How might we design an ATM for Kids?
With the goal of helping kids make good, self-sufficient financial decisions, I independently designed a scalable ATM system that helps familiarize kids with financial literacy throughout their formative years. This was a time-boxed Google Ventures design prompt.
Research
Diving into the research, I looked into the following:
- studies and articles about kids' financial literacy
- competitive and comparative landscape analysis
- interviews with parents and bank managers
- contextual inquiry
- ed tech best practices
...and created an affinity map that helped solidify the design decisions moving forward.
Kids first
With my freshly made affinity diagram, I began to think about the end users: the kids themselves. From the research I uncovered developmental and trend-based milestones throughout childhood and created a journey map to solidify my findings in one place.
Proto-Persona Time
Given the tight timeframe for this project, I knew fully research-backed personas weren't realistic. Instead, I created proto-personas, based on my research for this project as well as my years working in education.
With an eye on the clock, I decided that Ben would be more of a challenge, so decided to move forward with him in mind. I kept Chloe in the back of my mind so I could consider future scalability.
User Flows
With Ben's scenario in mind, I drew up a user flow.
I realized that I could quickly get into the weeds here, so chose to articulate the design priorities for this project.
I taped Ben's persona, user flow, plus these design priorities on the wall next to my desk so that I could constantly be reminded of the focus of this project, and avoid design bias from creeping in.
Sharpie time
It was now time to close the computer and get the Sharpie and paper out. With a self-proclaimed design studio at hand, I sketched out a storyboard involving the physical aspects of ATMs, as well as what might appeal to a 5 year old on the screen.
Mockups
At this point, I put together low-fidelity mockups in Sketch that portray what Ben would encounter on the screen, and annotated those design decisions below.
Finally, with a little time to spare, I added some higher fidelity to the welcome screen to show what Ben might see.
Looking ahead
This was a really fun project that was right up my alley. Given more time, I would aim to prioritize the following next steps:
- Validate the flow with usability testing
- Investigate further security needed for underage privacy concerns
- Build out screens for Chloe's user journey
- Continue physical space design, including:
- Receipt design
- Making use of the physical space surrounding the ATM
- Consider an application that wouldn't even involve a physical ATM
- Consider other ways of delivering financial literacy education and forming partnerships or branding opportunities