Cash machine design

Scott Salisbury

Scott Salisbury

Scott Salisbury

Associate
Joined
26 Jan 2005
Posts
1,586
Location
Newcastle, UK
Hey all,

For my human computer interaction module at uni, I've been asked to think about the interface design of various cashpoints in my area.

Now I'm not asking anybody to do my work for me, but I would be interested in listening to people's opinions about the usability of cash machines and their annoyances, (or good points).

I don't have a particularily wide range of cash machines in my local area, and the ones we have I find quite easy to use. However, I'm still young with quick fingers and good eye sight. I would be interested to hear from a range of different users other than other fellow students. A few personal annoyances for me is slowness of menus and options not lining up.

Ever used a cashpoint drunk, etc? Discuss :)

Cheers.
 
About the only thing that they suck at is seeing the screen in bright sunshine. However all the modern ones now (especially the barclays ones) are very easy and simple/clear to use. They are very intuitive really. The only aspect I'd improve is the security aspect, maybe make them more "booth" designed rather than open as they are.
 
Theres one cashpoint in the uni here that is particularly annoying.
Enter Pin
Selection screen (cash, statement, balance, etc)
when you choose "cash", the screen changes and you wait for the various options that a normal machine would give you (numbers up the sides corresponding to the buttons)...but they never come. After a few mins of waiting, you realise the small line of text at the bottom of the blank screen asks you to type in how much you want to withdraw :/

Also, the other cash machine on campus is about 3ft of the ground :(
 
I think they are quite good design. Recessed for a bit of privacy while using the key pad. Big buttons, minimal amount of buttons + buttons in physical places so no menu scrolling or mouse. Some screens have very limited viewing angles which i think its a security advantage.

Don't know what else could be done really. I think the main area would be added security.

I would think that the hight might be a problem for most in wheelchairs or dwarfs so you could look into that?
 
I personally think making noises at you when your card and money come out as I've left money there before....
 
I've seen some tests for a biometric scanning machine so you don't have to enter your pin which is quite cool. And another one that monitors the trends of your withdrawals and asks you if you want to request your "usual £20" or whatever, and lists your top 3 regular withdrawals. Another thing they could do is send you a copy of your statement via email - that would be quite useful.
 
Aero said:
I personally think making noises at you when your card and money come out as I've left money there before....
Click to expand...

They do that already - besides it sucks the money back in after a set period of time 20s I think (they vary slightly from bank to bank) and it won't debit your account.
 
Why do they not have £5 notes in them anymore!
Make the buttons a little bigger - 50% would be nice.
Digital display so the numbers move around making it harder for someone looking at you to guess the numbers.
 
biggest annoyance about cash points is that they get dirty and people can deface them or spit on them etc.

next annoyance is that maybe they're not private enough as theyre quite easy to see what keys you press.

options wise i think theyre good. nice and easy to understand although maybe for the partially sighted it might be difficult. :confused:
 
I always find they are too low down and I'm only 6'3" I have to sort of lean back and duck to use them. They are also usually filthy, spit and snot is one thing but seen them used as urinals before now!
 
They need to fill them up with receipt tickets more, they're always out :mad:

And not all have good screens, lots have those lame green/dark green CRTs that are impossible to see.

next annoyance is that maybe they're not private enough as they're quite easy to see what keys you press.
Click to expand...
I just put my left hand over my right and press the buttons, i do have large hands though :o
 
colinuk said:
Why do they not have £5 notes in them anymore!
Make the buttons a little bigger - 50% would be nice.
Digital display so the numbers move around making it harder for someone looking at you to guess the numbers.
Click to expand...

The £5 note is the note which is highest demand and is in biggest shortage. It's used mainly in retail and isn't considered worthwhile for ATMs to pack 'em. Though there are a few exceptions in certain unis that do have £5 cassettes. Also most £5 tend to be tatty and are no good for use in ATMs. It would be nice if £50 were in more ATMs.
 
Can be a problem depending on the maturity of your mates but.....

Most machines start at £10 (or £20) top left then either increase down the page and onto the second column or increase left to right then next line (hope that makes sense). In either case £100/£200 is ALWAYS bottom right. Swift jab to the bottom right of the screen and you've be forced to make a rather large withdrawal.......cheers guys!! :rolleyes: ;)
 
Well the one I left money in didn't beep and we have a lovely cash machine in coventry that gives out lovely crisp new fivers! Perfect for students :D
 
I prefer those cash machines that don't take ages to give you some cash asking you if you want a printed balance etc.
I like the ones with fast cash too.

As far as design goes, the £1.50 a time charge kind of ones aren't as good as the "in wall" kinda ones but it's a cashpoint at the end of the day.

I'd love to see more ones which dispense fivers. And indeed 50's

perhaps coins are the next big thing?
 
How about a button that says "Mute this thing" just after card insert as I'm pretty sick of the machines almost saying "Hey look over here this guy is withdrawing money" every time i put in a PIN digit.
 
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