Defining a First-of-its-Kind Investment Experience

When rumors spread about Apple’s groundbreaking smartwatch, the world was buzzing with speculation. At Fidelity, we saw this as an opportunity to redefine how investors interact with their portfolios.

The Situation

With little information about the platform, we set out to conceptualize an experience that would offer quick and clear financial insights on a small screen, in order to be prepared to act when documentation and third party access was released.

My Role

I led the concept design for Fidelity's Apple Watch app, partnering with fellow designer Damon Jones. I conducted in-depth research on existing watch face designs gaining inspiration from both digital and physical sources, and developed concepts for a glanceable view.

Research + Concepting

We designed multiple concepts to provide real-time market insights through intuitive visual cues.

One concept that stood out was inspired by a lava lamp: bubbles rising from the center of the watch face to indicate market trends, with the size and frequency reflecting market activity. This playful yet informative approach aimed to engage users while keeping them informed about their investments.

Results and Impact

Although our initial concept didn't make it into production, it influenced the design direction of Fidelity's Apple Watch app. I went on to design elements of the final product which allowed users to quickly check domestic and international markets, and view recent quotes. We added features like account balance tracking and customizable 'complications'—shortcuts that displayed key portfolio information on the watch face, offering easy access to the app.

Users rated it with an average of 4.5 stars, demonstrating a positive reception. This success highlighted our ability to turn innovative concepts into a user-friendly product that provided tangible value to investors.

Conclusion

Concept to final product is a winding road, but our work on Fidelity's Apple Watch app proved that creativity and adaptability are key to success. Although the initial concept evolved, the final product made a significant impact on how investors interact with their portfolios on the go.

Thanks to the Mobile Design Team