10 ms·

IDEO re-thinks the ATM

55 points by blazamos 16y ago

jinushaun 16y ago
Pretty, but what about blind people?
- eagleal 16y ago
  The blind people could see the sunny weather icon, in the top menu! (I really don't understand the utility of that icon) Aside from jokes, it basically is just an aesthetics design over the original ATM design. Though it's just a pilot test. * To increase more confidence in people, as they say, they should rise the semi-transparent panel to cover the shoulders of the ones in front. * Also from a security point of view, doesn't change anything. It's still vulnerable to existing attacks.
InclinedPlane 16y ago
I think it misses the mark. What I want from an ATM is a machine that dispenses cash and takes deposits 24/7 with minimal fuss. Modern ATMs that automatically count deposited cash and read deposited checks perform this role remarkably well. I don't want a full-fledged electronic banking kiosk, if I need to do anything other than a withdrawal or deposit then I'd vastly prefer to be able to do that using online banking on the web.
- rapidstuff 16y ago
  On the contrary it is very useful to have a full fledged electronic kiosk, especially for developing countries. In most places outside the US, online banking is still in it's early stages and the masses generally prefer and trust the physical ATM
  - tallanvor 16y ago
    Of course. most of Europe is ahead of the US in terms of online banking. For example: My bank here in Norway let's me transfer funds internationally online. I can't do that in the US. All I need to know to send money to another Norwegian bank account is a single account code. --No need for routing/sort codes or anything else. The banks here have even agreed on a single scheme for two factor identification so that even if you have accounts with multiple banks you don't have to carry around multiple key fobs, worry about who will be sending you an SMS with your single use code, or whatnot.
    - yxhuvud 16y ago
      Wow, here in Sweden every bank seem to invent their own scheme.
sh1mmer 16y ago
I think this is a great concept, and I think they have applied some great improvements, but I to admit many of these features that are novel in Europe I've had since I moved to the US 2 years ago. My Wells Fargo ATMs give me customized short-cuts, touch-screens, cheque scanning, cash depositing and a bunch of other features. It's not quite as integrated as this, but it's nowhere near the sad state of cash machines in the UK.
- rahim 16y ago
  Agreed. The new Bank of America ATMs make getting cash incredibly fast. After inserting your card, you're presented with a screen that has an input field for your pin and then just below that are buttons with the most common withdrawal amounts ($20, $40, $60, etc.). Most of the time I visit an ATM to get a bit of cash, and can be done in about a minute. Another nicety: after choosing one of the "quick cash" amounts, the ATM spits your card out before your money, so that you're less likely to leave your card behind.
  - sh1mmer 16y ago
    That's actually a well researched bit of cash machine UED. I remember when I worked in the usability lab at a university in the UK this one came up. Most early ATMs gave cash first and there was a significant minority of people who forget their cards. I can't remember the paper, but it's pretty essential to be people first in design, rather than engineering first.
  - bittersweet 16y ago
    Is this really that new and innovative? The way you describe is exactly how it's always been in the Netherlands. I think 90% of our machines are just there to get money, not deposit it, so maybe we had more chance to come up with a streamlined and simplified process.
  - qw 16y ago
    That's an exact description of the ATMs in Norway, and they have always done that.
- 16y ago
ugh 16y ago
Hey, it’s not just a concept! I thought “Great, once again some pie in the sky concept which will be reality in circa fifty years or not …“ but there are already pilot units installed which turns this from lame into awesome.
thinkcomp 16y ago
Why would we need ATMs in the future? My ideal ATM is no ATM.
- doron 16y ago
  I agree, and if i am allowed a moment of NY bitterness. My most valued feature in an ATM is the - No Fee.
  - deleted 16y ago
    [deleted]
- adolph 16y ago
  Yes! When I need cash I use debit at the grocery store and do a cash over transaction. It makes getting cash as convenient as bread or bacon.
bdonlan 16y ago
Converting everything to a touchscreen seems like it'd cause problems for blind users - no way to give braille feedback then...
- basex 16y ago
  in Portugal the ATMs use touchscreens, you can also click to get some machine voice talking to you about the operations.
stretchwithme 16y ago
People can still come up behind you from a different direction. Maybe they should consider a curved wall to mount this thing on. And also have that wall be completely smooth with no way to mount a camera that can detect your pin. Where you enter your card should also be very clear and impossible to cover up with a fake card reader.
heresy 16y ago
Revamping the ATM seems a bit backwards. I don't carry cash, haven't for 6 or 7 years now. Electronic transaction fees with debit cards are non-existent. My paycheck goes straight into my bank account. Transferring money to other NZ bank accounts electronically costs nothing, and shows up within 1 day (or instantly if the same bank). In fact, the only time I get charged is if I actually use an ATM, or go into the bank to speak to someone. But there is no merchant in NZ who does not accept electronic transactions, so no need to use an ATM, or carry cash. Only necessary if you want to transact without knowledge of the revenue department :)
- dedward 16y ago
  Canada is much the same way. That said - that's not true of the entire world - many societies still accept cash as a regular form of payment, and electronic methods cost extra. (And darn it, we SHOULD be worried about the non-anonymity of electronic banking. There is nothing wrong with cash.) I still get a kick out of the shock from surprising places when I go shopping with cash... people get freaked out because you have some whoppingly HUGE amount of money like $200 in your wallet, and ask "Aren't you afraid you'll get robbed?" and whatnot.
- ascuttlefish 16y ago
  I've actually moved away from using electronic transations exclusively to using them only for receiving my pay, paying bills, and online shopping. Every pay, I withdraw the cash I've allocated for various things (food, fun, photography, gas, etc.) and put it in labeled envelopes. It keeps me much more honest. When the envelope is empty, I just don't do that thing anymore.
  - heresy 16y ago
    Using a debit card with the PocketMoney iPhone app keeps me honest. I know as soon as I've bought something if I've blown the budget. And for some reason, debit card feels more like "real money" than the credit card with its elastic limit.
- protomyth 16y ago
ehosca 16y ago
i think the same concept should be applied to computers ... a single magic slot that accepts CD's, DVD's, floppies, SD Cards, Compact Flash cards, eSata drives, USB peripherals, mouse, keyboard etc etc... i want a PC with a giant multi-function universal slot :) This is what happens when designers who don't know shit about technology start making shit up and pass it on with hubris.
- sorbus 16y ago
  Yep, entirely made up by designers, except for the bit about it already existing: "In 2009 the first pilot units have been installed, while BBVA prepares to roll out the ATM across its Spanish branches."
  - ehosca 16y ago
    "In 2009 the first pilot units have been installed" translation: we have a sample unit running the lab and we installed another one at the headquarters... "while BBVA prepares to roll out the ATM across its Spanish branches." translation: its uncertain if this will ever be deployed... for time reference its currently 3Q 2010
RiderOfGiraffes 16y ago
Bloody annoying self-starting video. From the guidelines: If you submit a link to a video or pdf, please warn us by appending [video] or [pdf] to the title.
zackola 16y ago
By removing the physical keypad you totally screw everyone with vision impairments. Check out the keypad and side-screen buttons next time you use an ATM, they most likely have braille on them. The 90° thing is a good idea though.
- protomyth 16y ago
  The 90 degree thing probably isn't too friendly to the people in wheelchairs.
- SlowOnTheUptake 16y ago
  I wonder if the 90° orientation really does make people feel more secure as the narrator claimed. Did they conduct some kind of research or just declare it to be so? Personally, I'd think it would make me more aware that I'm being watched by a line of impatient people waiting to use the ATM.
ajtaylor 16y ago
While I tend to use electronic transactions, I love the idea of a smarter ATM. Now I can't wait for my next holiday to Spain so I can try out one of these machines.
abalashov 16y ago
I do think "further automation of the teller" is the most important step to pursue to make ATMs more useful, at least in the US. It's 2010, why can't I transfer money to one of my other accounts instantly using an ATM? Why can't I wire or ACH money to anyone else's account anywhere--why do I have to physically come into the branch, or pay for an expanded array of online business access services to do this? Security concern? Fine, use biometrics or something else clever to deal with it. Why can't I deposit checks and cash 24/7 and have them credited to the account instantly? Handwriting recognition? Why are we still using written checks? Admittedly, many of my problems in terms of limitations of online interfaces stem from using a small regional bank, which outsources different parts of its offering (business vs. personal online access) to different third-party vendors with disparate systems that don't communicate, and where most things (including transfers) can't be done outside normal 9-to-5 business hours. I could probably solve some of these by banking with some of the bigger players, there is still room for improvement in ATMs. The amount of overdraft & late fees I pay because I can't move money to the right account at the right time, as the owner of a very small business with a very high cash velocity and low transaction volume, is staggering. It would be nice to be able to do most of the things I need to physically hoof my way to a branch for on an ATM, and I'm sure the banks would be delighted in reduced personnel costs too.
gcb 16y ago
Only living in the USA anyone will not laugh at those "banking innovations "... I can't even pay my credit card in the usa on the day it's due. And both accounts are at the same branch.
deleted 16y ago
[deleted]

55 points by blazamos 16y ago

jinushaun 16y ago

Pretty, but what about blind people?

eagleal 16y ago
The blind people could see the sunny weather icon, in the top menu! (I really don't understand the utility of that icon) Aside from jokes, it basically is just an aesthetics design over the original ATM design. Though it's just a pilot test. * To increase more confidence in people, as they say, they should rise the semi-transparent panel to cover the shoulders of the ones in front. * Also from a security point of view, doesn't change anything. It's still vulnerable to existing attacks.

InclinedPlane 16y ago

I think it misses the mark. What I want from an ATM is a machine that dispenses cash and takes deposits 24/7 with minimal fuss. Modern ATMs that automatically count deposited cash and read deposited checks perform this role remarkably well. I don't want a full-fledged electronic banking kiosk, if I need to do anything other than a withdrawal or deposit then I'd vastly prefer to be able to do that using online banking on the web.

rapidstuff 16y ago
On the contrary it is very useful to have a full fledged electronic kiosk, especially for developing countries. In most places outside the US, online banking is still in it's early stages and the masses generally prefer and trust the physical ATM
- tallanvor 16y ago
  Of course. most of Europe is ahead of the US in terms of online banking. For example: My bank here in Norway let's me transfer funds internationally online. I can't do that in the US. All I need to know to send money to another Norwegian bank account is a single account code. --No need for routing/sort codes or anything else. The banks here have even agreed on a single scheme for two factor identification so that even if you have accounts with multiple banks you don't have to carry around multiple key fobs, worry about who will be sending you an SMS with your single use code, or whatnot.
  - yxhuvud 16y ago
    Wow, here in Sweden every bank seem to invent their own scheme.

sh1mmer 16y ago

I think this is a great concept, and I think they have applied some great improvements, but I to admit many of these features that are novel in Europe I've had since I moved to the US 2 years ago. My Wells Fargo ATMs give me customized short-cuts, touch-screens, cheque scanning, cash depositing and a bunch of other features. It's not quite as integrated as this, but it's nowhere near the sad state of cash machines in the UK.

rahim 16y ago
Agreed. The new Bank of America ATMs make getting cash incredibly fast. After inserting your card, you're presented with a screen that has an input field for your pin and then just below that are buttons with the most common withdrawal amounts ($20, $40, $60, etc.). Most of the time I visit an ATM to get a bit of cash, and can be done in about a minute. Another nicety: after choosing one of the "quick cash" amounts, the ATM spits your card out before your money, so that you're less likely to leave your card behind.
- sh1mmer 16y ago
  That's actually a well researched bit of cash machine UED. I remember when I worked in the usability lab at a university in the UK this one came up. Most early ATMs gave cash first and there was a significant minority of people who forget their cards. I can't remember the paper, but it's pretty essential to be people first in design, rather than engineering first.
- bittersweet 16y ago
  Is this really that new and innovative? The way you describe is exactly how it's always been in the Netherlands. I think 90% of our machines are just there to get money, not deposit it, so maybe we had more chance to come up with a streamlined and simplified process.
- qw 16y ago
  That's an exact description of the ATMs in Norway, and they have always done that.
16y ago

ugh 16y ago

Hey, it’s not just a concept! I thought “Great, once again some pie in the sky concept which will be reality in circa fifty years or not …“ but there are already pilot units installed which turns this from lame into awesome.

thinkcomp 16y ago

Why would we need ATMs in the future? My ideal ATM is no ATM.

doron 16y ago
I agree, and if i am allowed a moment of NY bitterness. My most valued feature in an ATM is the - No Fee.
- deleted 16y ago
  [deleted]
adolph 16y ago
Yes! When I need cash I use debit at the grocery store and do a cash over transaction. It makes getting cash as convenient as bread or bacon.

bdonlan 16y ago

Converting everything to a touchscreen seems like it'd cause problems for blind users - no way to give braille feedback then...

basex 16y ago
in Portugal the ATMs use touchscreens, you can also click to get some machine voice talking to you about the operations.

stretchwithme 16y ago

People can still come up behind you from a different direction. Maybe they should consider a curved wall to mount this thing on. And also have that wall be completely smooth with no way to mount a camera that can detect your pin. Where you enter your card should also be very clear and impossible to cover up with a fake card reader.

heresy 16y ago

Revamping the ATM seems a bit backwards. I don't carry cash, haven't for 6 or 7 years now. Electronic transaction fees with debit cards are non-existent. My paycheck goes straight into my bank account. Transferring money to other NZ bank accounts electronically costs nothing, and shows up within 1 day (or instantly if the same bank). In fact, the only time I get charged is if I actually use an ATM, or go into the bank to speak to someone. But there is no merchant in NZ who does not accept electronic transactions, so no need to use an ATM, or carry cash. Only necessary if you want to transact without knowledge of the revenue department :)

dedward 16y ago
Canada is much the same way. That said - that's not true of the entire world - many societies still accept cash as a regular form of payment, and electronic methods cost extra. (And darn it, we SHOULD be worried about the non-anonymity of electronic banking. There is nothing wrong with cash.) I still get a kick out of the shock from surprising places when I go shopping with cash... people get freaked out because you have some whoppingly HUGE amount of money like $200 in your wallet, and ask "Aren't you afraid you'll get robbed?" and whatnot.
ascuttlefish 16y ago
I've actually moved away from using electronic transations exclusively to using them only for receiving my pay, paying bills, and online shopping. Every pay, I withdraw the cash I've allocated for various things (food, fun, photography, gas, etc.) and put it in labeled envelopes. It keeps me much more honest. When the envelope is empty, I just don't do that thing anymore.
- heresy 16y ago
  Using a debit card with the PocketMoney iPhone app keeps me honest. I know as soon as I've bought something if I've blown the budget. And for some reason, debit card feels more like "real money" than the credit card with its elastic limit.
protomyth 16y ago

ehosca 16y ago

i think the same concept should be applied to computers ... a single magic slot that accepts CD's, DVD's, floppies, SD Cards, Compact Flash cards, eSata drives, USB peripherals, mouse, keyboard etc etc... i want a PC with a giant multi-function universal slot :) This is what happens when designers who don't know shit about technology start making shit up and pass it on with hubris.

sorbus 16y ago
Yep, entirely made up by designers, except for the bit about it already existing: "In 2009 the first pilot units have been installed, while BBVA prepares to roll out the ATM across its Spanish branches."
- ehosca 16y ago
  "In 2009 the first pilot units have been installed" translation: we have a sample unit running the lab and we installed another one at the headquarters... "while BBVA prepares to roll out the ATM across its Spanish branches." translation: its uncertain if this will ever be deployed... for time reference its currently 3Q 2010

RiderOfGiraffes 16y ago

Bloody annoying self-starting video. From the guidelines: If you submit a link to a video or pdf, please warn us by appending [video] or [pdf] to the title.

zackola 16y ago

By removing the physical keypad you totally screw everyone with vision impairments. Check out the keypad and side-screen buttons next time you use an ATM, they most likely have braille on them. The 90° thing is a good idea though.

protomyth 16y ago
The 90 degree thing probably isn't too friendly to the people in wheelchairs.
SlowOnTheUptake 16y ago
I wonder if the 90° orientation really does make people feel more secure as the narrator claimed. Did they conduct some kind of research or just declare it to be so? Personally, I'd think it would make me more aware that I'm being watched by a line of impatient people waiting to use the ATM.

ajtaylor 16y ago

While I tend to use electronic transactions, I love the idea of a smarter ATM. Now I can't wait for my next holiday to Spain so I can try out one of these machines.

abalashov 16y ago

I do think "further automation of the teller" is the most important step to pursue to make ATMs more useful, at least in the US. It's 2010, why can't I transfer money to one of my other accounts instantly using an ATM? Why can't I wire or ACH money to anyone else's account anywhere--why do I have to physically come into the branch, or pay for an expanded array of online business access services to do this? Security concern? Fine, use biometrics or something else clever to deal with it. Why can't I deposit checks and cash 24/7 and have them credited to the account instantly? Handwriting recognition? Why are we still using written checks? Admittedly, many of my problems in terms of limitations of online interfaces stem from using a small regional bank, which outsources different parts of its offering (business vs. personal online access) to different third-party vendors with disparate systems that don't communicate, and where most things (including transfers) can't be done outside normal 9-to-5 business hours. I could probably solve some of these by banking with some of the bigger players, there is still room for improvement in ATMs. The amount of overdraft & late fees I pay because I can't move money to the right account at the right time, as the owner of a very small business with a very high cash velocity and low transaction volume, is staggering. It would be nice to be able to do most of the things I need to physically hoof my way to a branch for on an ATM, and I'm sure the banks would be delighted in reduced personnel costs too.

gcb 16y ago

Only living in the USA anyone will not laugh at those "banking innovations "... I can't even pay my credit card in the usa on the day it's due. And both accounts are at the same branch.

deleted 16y ago

[deleted]