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I definitely agree some things have gotten quite bad, but at least for me there have been quite a lot of massive improvements. Banking is a good example, it ha

I definitely agree some things have gotten quite bad, but at least for me there have been quite a lot of massive improvements. Banking is a good example, it has significantly improved for me; Instead of having to use one of those 2nd factor dedicated devices that require my card and pin code, I can now use my phone with the app as second factor, it's way more convenient as I don't have to go search for the device and type in random numbers. Also checking my bank statements and saldo doesn't require a second factor so it's much easier now. My impression is that for elderly people things have improved as well, although based on a small sample size. I have tried to learn elderly people how to use a laptop and the internet some years back, it was almost impossible. But, if you give them an iPad and some very basic instructions they just figure stuff out, do banking, messaging, gaming and what not. I have honestly been surprised. When talking search and shopping I fully agree; I think the issue here is that not-very-ethical parties have actually succeeded quite well in gaming and flooding the system with the clickbaity low quality crap. It has become hard or impossible to distinguish real & quality vs fake/low quality/scam, manual and automated. Multi factors do require some work, and captchas really suck (but those are not new!). My point is that I think overall things have improved, there are exceptions, but the web and digital products in the past were really very bad. It might not feel like it has improved because expectations rise with the base level, and our expectations are way higher now, so bad apples stand out. Check out https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ux-gains-shrinking/ https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ux-gains-shrinking/ some strong pointers that at least the user experience situation has improved.

Johnythree 5y ago
For decades my bank used a hardware security device that I kept on my keychain. It worked flawlessly and I loved it. Recently they changed to an "App" to be able to use my account. The first I heard about it, I was overseas trying to get back during the Pandemic, and couldn't buy a plane ticket as SMS wouldn't work (apparently it was because I hadn't authorised "Roaming" before I left). Whatever, I did enjoy cancelling all my bank accounts when I returned. I will never use a shitty smartphone App for anything which involves security.
- codeptualize 5y ago
  Fair enough, a security device that can be on your keychain does sound convenient. I use hardware security keys these days, probably a similar experience. SMS does sound proper annoying, not only delays/roaming issues, but also because you probably still have to manually type over numbers. For most thing I just need to scan a QR code, then type in a pin or use face id to confirm, very quick and easy. For big transactions I still need the device, and that's when I realize how annoying it really is haha. Anyway, hope you have found a better bank!

Johnythree 5y ago

For decades my bank used a hardware security device that I kept on my keychain. It worked flawlessly and I loved it. Recently they changed to an "App" to be able to use my account. The first I heard about it, I was overseas trying to get back during the Pandemic, and couldn't buy a plane ticket as SMS wouldn't work (apparently it was because I hadn't authorised "Roaming" before I left). Whatever, I did enjoy cancelling all my bank accounts when I returned. I will never use a shitty smartphone App for anything which involves security.

codeptualize 5y ago
Fair enough, a security device that can be on your keychain does sound convenient. I use hardware security keys these days, probably a similar experience. SMS does sound proper annoying, not only delays/roaming issues, but also because you probably still have to manually type over numbers. For most thing I just need to scan a QR code, then type in a pin or use face id to confirm, very quick and easy. For big transactions I still need the device, and that's when I realize how annoying it really is haha. Anyway, hope you have found a better bank!