Automate Portfolio Construction from a Financial Goal

Helping WealthMaster revolutionise financial management

CLIENT

WealthMaster

London, UK

my role

UX and UI design, research, usability testing

Team

Jaci Aricheta, Ana Gimeno,

David Teveth, Jade Li

Duration

October 2023

Automate Portfolio Construction from a Financial Goal

Helping WealthMaster revolutionise financial management

CLIENT

WealthMaster

London, UK

my role

UX and UI design, research, usability testing

Team

Jaci Aricheta, Ana Gimeno,

David Teveth, Jade Li

Duration

October 2023

Automate Portfolio Construction from a Financial Goal

Helping WealthMaster revolutionise financial management

CLIENT

WealthMaster

London, UK

my role

UX and UI design, research, usability testing

Team

Jaci Aricheta, Ana Gimeno,

David Teveth, Jade Li

Duration

October 2023

Introduction

Introduction

At Experience Haus, London, in October 2023, I had the privilege of contributing to the development of WealthMaster, an innovative open finance platform. Our goal was clear: to empower retail investors with a comprehensive view of their finances and provide automated tools to realise their financial aspirations efficiently.

At Experience Haus, London, in October 2023, I had the privilege of contributing to the development of WealthMaster, an innovative open finance platform. Our goal was clear: to empower retail investors with a comprehensive view of their finances and provide automated tools to realise their financial aspirations efficiently.

At Experience Haus, London, in October 2023, I had the privilege of contributing to the development of WealthMaster, an innovative open finance platform. Our goal was clear: to empower retail investors with a comprehensive view of their finances and provide automated tools to realise their financial aspirations efficiently.

The Challenge

The Challenge

Our primary challenge was to conceptualise and implement an automated portfolio construction module that aligns with user-defined financial goals seamlessly.

Our primary challenge was to conceptualise and implement an automated portfolio construction module that aligns with user-defined financial goals seamlessly.

Our primary challenge was to conceptualise and implement an automated portfolio construction module that aligns with user-defined financial goals seamlessly.

Background

Background

Learning about WealthMaster

In a meeting with Jonathan, the visionary behind WealthMaster, we gained insights into his frustration with manual financial management. His vision was to create a platform that automates portfolio construction, considers user goals, and leverages real-time data.

Learning about WealthMaster

In a meeting with Jonathan, the visionary behind WealthMaster, we gained insights into his frustration with manual financial management. His vision was to create a platform that automates portfolio construction, considers user goals, and leverages real-time data.

Learning about WealthMaster

In a meeting with Jonathan, the visionary behind WealthMaster, we gained insights into his frustration with manual financial management. His vision was to create a platform that automates portfolio construction, considers user goals, and leverages real-time data.

Value proposition

Value proposition

Value proposition

WealthMaster doesn't just inform users about their financial outcomes but also matches them with specific financial products, potentially generating revenue through cross-selling partnerships.

Behind the scenes of the app

Behind the scenes of the app

Behind the scenes of the app

WealthMaster integrates open banking aggregators like Yaply for bank account connections, with plans to engage actively with investment account APIs for seamless integration.

Research

Research

What do we know?

What do we know?

What do we know?

We were provided with an extensive previous research and from there we gained the followng insights:

40%

40%

40%

of investors use 3+ trading platforms

of investors use 3+ trading platforms

of investors use 3+ trading platforms

37%

37%

37%

of investors check their portfolio values weekly

of investors check their portfolio values weekly

of investors check their portfolio values weekly

86%

86%

86%

of investors would keep a consolidated view of their investments if there was a easy to use platform

of investors would keep a consolidated view of their investments if there was a easy to use platform

of investors would keep a consolidated view of their investments if there was a easy to use platform

77%

77%

77%

of new investors feel their knowledge of Financial products was average or below

of new investors feel their knowledge of Financial products was average or below

of new investors feel their knowledge of Financial products was average or below

Our archetype

Our archetype

Our archetype

The primary archetype is a Methodical and Detailed individuals who already manage their finances using tools like Excel. WealthMaster aims to provide them with a more convenient and powerful tool.

The Methodical and Detailed

They own multiple asset groups

They manage their portfolio in manually

They are meticulous in analysis through graphs and charts

Challenges for the user

Challenges for the user

Challenges for the user

Some of the pain-points user has are the following:

  1. Data can be overwhelming

Analysing and keeping track when managing asset classes can lead to significant amount of data.

  1. Time-consuming analysis

Being meticulous often means conducting in-depth analysis and this can take a lot of time.

  1. Decision Paralysis

A highly detailed approach can sometimes result in overthinking and indecision.

  1. Error in manually inputting data

Repetitive tasks and constantly juggling from one app to another means it's prone to human error.

Competitor Analysis

Competitor Analysis

Who are the competitors?

To understand where WealthMaster would fit in the market, we compared it to 16 competitors. To do so we analyzed each platform by answering these questions: 

What are they doing at the moment?

What features work well?

Which features aren’t being used?

What features are essential for us to have?

What’s missing?

What can we bring to the table that’s unique?

Who are the competitors?

To understand where WealthMaster would fit in the market, we compared it to 16 competitors. To do so we analyzed each platform by answering these questions: 

What are they doing at the moment?

What features work well?

Which features aren’t being used?

What features are essential for us to have?

What’s missing?

What can we bring to the table that’s unique?

Who are the competitors?

To understand where WealthMaster would fit in the market, we compared it to 16 competitors. To do so we analyzed each platform by answering these questions: 

What are they doing at the moment?

What features work well?

Which features aren’t being used?

What features are essential for us to have?

What’s missing?

What can we bring to the table that’s unique?

Out of the 16, we narrowed down to 5

Problem

Problem

What are the problems we're trying to solve?

Below are the key areas we need to focus on in order to understand and effectively rebuild the WealthMaster app, addressing the specified design challenge.

What are the problems we're trying to solve?

Below are the key areas we need to focus on in order to understand and effectively rebuild the WealthMaster app, addressing the specified design challenge.

What are the problems we're trying to solve?

Below are the key areas we need to focus on in order to understand and effectively rebuild the WealthMaster app, addressing the specified design challenge.

problem statement # 01

WealthMaster needs to be able to connect to all brokerage accounts, create and execute portfolios based on user goals, automatically rebalance, and suggest various financial options.

WealthMaster needs to be able to connect to all brokerage accounts, create and execute portfolios based on user goals, automatically rebalance, and suggest various financial options.

problem statement # 02

WealthMaster needs to provide users with possibilities for achieving their goals, considering factors like risk, time, and spend analytics.

WealthMaster needs to provide users with possibilities for achieving their goals, considering factors like risk, time, and spend analytics.

problem statement # 03

WealthMaster needs a way to utilize open banking aggregators to provide users with personalized investment insights based on their specific financial situation.

WealthMaster needs a way to utilize open banking aggregators to provide users with personalized investment insights based on their specific financial situation.

Scenarios where WealthMaster has opportunity

To understand the features or functionality that users need we were given these user stories.

A user wants to go on a holiday to the Bahamas. WealthMaster can suggest investment options or credit cards based on the user's financial situation.

A user wants to buy a house in the next five years. WealthMaster can recommend mortgage options or match products based on the user's financial profile.

Scenarios where WealthMaster has opportunity

To understand the features or functionality that users need we were given these user stories.

A user wants to go on a holiday to the Bahamas. WealthMaster can suggest investment options or credit cards based on the user's financial situation.

A user wants to buy a house in the next five years. WealthMaster can recommend mortgage options or match products based on the user's financial profile.

Scenarios where WealthMaster has opportunity

To understand the features or functionality that users need we were given these user stories.

A user wants to go on a holiday to the Bahamas. WealthMaster can suggest investment options or credit cards based on the user's financial situation.

A user wants to buy a house in the next five years. WealthMaster can recommend mortgage options or match products based on the user's financial profile.

Approach

Approach

Understanding the concept of portfolio management and where does goal creation sit

In order to understand what portfolio management entails, we considered related ideas, tools, material and practices and formed our concept map. We wanted to see where does creation of goal sit in the web of information.

Understanding the concept of portfolio management and where does goal creation sit

In order to understand what portfolio management entails, we considered related ideas, tools, material and practices and formed our concept map. We wanted to see where does creation of goal sit in the web of information.

Understanding the concept of portfolio management and where does goal creation sit

In order to understand what portfolio management entails, we considered related ideas, tools, material and practices and formed our concept map. We wanted to see where does creation of goal sit in the web of information.

WealthMaster concept map on portfolio management

We have got visualisation of what needs to be included in the app on what we think will help with the primary design challenge. But we need to breakdown different parts in order to make sense of how we want the journey will go for the user.

Designing a user-friendly onboarding and goal-setting experience

We brought people together in a room and used card sorting exercise to help undserstand user's expectation when signing up and what think of when setting a goal in a portfolio management app.

card sorting workshop

Sets of cards sorted by A participant

What did we get out of it?

Visualising trust

Users want the app to understand their information before suggesting anything. This means using clear visuals to show users that WealthMaster gets their data.

Time matters

Users emphasise the importance of addressing short and long-term financial perspectives on WealthMaster. The platform should consistently prioritise users' current financial circumstances to enhance the overall user experience.

Consistent communication

Users expect consistent communication on WealthMaster including the ability to contact support within the app and receive tailored notifications regarding changes in their portfolios.

Understanding risks

Users want to feel like they're in control and making informed choices about their money. Visuals that explain the risk levels help them do that.

"I need to understand the risk involved in the investment options I am being given. And I want to be able to choose the level of risk I'm willing to commit to."

Participant A, 45 years old

“I have short-term and long-term goals. I would like an app that should consider both aspects, while thinking about what my current circumstance is.”

Participant B, 40 years old

Designing a user-friendly onboarding and goal-setting experience

We brought people together in a room and used card sorting exercise to help undserstand user's expectation when signing up and what think of when setting a goal in a portfolio management app.

card sorting workshop

Sets of cards sorted by A participant

What did we get out of it?

Visualising trust

Users want the app to understand their information before suggesting anything. This means using clear visuals to show users that WealthMaster gets their data.

Time matters

Users emphasise the importance of addressing short and long-term financial perspectives on WealthMaster. The platform should consistently prioritise users' current financial circumstances to enhance the overall user experience.

Consistent communication

Users expect consistent communication on WealthMaster including the ability to contact support within the app and receive tailored notifications regarding changes in their portfolios.

Understanding risks

Users want to feel like they're in control and making informed choices about their money. Visuals that explain the risk levels help them do that.

"I need to understand the risk involved in the investment options I am being given. And I want to be able to choose the level of risk I'm willing to commit to."

Participant A, 45 years old

“I have short-term and long-term goals. I would like an app that should consider both aspects, while thinking about what my current circumstance is.”

Participant B, 40 years old

Designing a user-friendly onboarding and goal-setting experience

We brought people together in a room and used card sorting exercise to help undserstand user's expectation when signing up and what think of when setting a goal in a portfolio management app.

card sorting workshop

Sets of cards sorted by A participant

What did we get out of it?

Visualising trust

Users want the app to understand their information before suggesting anything. This means using clear visuals to show users that WealthMaster gets their data.

Time matters

Users emphasise the importance of addressing short and long-term financial perspectives on WealthMaster. The platform should consistently prioritise users' current financial circumstances to enhance the overall user experience.

Consistent communication

Users expect consistent communication on WealthMaster including the ability to contact support within the app and receive tailored notifications regarding changes in their portfolios.

Understanding risks

Users want to feel like they're in control and making informed choices about their money. Visuals that explain the risk levels help them do that.

"I need to understand the risk involved in the investment options I am being given. And I want to be able to choose the level of risk I'm willing to commit to."

Participant A, 45 years old

“I have short-term and long-term goals. I would like an app that should consider both aspects, while thinking about what my current circumstance is.”

Participant B, 40 years old

Mapping out user flows for different journeys

I built different user flows to see how I would structure the app, taking into consideration all the research and insights we have found and try to make things work better for the user, however not forgetting the 3 core pillars the app needs to embody.

Mapping out user flows for different journeys

I built different user flows to see how I would structure the app, taking into consideration all the research and insights we have found and try to make things work better for the user, however not forgetting the 3 core pillars the app needs to embody.

Mapping out user flows for different journeys

I built different user flows to see how I would structure the app, taking into consideration all the research and insights we have found and try to make things work better for the user, however not forgetting the 3 core pillars the app needs to embody.

Sketching ideas and iterating low-fidelity based on usability testing results

Sketching ideas and iterating low-fidelity based on usability testing results

Sketching ideas and iterating low-fidelity based on usability testing results

On both sketching and prototyping in low-fidelity, I had done some usability testing and have found valuable feedback on both.

sketches of the main screens

sketches of the main screens

updated low-fidelity prototype

Here are some of the changes…

Add a couple of onboarding screens as users want to see the features before signing up.

Use of slider to give user freedom to adjust their preferences, and not just an option to include.

A separate portfolio page is not needed, it can be combined with dashboard.

Here are some of the changes…

Add a couple of onboarding screens as users want to see the features before signing up.

Use of slider to give user freedom to adjust their preferences, and not just an option to include.

A separate portfolio page is not needed, it can be combined with dashboard.

Here are some of the changes…

Add a couple of onboarding screens as users want to see the features before signing up.

Use of slider to give user freedom to adjust their preferences, and not just an option to include.

A separate portfolio page is not needed, it can be combined with dashboard.

Solutions

Solutions

Creating a portfolio based on a goal

Step #1: Setting financial goals and preferences

Through thorough research, I've identified common financial goals users typically set. To enhance user experience, I've incorporated visually engaging graphics to illustrate these goals. Depending on the selected goal, the required details dynamically adjust, ensuring a tailored experience for each user.

Step #2: Providing investment options aligned with user goals

Users receive three investment portfolio options curated by WealthMaster to align with their set goals. One option includes a sponsored recommendation where WealthMaster matches the user's goal with a relevant product, this is as part of the business value proposition which is to cross-sell other products.

Step #3: Reviewing and comparing the investment options

Users can delve into the details of each investment option to facilitate informed decision-making. They can explore allocation breakdowns, compare options with their current portfolio, and ultimately choose the most suitable investment path.

Existing goals provides detailed breakdown and ability to view projection based on current portfolio status

Users can access a comprehensive breakdown of their existing goals. Additionally, they have the ability to view projections based on the current status of their portfolio. This feature empowers users to track their financial objectives and make informed decisions about their finances.

Improving the app onboarding

Ability to connect all the bank and brokerage accounts

WealthMaster's core functionality revolves around consolidating user financial data from various accounts. To streamline this process, I've implemented a feature prompting users to link their bank and brokerage accounts. Additionally, users can save this task for later completion, ensuring flexibility and convenience.

Final Design

Final Design

Some additional screens like, welcome screens, settings, and account screens are also added to enhance user experience.

Outcome

Outcome

During my involvement in the WealthMaster project, I focused on delivering a design solution that not only addressed the core challenge of creating an automated portfolio construction module but also aligned closely with the business goals of the platform.


Meeting the design challenge
My design solution centred around developing an intuitive and user-friendly interface for the automated portfolio construction module.


Alignment with business goals
The design solution was also focused on supporting WealthMaster's revenue generation objectives through cross-selling partnerships.

Creating avenues to measure success metrics
Onboarding completion rate, user- engagement rate and user satisfaction are some of the metrics WealthMaster can start to measure with the improved onboarding userflow and also added financial insights.

Next steps and recommendations

Next steps and recommendations

Next steps and recommendations

Looking ahead, I identified areas for further improvement and refinement based on feedback received during usability testing.

A landing page: Create a marketing webpage to help give more information on to what the app is. And promote what it does.

Portfolio history: As more goals can be created and achieved, there should be a history page where user can see old portfolios.

Customisable visual data: An option to customise or choose how user wants to see their data. Different types of charts for example.

More testing on the design: The current design is a result of 2-week sprint which is not enough time to get into minute details including the iteration based on testing.

Conclusion

Conclusion

My involvement in the WealthMaster project was not only professionally rewarding but also instrumental in contributing to the platform's success. By delivering a user-centric design solution that met both user needs and business objectives, I played a key role in shaping the future of WealthMaster as a comprehensive financial platform.

View other works

View other works

View other works

© 2024 Jaci Aricheta. All Rights Reserved.

© 2024 Jaci Aricheta. All Rights Reserved.

© 2024 Jaci Aricheta.

All Rights Reserved.