Introduction
In the Japanese cashless market, there is a strong emphasis on simplicity and ease of use in the design of UX and UI. Simplicity is an important design principle in the cashless market because it helps create an easy and intuitive user experience. When a cashless app is straightforward to use, it reduces the cognitive load on the user and makes it less likely that they will become frustrated or confused. This can be particularly important for new users who may not be familiar with the app or cashless payments. A user-centric design approach is crucial for creating an effective and successful cashless app. UX and UI design are vital in creating a seamless and enjoyable user experience. Therefore, it would be essential to analyze UX and UI design samples and the principles the plans need to adhere to improve customer experience.
UX and UI Designs Applicable in Increasing User Experience in Cashless Industry
Intuitive Navigation Designs
Intuitive navigation design in the cashless market refers to the ease with which users can find and access a cashless app’s different features and options. It is a fundamental aspect of user experience (UX) design that helps users complete transactions quickly and easily without becoming frustrated or confused. An intuitive navigation design should be straightforward to understand. The app should have a clear structure that guides the users through the transaction process, providing clear and concise instructions throughout the process. Navigation should also be consistent across different screens, so users can quickly orient themselves within the app (Srivastava et al., 2021). One way to achieve this is by using a typical layout and design across different screens and using standard UI elements such as buttons, menus, and icons that are easy to recognize. Navigation should be structured in a way that follows a logical flow, making it easy for users to understand their current location within the app and how to move to other parts of the app.
Minimal Input Design
Minimal input requirements design in the cashless market refers to minimizing the amount of input required from users to complete a transaction. This is an essential aspect of user experience (UX) design, as it helps make the payment process as fast and easy as possible. A minimal input design means that users should be able to complete a transaction with as few taps or swipes as possible. This can be achieved by reducing the number of steps required to complete a transaction or by simplifying inputting information such as personal details or payment information. For example, an app might use pre-filled information or defaults or automatically detect the user’s location to fill specific fields. Minimal input requirements design can also be applied to the types of input required (Iwashita, 2022). This can include avoiding using long forms or multiple text fields and utilizing more straightforward input methods such as sliders, switches or selection boxes.
The design principle is crucial because it helps to improve the speed and reliability of transactions, which can help to increase user trust in the app. When users can complete a transaction quickly and easily, they are more likely to use the app again in the future by minimizing the input required from the user (Raman, 2019). It can help to reduce the risk of errors and provide a better experience for users, especially for those who are not very familiar with the technology.
Animated and Graphical Design
Animations and graphics play a significant role in Japanese cashless app UI design because they can help to make the app more engaging and appealing to users. In addition to providing visual interest, animations and graphics can serve a functional purpose by providing precise and immediate feedback to users during transactions and other interactions. For example, animations can guide users through the different steps of a transaction, such as highlighting the following button to press or showing a confirmation message (Murena et al., 2020). This can help to reduce user frustration and improve the overall speed and reliability of transactions. Animations and graphics inspired by traditional Japanese art forms such as kawaii or manga can also help create a sense of cultural relevance and identity. These art forms are commonly associated with Japan.
Two-Factor-Authentication-Powered Design
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an essential aspect of UX design in the Japanese cashless industry because it helps to provide users with a sense of security and protect them from fraud and unauthorized transactions. 2FA requires users to provide two forms of identification before they can access their account or complete a transaction. One form of identification is typically a password, and the second form can be something the user knows, such as a security question or something the user has, like a mobile phone (Raman, 2019). Moreover, most apps include biometric features such as fingerprint or facial recognition in their security measures.
In the Japanese cashless market, fingerprint or facial recognition is often used as the second form of identification. This is because many users in Japan are already used to using these technologies to unlock their phones, so it is a familiar and convenient option for them. The use of 2FA can help to increase user trust and engagement in the app, as they know that their personal and payment information is being protected (Raman, 2019). Additionally, by providing clear information about the security measures, developers can reassure users that their sensitive information is being handled appropriately and that the app is committed to protecting their privacy. In addition, providing straightforward and easy-to-understand information about 2FA can also help to educate users about the importance of security and increase their overall awareness of cyber threats.
Mobile-First Approach Design
A mobile-first approach in the Japanese cashless market refers to designing and developing cashless apps, assuming that most users will access them on their smartphones. This approach puts a strong emphasis on optimizing the app for small screens and touch interfaces, as well as taking into account the limited screen real estate and processing power of mobile devices. When designing for mobile, the focus is usually on creating a simple and intuitive interface with large buttons and simplified layouts that are easy to navigate on small screens (Raman, 2019). This includes reducing the number of steps required to complete a transaction, minimizing the amount of input required from the user, and providing clear feedback throughout the process. In addition, the app should also be able to adapt to different devices and screen sizes, providing a consistent experience across platforms. A mobile-first approach is essential in the Japanese cashless market because a large percentage of the population in Japan uses smartphones as their primary device for accessing the internet.
UX and UI Design Principles that can Help Improve User Experience
Personalization
Personalization in the Japanese cashless industry refers to the use of technology to tailor the user experience to the individual needs and preferences of the user. This can include providing personalized recommendations, offers, and other content based on the user’s past behaviour and preferences. Personalization can be achieved through machine learning algorithms that analyze user data and predict their interests and behaviors. In the context of cashless apps, this can include providing personalized offers based on the user’s purchase history, displaying nearby stores that the user is likely to be interested in, or making recommendations for products or services that the user may want to purchase. Another aspect of personalization is the ability to personalize the app’s interface, allowing the user to customize the layout or choose from different themes (Iwashita, 2022). This can help to create a more engaging and enjoyable experience for the user, as they feel that the app is tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics is an essential aspect of design in the Japanese cashless market because it can help to create an emotional connection with the users and affect their perception of the app. Japanese culture strongly emphasizes aesthetics in design, often associated with concepts such as harmony, balance, and elegance (Iwashita, 2022). This applies to cashless apps, and a clean and minimalist layout, with a limited color palette and simple, easily recognizable icons and images, can help to create a sense of harmony and balance within the app, making it easy for users to understand the different functions of the app.
Conclusion
The Japanese cashless market concentrates on the simplicity of the UI and UX designs since they exempt the possibility of mental overload, which might result in frustration. Simplicity can be achieved by integrating various UX and UI designs and adhering to the principles that guide the formulations of the blueprint. UX and UI plans that helps achieve straightforwardness include intuitive navigation, minimal input, and a mobile-first approach design. Additionally, principles such as personalization and aesthetics are critical as the former helps to tailor UX to individual needs and preferences while the latter creates an emotional bonding between the users and the payment apps. Generally, a simple UX and UI design is advisable in the Japanese cashless market since people focus on straightforward payment methods.
References
Iwashita, N. (2022). Why fintech is not changing Japanese banking. In Asian economic policy review. Kyoto University Press.
Murena, E., Sibanda, V., Sibanda, S., & Mpofu, K. (2020). Design of a control system for a vending machine. Procedia CIRP, 91(2), 758-763. Web.
Raman, P. (2019). Zomato: A shining armour in the Fintech sector. Journal of Information Technology Case and Application Research, 20(4), 130-150. Web.
Srivastava, A., Kapania, S., Tuli, A., & Singh, P. (2021). Actionable UI design guidelines for smartphone applications inclusive of low-literate users. Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 5(1), 1-30. Web.