Category
Design & Research
Type of project
Service Design, Communication Design
Client
Geldmaat
Year
2023-2024
Collaboration
Virginia Facciotto, Elena Tonelli, Mark Kruijthoff
The process
The project began with an extensive exploration phase aimed at understanding the diverse challenges elderly users face while operating ATMs. Both on-site and with users research was conducted through various activities, including literature review, market research, and in-depth interviews with stakeholders such as end-users, elderly care professionals, bookshop assistants, and Geldmaat employees. We also engaged in immersive experiences like a client safari, assisting and observing people using ATMs in real time with Geldmaat employees, and a third-age suit simulation to empathize with the physical limitations that older adults experience.
The research enabled us to narrow the focus to specific pain points, refining the design goal and direction. The next phase consisted of generating and iteratively testing prototypes with end-users, using each iteration to gather insights and refine concepts. This process ultimately led to a product-service system that integrates an instructional manual and in-person workshops, aiming to empower elderly users in ATM interactions. After final testing and evaluation, we concluded with detailed recommendations for further improvement.
The following insights highlight the key challenges faced by elderly users when navigating ATM operations, emerged from the problem exploration phase.
MEMORY DECLINE
difficulty recalling steps and actions needed for ATM transactions
SELF ESTEEM
low confidence in physical and cognitive abilities
LOW DIGITAL LITERACY & TECHNOFOBIA
limited experience with digital tools, leading to anxiety and avoidance of technology
EMOTIONAL IMPACT
experience vulnerability and anxiety at ATMs
LANGUAGE COMPREHENSION
decline in operative memory affects understanding of instructions
HUMAN SUPPORT
preference for places where they more easily find human assistance
Given challenges such as decreased memory, limited digital literacy, and declining cognitive function, many elderly individuals experience a sense of vulnerability and anxiety when using ATMs. This goal focuses on overcoming these barriers by creating a user-centered ATM experience that feels approachable, intuitive, and supportive.
The design goal is to enable elderly ATM users to confidently and autonomously operate an ATM.
The service
Geldmaat offers a service specifically designed to assist elderly users in confidently and independently completing ATM transactions. This service provides access to instruction manuals for different types of operations, allowing users to review and consult them as needed during transactions. Additionally, Geldmaat organizes workshops where volunteers and employees demonstrate transaction processes in small, interactive group settings. The service is structured around three key support scenarios: in-person assistance within Geldmaat shops, participation in interactive educational workshops, and access to detailed instruction manuals on request.

INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS
Geldmaat promotes workshops in locations such as libraries and elderly care residencies, where operators train users to complete common ATM transactions via a demo. This interactive setting encourages participants to follow and predict steps. Manuals are provided afterwards for future reference.

IN-STORE ASSISTANCE
Inside Geldmaat shops, instructions manuals for various ATM transactions are available on shelves, allowing users to consult and retain them if needed. For additional support, a prominently displayed service number is provided, enabling users to contact assistance directly.

DIRECT MANUAL REQUEST
Users can also request manuals for home delivery through the Geldmaat website or by calling a dedicated service number. Upon request, the manuals are shipped in an envelope, ensuring users have direct access to transaction guidance from home.

The manual
The Geldmaat manual, distributed at workshops and available near ATMs or by request, is designed as a step-by-step guide for elderly users, helping them navigate ATM transactions both in-person and at home. With a compact, foldable A6 size that opens to A5 for readability, it balances portability and accessibility, fitting easily in a pocket. The eight-step layout is chronological and clear, featuring concrete instructions and high-contrast visuals, making it easy for users to follow each stage confidently. Visual elements, including cartoon-style hands, ensure inclusivity and accommodate color-blind users, creating a universally accessible experience.







