“Please withdraw $20.00 for your checking account, and $20.00 from your saving account. Try accomplishing both withdrawals within the same transaction”. This was the task given to the user.
The user approached the ATM interface admitting he is never certain what direction the card is inserted into the machine. This is a common issue amongst users, which is why I designed the slot with a black strip on its bottom right, indicating the direction the magnetic strip on the card must be in upon insertion.
The image below explains how the use of a black block beneath the slot can suggest the direction the card needs to be inserted.
However, this subtle indication is not sufficient as the user’s uncertainty continued. This is an aspect I need to readdress when revising the interface. A way to make it clearer is in the use of illustrations or icons. Perhaps then, I may also make icons for the remaining slots; the cash and receipt slot, remaining consistent with the designs.
The screenshots are designed such that the user is able to track back through their path during their transaction. As the user progresses through their withdrawal activity, a menu along the side tracks their path from the ‘main menu’, to ‘accounts’, to ‘amount’. This side bar does not only track the user’s progression, but also act as shortcuts to previous menus.
It is this side menu that I intended the user to take advantage of when giving the instructions. However, since it is not a common feature in ATM interfaces, the user did not expect a side menu and was unsure of its function. I intend to keep this side menu as it allows the user to move back a step, or jump back to a step, while keeping track of the process. Although, perhaps the menu and the buttons composing it need clarification, making the menu distinct from the main page-activity.
Anther confusion cause by the side menu was due to its graphic treatment. When in the Main Menu, the ‘Main menu’ button would still be present, even though it is indicated that it is inactive, likewise, when in the Accounts Menu, the inactive ‘Accounts’ button would be present. Causing confusion, it was suggested that I completely eliminate the button when in that menu.
The screenshot below reveals this issue.
The wording of the ‘End transaction’ and ‘Restart transaction’ buttons created further misunderstanding, as they were not true to their functionality. I would need to revise these buttons.
The process itself is not much different from that of the original ATM - long and tedious. I need to rethink the screenshots and try eliminating, or combining some in order to quicken the process.
Another aspect I need to reconsider is the combination of the touch screen and physical keypad. It would make for a more consistent interface design if the keypad were fused within the screen. However, after much research of the existing ATMs featuring touch screens do have physical keypads. If this is a decision based upon technical difficulties, then it may be overcome and ultimately should not reflect upon the design, which is why I shall incorporate the two interfaces in the next revision.
The incorporation of both physical and touch screen display may also be a security decision. The dial pad is located such that when a user is interacting with the ATM, he/she blocks it from the view of people around them. However, adding another security feature that is more inimitable than a four/six-digit pass code, and something that only the user can provide - a fingerprint, may strengthen the security. An onscreen finger print reader may allay the need of a dial pad, however it would not eradicate it. I intend to include both activation methods, incorporating both onscreen.
Another feature I would like to include when improving the design is the option of withdrawing denominations other than $20. I think this would benefit the functionality of the ATM greatly.
When revising the interface, I intend to improve the design taking into consideration all that I have learned from the usability test.
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