Barclays bankers are testing a new age simulation suit, dubbed as Bess or Barclays elderly simulation suit, to experience and understand some of the challenges faced by the elderly people in performing banking tasks.
The testing comes after a survey commissioned by Barclays, found that many elderly people were facing physical hurdles while performing branch, internet and telephone banking services.
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In order to help understand the issues faced by elderly customers, Barclays tested the Produkt + Projekt-designed suit on over 50 bank employees. The suit uses weights to limit movement of limbs and hinders hearing and sight.
Barclays accessibility head Elaine Draper said their research has shown that the nation cannot take for granted the array of challenges faced by the elderly.
"As you get older, simple tasks become much more difficult. Whether it is turning loud music down in shops or increasing type size on forms, the high street has a responsibility to serve the elderly’s needs to help make their lives easier and more comfortable," Draper added.
Barclays said it has already taken measures to make life easier for old customers, introducing high visibility debit cards, audio ATMs and easier to grip pens.
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By GlobalDataThe bank has also deployed 3,500 ‘digital eagles’ across its branches to help new internet users understand online and mobile banking.
