Implementation of Core Product Offerings

The Idea

We will create ready-to-go research templates to offer new and existing clients interested in using web-formatted research reports. This will help save time and costs in the long term.

The goal was to create "Out of the Box" HTML5 templates for new and/or smaller clients who were interested in HTML5 web reports but didn't have the resources to provide us with a design. In the investment research industry, firms still heavily rely on print/PDF research reports, even though they distribute them digitally. As firms gradually adopt modern web practices, we wanted to offer pre-designed templates that are interactive, responsive, and accessible for the web.

Due to BlueMatrix's market share, we have valuable insights into common research formatting and presentation methods in equity and fixed income research. Leveraging this unique insight, we were able to develop a suitable design offering. Once the templates were developed and tested with real data, we incorporated client's specific logic and incorporate their branding. This effectively provides them with an enhanced product that offers a better user experience for their own clients that is accessible and responsive across devices.

The Process

1. Design HTML5 web mockups with sample data to help the client visualize their content in a different medium.

   • The challenge here was coming up with a conservative yet innovative design that is reflective of a traditional PDF equity research report but also modern in it’s aesthetic. Wall Street firms can be reluctant to adopt anything too unfamiliar.

2. Add in our custom widgets that make these web reports interactive and engaging for consumers.

   • Modals, recently trending research, author bios/photos, interactive charts, popovers, etc.

3. Build out the code for these templates so that it’s as “reusable” as possible.

• • The challenge here was brainstorming the most common use-cases and tools our clients are taking advantage of within our system.

  • Another challenge was deciding on how much flexibility we would offer clients when it came to design adjustments once their branding is incorporated. We ended up coming up with 3 different levels of customization. The most basic plan includes no custom requests at a set cost and the most premium plan includes X hours of customization at a sliding scale.

The Result

• Web templates that are essentially ready to go live shortly after a contract is signed.

• Increase in existing clients interested in incorporating HTML5 web formats into their research strategy.

• Significant amount of time saved for developers; quick turnaround for clients.

• Staggered pricing plan = client pays a higher fee for custom requests.