Human Factors- Ergonomic Design (Term Paper Sample)

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Human Factors- Ergonomic Design
General Description
Automated teller machines are cash machines, which informally called holes in the wall. The device enables users to get access to telecommunication services from financial institutions thus facilitating financial transactions in the absence of human employee. ATMs need the customer to insert a plastic card that uses magnetic strips or chip technology. The card is identified using a unique card number and relevant security information such as a CVVC and expiry date. Authentication is performed using a unique personal identification number.
Intended Functions
ATMs are used to withdraw and deposit money into the customer’s bank account. The customer can also check the account balance and credit the mobile phone. ATMS offer international services when the individuals are in foreign lands where the money is converted using the official exchange rate. The customer is required to forego a transaction fee that varies from one bank to the other.
The use of ATMS has evolved to increase the functions from just money dispensing. They are also used to pay utility bills including legal, water, bills, phone bills and taxes. They are also used to get access to bank statements; however, the bank statement may not be as detailed thus is referred to as a mini bank statement. They are also used to update passbooks and request for cash advances. Modern ATMs also have a cheque processing function. They can also be used to settle credit card debts linked to a given account and transfer money in accounts that are linked.
Fully integrated ATMs allow clients to load money into their stored value cards, train cards, lottery tickets, movie tickets and concert tickets. Thus, users can donate money to charities.
Feel, Form and Fit of ATMs
ATMs are mainly located indoors or in a sheltered place. They are located near areas frequented by many people such as banks, malls, airports, stores, stations and restaurants (Lnit.org). Many ATMs have a label indicating the bank that owns it whereas on-premise ATMs are located close to the mother bank to complement the functioning of the branch. They have an encryption PIN pad that the user can use to key in the authentication pin. They also have a slot that the user inserts the chip or magnetic card. They have a display to show the transaction as the user carries out the transaction. They are also equipped with a printer that produces a hard copy receipt. Finally, the ATM is equipped with a vault to ensure safety to the money that is provided to the user after request. The vault has a dispensing and deposit mechanisms, security sensors and locks.
I am a regular user of the ATM, particularly to withdraw cash to avoid long bank lines. I use the product around twice per week; however, the frequency may fluctuate depending on the money in my bank account and my monthly budget. The projected increase in the functionality of ATMs will lead to an increased frequency of use in the future.
Approximate Cost
The cost of an ATM ranges from $2000, but the price can go above $4000 depending on the intended functionality and degree of security. The customer incurs a surcharge of around $2.50 when using an ATM that belongs to another bank whereas he/she incurs around $0.5 to withdraw from the user’s bank (msnbc.com).
Design Evolution for different disabilities
ATMs are evolving to offer functionality for people with different disabilities. People with diminished vision can use ATMs since the dial pad has a brail-like number marking that can be used to authenticate the user (Zidbits - Learn something new everyday!). Most ATMs are also standardized in the order of display of different amounts that the user is required to enter. The display also uses a relatively large font that is easily legible; therefore, the user can easily read the word and numerals displayed on the monitor. People with diminished hearing can use visual information that is constantly displayed in the screen; however, they may miss sound alerts produced by the ATM such as the alerts that signify an end to the transaction.
Most ATMs also cater for people with cognitive disabilities such as low response time, memory and attention disorders. The ATMs produce sounds to signify the beginning and end of the transaction. There is also constant communication with the user such as informing the user to pick and insert the card. The ATM authentication PIN is also relatively short, usually four digits that are easy to remember for the majority of the population.
ATMs do not demand a lot of physical strength to insert the card, key in the pin and take the cash. ATMs are conveniently located close to streets thus users may get access to the ATM easily since it does not require a lot of physical mobility. However, people who are vertically challenged may experience difficulties accessing ATMs that have a greater height than a saloon car. Therefore, various improvements must be made on the ATM design.
Redesign Su...