exploration of the client, their objectives, and the user base. Through contextual inquiries, we gained profound insights into how users engaged with the existing application, their priorities, and how a modernized interface could empower them to make better trading decisions.

Beginning in the spring of 2021, we embarked on a journey that involved crafting a design vision in tandem with the client and conducting various user interviews. The project was segmented into four distinct phases, with the initial three phases focused on refining the application framework and enhancing B2C functionalities. Here, we overhauled the entire user experience, ensuring it could match the standards set by market-leading tools.

In the fourth phase, we engaged in interviews with asset managers to tailor the application for B2B use.

By the spring of 2022, all finalized designs were handed over to the client, marking the commencement of FutureTrader's development. In 2023, we partnered with Consorsbank to conduct a final user test for the MVP, guiding the launch of the modernized FutureTrader.

This project exemplifies the transformational power of user-centered design in making a well-established application more intuitive and capable, catering to a wider spectrum of traders.