SwingTrader: Small Moves Today. Big Results Tomorrow

A 0→1 stock research hub built around the swing trader's workflow — from research, to decision, to action. Trading plans, stock ideas, charts, and alerts together in one easy-to-use experience.

OVERVIEW

Many investors see swing trading as something for full-time traders, not for them.

Our approach was to keep it as simple as possible and avoid anything unnecessary. Rather than overwhelming users with every indicator and data point available, we focused on creating a clear trading plan with defined entry and exit points, giving users a straightforward signal they could act on quickly. Every design decision: from the dashboard layout to the way charts were annotated, was made to strip away friction, so investors could focus on the trade, not on decoding the tool.

PROCESS

Stage 1: Research and analysis

Led discovery through a series of stakeholder focus groups with analysts, product managers, and business teams to define what a swing trading tool needed to deliver for IBD's audience of active, technically-minded investors
Synthesized input from analysts and business stakeholders into a clear set of product requirements and design principles for the tool and app
Built and presented strategic decks and mockups to leadership and cross-functional teams to align the organization on project scope, positioning, and direction

Stage 2: Concept development and user flow

Facilitated creative strategy and vision sessions to align cross-functional teams around a shared product direction before design work began
Served as creative lead responsible for translating research findings into brand identity direction — including logo, visual identity, and early marketing concepts — for the SwingTrader product
Mapped out user flows for key functionalities, including account access, trading plans, stock alerts, and chart annotations. Prioritized simplicity and alignment consistency with the brand.

Stage 1:
Research and analysis

Led discovery through a series of stakeholder focus groups with analysts, product managers, and business teams to define what a swing trading tool needed to deliver for IBD's audience of active, technically-minded investors

Synthesized input from analysts and business stakeholders into a clear set of product requirements and design principles for the tool and app
Built and presented strategic decks and mockups to leadership and cross-functional teams to align the organization on project scope, positioning, and direction

Stage 2:
Concept development and user flow

Facilitated creative strategy and vision sessions to align cross-functional teams around a shared product direction before design work began

Served as creative lead responsible for translating research findings into brand identity direction — including logo, visual identity, and early marketing concepts — for the SwingTrader product
Mapped out user flows for key functionalities, including account access, trading plans, stock alerts, and chart annotations. Prioritized simplicity and alignment consistency with the brand.

Stage 3: UI design and prototyping

Created detailed wireframes and interactive prototypes, focusing on a clean, data-forward interface that would feel trustworthy and fast to active traders while staying true to the IBD brand
Selected a color palette and typography system that balanced IBD's editorial identity with the clarity and legibility swing traders need when scanning charts and data under time pressure
Developed high-fidelity prototypes showcasing the product's core features, including the dashboard, stock lists, and interactive, annotated stock charts
Conducted iterative design reviews with analysts and cross-functional teams to refine the prototypes, incorporating feedback on usability and trading workflow accuracy
Created style guides and pattern libraries based on brand and UI design

Stage 4: Presentation and handoff

Compiled and presented a comprehensive project overview to business teams and stakeholders, covering project scope, user testing findings, and final design direction
Highlighted the product's potential to help users identify swing trading opportunities while staying grounded in IBD's core investing methodologies
Prepared and delivered detailed design specifications and assets to the development team, ensuring a smooth handoff and remaining available to support the team through the initial stages of development
Participated in biweekly standups using an agile process to stay closely aligned with the dev team and proactively resolve issues affecting a timely launch

Stage 3:
UI design and prototyping

Created detailed wireframes and interactive prototypes, focusing on a clean, data-forward interface that would feel trustworthy and fast to active traders while staying true to the IBD brand

Selected a color palette and typography system that balanced IBD's editorial identity with the clarity and legibility swing traders need when scanning charts and data under time pressure
Developed high-fidelity prototypes showcasing the product's core features, including the dashboard, stock lists, and interactive, annotated stock charts
Conducted iterative design reviews with analysts and cross-functional teams to refine the prototypes, incorporating feedback on usability and trading workflow accuracy
Created style guides and pattern libraries based on brand and UI design

Stage 4: Presentation and handoff

Compiled and presented a comprehensive project overview to business teams and stakeholders, covering project scope, user testing findings, and final design direction
Highlighted the product's potential to help users identify swing trading opportunities while staying grounded in IBD's core investing methodologies
Prepared and delivered detailed design specifications and assets to the development team, ensuring a smooth handoff and remaining available to support the team through the initial stages of development
Participated in biweekly standups using an agile process to stay closely aligned with the dev team and proactively resolve issues affecting a timely launch

Stage 5: Development Collaboration & Launch Plan

Partnered closely with the development team through regular check-ins throughout the build phase to ensure design fidelity from design to production; this close collaboration was key to aligning on edge cases and maintaining the integrity of the brand system
Led design of go-to-market marketing deliverables, including landing pages, email series, and acquisition and onboarding assets, to support a cohesive launch experience across every touchpoint a new user would encounter
Created print and digital ad campaigns, along with social campaigns, an collateral to drive awareness and acquisition ahead of and during launch
Directed long- and short-form video assets, working closely with video editors to align messaging and visual identity across formats

Stage 5: Development Collaboration & Launch Plan

Partnered closely with the development team through regular check-ins throughout the build phase to ensure design fidelity from design to production; this close collaboration was key to aligning on edge cases and maintaining the integrity of the brand system
Led design of go-to-market marketing deliverables, including landing pages, email series, and acquisition and onboarding assets, to support a cohesive launch experience across every touchpoint a new user would encounter
Created print and digital ad campaigns, along with social campaigns, an collateral to drive awareness and acquisition ahead of and during launch
Directed long- and short-form video assets, working closely with video editors to align messaging and visual identity across formats

REFLECTION

SwingTrader was a zero-to-one product for IBD, launched as the brand's entry into the active swing trading space and extending its investing methodology into a new product category. The final design delivered a cohesive visual system spanning product UI, marketing, and video, maintaining brand integrity across every stage of the user journey. The product has endured well beyond launch, and the project established a design and collaboration process grounded in stakeholder alignment, iterative prototyping, and close dev partnership. This workflow became a model for future cross-functional launches at IBD, and reflects my "show, don't tell" work ethic.