User Centered

Why can't we standardize on these machines? Sure they are not too terribly difficult to use, but can't we at least agree on a standard way to swipe your card? There is usually a picture to illustrate how to properly swipe the card, but you have to admit- there has been at least one time in your life when you looked at the picture and still couldn't figure out which way to swipe. Or, you have a good idea how to insert/swipe the card, but then you see the picture and doubt yourself. We shouldn't need instructions for a single step card swipe. If we can't figure out how to do that just by looking up at the system, it is a bad design. That said- most of us can. It's just NEVER the same. It wouldn't be too hard to create standards for this- one for swiping, and one for inserting the card. Like everything else in life (remotes, TVs, etc) since the manufactures will not agree, we will all have to relearn every new machine we meet.

And ATMs- do you insert your card and get it back right away (after PIN), or is it held the whole time? Of course, if they do hang on to it, you're more likely to forget it; you are busy stuffing this weeks paycheck in your wallet before heading out for the weekend. The banks helpfully remind you that the most important piece of this transaction is about to be left behind with an audible alarm, which admits the flaw of the design. I prefer the machines that spit your card back before they give cash. Granted, you have to "manage" it while negotiating the ATM menu's, but you are less likely to drive/walk away without it.

Finally- why does the cashier ask "credit or debit?" Can't they tell? I'd prefer that to be a statement. "You chose debit." I had to hit the button on my pad, lets communicate that back to the cashier UI somehow. Ok, the cashier has to 'bless' the transaction, but why don't they know what button I pressed? They also sometimes ask if I want cash back even though I've already selected the "no cash" option on the UI.