Client
Deutsche Bank Labs / HCL
Year
2012 - 2016
My Role
Lead UI UX Designer
Autobahn Mobile
The Deutsche Bank and HCL Co-Innovation Lab partnership provided a unique standalone entrepreneurial environment where business stakeholders and end-users can directly engage with the research, design and development teams.
It empowered clients to solve business problems through research, UX design, and rapid prototyping. Clients could then leverage HCL's broader expertise to scale solutions for full production releases.
Existing Application
Our challenge: adapting Autobahn's desktop tools for mobile. We identified core features, considering screen size, touch interactions, and connectivity. A key objective was modernising the interface to align with contemporary iOS apps, enhancing aesthetics and functionality.
Core Users
We addressed financial professionals' needs by creating a mobile interface for quick access to key Deutsche Bank services.
User research helped identify critical mobile functions, prioritising these in our design to ensure a focused, efficient experience.
User flows
I developed user flows and wireframes for intuitive navigation, featuring a centralised dashboard and side menu. Designs were iterated based on user feedback and testing, ensuring the final product met user needs while maintaining the desktop experience's efficiency and depth.
Challenges within Ideation
We implemented a RACI matrix and mediation channels to resolve workshop conflicts efficiently. This structured approach balanced diverse expertise with timely decision-making, maintaining project momentum.
The system proved invaluable in reaching suitable outcomes without compromising progress or team collaboration.
Continuous Development
The team used rapid prototyping and iterative design processes. This allowed quick testing and refinement of ideas, improving the final product and reducing the risk of late-stage design flaws.
Transition to iOS 7
The iOS 6 to iOS 7 transition significantly changed the Autobahn app's design. We moved from skeuomorphic elements to a flat, minimalist interface with simpler layouts and typography.
This redesign aligned with Apple's new visual direction, improving usability by reducing clutter and focusing on essential information and functionality.
Network & Security Testing
We implemented security measures through various penetration testing methods for the mobile app. This included network, web application, and iOS-specific testing, ensuring robust data protection and identifying potential vulnerabilities across the app's ecosystem.
User Testing
We tested Autobahn mobile apps on iPads and iPhones for offline use. The focus was on preloading market data and briefings for uninterrupted access during commutes.
Tests simulated poor connectivity scenarios to ensure data availability despite network issues.
Financial News Awards 2013
Autobahn Mobile won the prestigious "Best use of mobile/tablet technology for trading and research" at the Financial News - Awards for Excellence in Trading & Technology, Europe 2013.
Outcome
We delivered an iOS container app prototype for Autobahn services, balancing native functionality with web integration. This enhanced flexibility while maintaining user experience consistency.
Our Proof of Concept, especially its dark theme UI, significantly influenced Autobahn's evolution across Deutsche Bank. The project set new UI design standards, demonstrating the lasting impact of user-centered design on financial platforms. It's rewarding to see current applications tracing their lineage to our initial concepts.
