Rapid Design Thinking: Developing an ATM for Kids
As part of Designlab’s UX Academy, we were instructed to practice Design Thinking from the beginning to the end in a very quick way for this problem: How would you design an ATM for children?
When thinking through this assignment, I imagined my childhood self trying to use an ATM. Putting myself in the position of the user made me realize that as a child, you’re usually able to perform tasks if it is designed in a question-answer format (e.g. What would you like to do? Withdraw money? Deposit money?). The same is actually true for adults as I often find that apps that use prompts like that are easier to navigate. For this assignment, I’m giving kids credit that they could navigate an ATM with a little encouragement from gamification and brighter colors.
Empathize.
First, I thought through the functionality and uses of an ATM through the eyes of a child.
What is an ATM (both functionally and metaphorically)?
- Functionally: An ATM functions as a machine in which you withdraw or deposit money.
- Metaphorically: An ATM represents financial responsibility. It represents responsibility for keeping track of your money and ensuring that you have enough saved up for life’s expenses. It also represents freedom in the sense that you can withdraw money to make purchases for the thing you enjoy in life, and deposit money to save money for the future.
How and why would a child use an ATM?
A child would use an ATM to learn more about money management, the value of money, and how to be responsible. A child could use an ATM if it is in a safe environment where the buttons and screens are clear and easy-to-use.
Ideally, there would be a parent or trusted adult close by to help them and provide guidance as needed. The child would use the ATM like a normal one, but there would be simplified actions.
What are the possibilities or features a kid may need for using an ATM?
Kids would likely need color-coded buttons and action prompts that clearly lead them through the action of depositing or withdrawing money. Gamification would also be a great way of encouraging the child through the act of using the ATM.
Is there an educational aspect at play?
There is definitely an educational aspect at play as the child would be learning about money management and being responsible for their finances at a young age.
Define.
Next, I thought through what specific functions the ATM would have if designed for a child.
On a high level, how should it look? What functionalities should it include?
On a high level, the ATM should look similar to a typical ATM so that when the child “graduates” to using an adult ATM, there is a level of familiarity. However, the controls should be simplified and color-coded as mentioned above.
The functionalities again should be similar to a normal ATM: Checking bank account balance, withdrawing money, and depositing money. There would also be gamification involved to encourage the child along the way and reward them for doing a good job.
Ideate.
Then, I created some preliminary sketches and ideas for the ATM.
This screenshot shows the flow for depositing money. I wanted it to be as simple as possible with clear directions with the questions leading the kid through the action. There is also a “badge” rewarded for all deposits which serve as positive reinforcement for saving money.
This screenshot shows the flow for withdrawing money.
This screenshot shows two options for the design of the ATM itself. One has a touchscreen as well as physical buttons and the other has just a touch screen with a keypad that slides up from the bottom of the screen every time the user needs to type out numbers or click YES or NO.
Prototype.
Lastly, I developed more detailed sketches of the ATM — one flow for depositing money (put money in) which includes a gamification feature, and one flow for withdrawing money (take money out).
Below is the flow for depositing money:
Below is the flow for withdrawing money:
