UsableMarkets

In the process of designing for traders there is one thing that UX people learn relatively quickly: the mouse is slow. Traders, especially professional ones, rely on keyboard shortcuts to rapidly move around an application and do the thing they’re being paid to do: trade (and hopefully make a profit). The mouse in this environment is not, shall we say, the enemy, but the less you force the trader to use the mouse the better.

Of course consumer websites and applications are somewhat different. Having mouse actions alone for some types of functionality is not so bad. Generally there are not so many clicks as to be onerous. But there is a lesson for us all in the applications designed for traders: too much use of the mouse may not always be a good thing.

I had this (very small) insight when using a new site called Kapitall. It is an interesting idea: Investing made simple. But since when did simple mean almost complete reliance on the mouse? It appears as if almost nothing can be done on Kapitall without using the mouse. Getting a quote, making a watch list, anything. It doesn’t help that the desktop is transformed into a landscape which one has to maneuver (and scroll) through to find different groups of stock.

Imagine trying to manage 100 companies this way. Or even 25.

Don’t get me wrong. In many ways the idea is fascinating: using space and visible objects as a way to organize your investing related ideas, companies, etc. But perhaps the message here is: don’t make me work too hard to do what you want me to do. And, if I’m doing a lot of mouse action, I’m working too hard. (Especially if I’m an older investor and have carpel tunnel syndrome. Not necessarily unusual.)

Now, if only I had a quarter for everyone who tried to make investing simple.

~alex