[NJTechDiv] Mastercard makes its cards more accessible, press release
Tracy Carcione
carcione at access.net
Tue May 10 12:57:26 UTC 2022
Not sure this is on-topic, but it is interesting, so here it is.
Tracy
OCTOBER 25, 2021 | PURCHASE, NY
2.2 billion people around the world have visual impairments
Unique notches on the Touch Card's short side allow the person to
distinguish it between a credit, debit or prepaid card
Mastercard extends its commitment to inclusivity by introducing a new
accessible card standard for blind and partially sighted people, called the
Touch
Card. There are few effective ways for the visually impaired to quickly
determine whether they're holding a credit, debit or prepaid card,
particularly
as more cards move to flat designs without embossed name and numbers.
Mastercard is addressing this challenge with a simple yet effective
innovation.
"The Touch Card will provide a greater sense of security, inclusivity and
independence to the
2.2 billion people
around the world with visual impairments," says Raja Rajamannar, chief
marketing and communications officer. "For the visually impaired,
identifying their
payment cards is a real struggle. This tactile solution allows consumers to
correctly orient the card and know which payment card they are using."
Image: New Touch Card debit card with a round notch, credit card with a
squarish notch and prepaid card with a triangular notch.
Image: New Touch Card debit card with a round notch, credit card with a
squarish notch and prepaid card with a triangular notch.
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With the new Touch Card, Mastercard has improved upon a current design
standard by introducing a system of notches on the side of the card to help
consumers
use the right card, the right way, by touch alone. The new Touch Card credit
cards have a squarish notch; debit cards have a rounded notch; and prepaid
cards have a triangular notch. The standard has been designed to work with
point-of-sale terminals and ATMs, ensuring it can be deployed at scale.
Mastercard's concept has been vetted and endorsed by The
Royal National Institute of Blind People
(RNIB) in the U.K. and
VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
in the U.S. The card was co-designed by
IDEMIA,
the global leader in Augmented Identity, providing trusted solutions in the
physical as well as digital space.
"As the banking industry responds to new trends and developments, it's
critical that any innovation brings progress for everyone, including those
with
a visual impairment," says David Clarke, RNIB's director of services. "We're
very pleased that Mastercard understands how important it is that blind and
partially sighted people have equal and independent access to their own
finances."
"Innovation should always be driven by the impulse to include," adds
Rajamannar, who is also the company's Healthcare president. "With one in
seven people
experiencing some form of disability, designing these products with
accessibility in mind gives them equal opportunity to benefit from the ease
and security
of a digital world. No one should be left behind."
Mastercard has been embedding its
signature melody
at checkout counters worldwide, a signal to everyone - the sight impaired in
particular - that their card transaction has gone through successfully.
Mastercard's launch of the Touch Card underscores its commitment to
inclusivity. It follows the introduction of True NameT, designed in support
of the
transgender and non-binary communities. The company's commitment as a brand
is to not only stand against inequity but to be an agent for change.
Note: Since launch of the Touch Card, the shape of the notches were changed
to reflect further refinement of the card.
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