Cash Machines

Introduction

Everyday we interact with different interfaces such as mobile phones, computers, cash machines and game concludes. This is a growing market and businesses need to make sure the interface is not only attractive to the eye but also easy to use.

Interface Design

The interface that I have decided to talk a bout on this blog is cash machines, the reason I have picked this is because practically everyone uses them so the interface design must be basic so even the most un-electronic person can understand how to use it.

The image to the side shows what a typical cash machine looks like and pinpoints what each part on the machine means.

The Interaction takes place firstly by entering your card into the slot located near a sign which will tell you what cards are accepted in the machine. Once the machine has loaded the card details you are required to give a four number password (pin number) to prove that you haven’t just randomly found that card on the floor, and that it does actually belong to you.

Once you have provided your pin number, you will be directed to a screen which has a number of options such as:

• Withdraw


• Balance


• Change pin


• Mini statement


• Request full statement

Also certain options depend on where you use the card, as it is only your own personal back’s cash machines that you can get the Mini statement from.

You can select your option by the buttons which are placed on the side, and then once you have clicked onto it, you just keep pressing until you get the overall outcome you needed.

The interaction which takes place happens for one main goal which is to give the user what s/he requires whether it is to check there account balance or take money out. Overall I believe that a cash machine is simple to use, as it doesn’t use advance feature, the interface is plain (rather boring) and simple. This is the best way of keeping it to a degree, due to many older people who do not keep up to date on the latest interface, and technologies.

The target uses for a cash machine is anyone with a card, the normal age which people tend to get cash cards is 16, so from ages 16 – 116! Both males and females also use them, so due to this the cash machines to have to cater for a lot of people who have different levels when it comes to technology.

The feedback which is given, is the one you expect which is by going through each stage from inserting the card to the overall aim of what your trying to achieve (whether its taken money, checking etc…). The cash machines show it by responding and sending you to the right place for what you’re doing.

The only difficulties involved in the interactive processes is the fact it sometimes takes along time to process the card details, but apart from that it keeps with a basic interface which everyone from a young to old age can understand.

The other main concern which I would like to note is that, your card can actually been swallowed by the machine, this is rare, and only tends to happen when you enter the pin number wrong more than 3 times or there is an error with the machine processing your card.

The rewards of interacting, is a quick and easy way of getting what you need which for some people is easier rather than stand in a queue in the bank.

Reference

http://img.alibaba.com/photo/11269842/Triton_Cash_Machine.jpg - Image of cash machine with arrows.

http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/mba/lowres/mban222l.jpg - Cartoon of an old people using a cash machine.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/800000/images/_801719_abbey300.jpg – Image of cash being withdrawn