The business value effects of cognitive biases in trading workstation window design

Two literatures not previously used for studies on information technology (IT) value are discussed: research on behavioral decision-making and on information presentation effects. A typology of potential cognitive biases and heuristics that may enhance or suppress IT value when workstations are used to provide decision support are identified. It is discussed how these effects may become operative in screen-based securities and foreign exchange trading activities where designers can choose among information presentation formats to support trader decision-making. A previously published model is used to identify where and how information effects, heuristics and biases come into play in the trading environment. The investigation concludes that managerial recognition of the potential value tradeoffs associated with alternative trading workstations window designs for is an important concern for the fine-tuning of trading decision support systems