Adrian Minano-Lozano (left), with Gabrielle Monette, member of the jury. Photo credit: Nara Meli
The IICADD is pleased to announce that Adrian Minano-Lozano, a Master’s student in User Experience (UX) at HEC Montréal, has won the 2024 Encouragement Award for his thesis entitled “Atténuer la surcharge de choix pour améliorer l’accessibilité des interfaces bancaires numériques pour les analphabètes fonctionnels.”
The jury, composed of Professor Inmaculada Buendía Martínez and Gabriel Monette, lecturer and postdoctoral researcher, made its decision based on the quality and relevance of the project.
Summary
Increasingly popular, digital banking interfaces are not always easy to use for functional illiterates. Functional illiteracy is an issue that affects more than 50% of Quebecers aged 16 to 65. Characterized by a lack of basic skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic, it is often associated with low levels of digital and financial literacy—skills that are necessary for properly using digital banking services and therefore integrating into society.
For a cooperative like Desjardins, which offers digital banking services, better understanding this phenomenon is highly relevant. The project provides an overview of the main accessibility issues in the design of current and simplified banking interfaces. It also assesses to what extent Desjardins’ alternative interface (simplified interface) offers a better experience for functional illiterates without degrading the experience of non-illiterate users.
Congratulations, Adrian, and best of luck in your future endeavors!