The Impact of customizable Market Interfaces on Trading Performance

Abstract

One reason for market failure is the inherent complexity that excludes non-sophisticated users. Market complexity can be reduced by adapting the market rules or by simplifying the user interface. Just recently researchers started to address this topic and identified the need to merge market and interface design. Thus far it remains unclear how to design user-centric market interfaces. In a prediction market for economic variables, traders can customize their trading interface according to their informational needs. Surprisingly, we show that on average an increase in information reduces trading performance. An explanation for this effect might lie in cognitive theory. Displaying more information increases the participants’ cognitive load and hence might reduce trading performance. We are able to distinguish between trading behaviour and performance and thereby provide insight into the interplay between information and decision making. Finally, we also track the influence of individual information elements and identify those that improve or decrease trading performance.