Designing a CBDC for universal access
Note analytique du personnel 2020-10
(anglais)
Juin 2020
Universal access is a Bank of Canada policy and design goal. The Bank has a history of making bank notes that are accessible.1 They are available in Canada’s urban, rural and remote communities. Users of cash do not need a bank account or a digital network and do not pay fees. The Bank designs every note to be easily used by everyone, including people who are blind or partially sighted. Our current research explores how a central bank digital currency (CBDC) could also be designed for universal access, should the Bank decide to issue one.
The Bank seeks to design a CBDC that would maximize inclusion and usability. It should be able to serve people with or without smartphones. It should also support online and offline transactions. A CBDC needs to serve:
As with bank notes, the Bank would consult widely with these communities to ensure the solution responds to their needs.
A CBDC should be designed for the entire Canadian population. Care must be taken during the design phase, as small problems can become significant implementation issues. The Bank has committed to a design methodology that seeks to:
We recognize that good design should benefit the entire population. For example, a design that serves the needs of people who are partially sighted would benefit everyone in conditions of low lighting or visibility.
A CBDC is a digital product that could be designed to include many of the attributes of cash. A UAD could embody the following cash-like attributes:
In addition to the listed attributes of cash, a UAD could be used for online transactions. This would increase digital inclusion for individuals who, for a variety of reasons, do not have access to credit or debit cards and must pay cash. A UAD could also incorporate digital technologies that enhance accessibility for people with disabilities. For example, unlike accessing cash, loading value to a UAD can be done without leaving home.
A CBDC could offer users a choice of technologies, including conventional online browsers and mobile devices. Conventional devices already have accessibility features. For example, internet browsers can be configured to display text in large fonts and mobile devices allow voice commands and accommodations for limited visibility or colour-blindness.
The Bank continues to research custom devices and technology that can increase inclusion and accessibility. Options for technology formats include single-component devices, dual-component systems and deviceless solutions, each potentially including biometrics.
The Bank undertook an exploratory design process to develop a conceptual single-component device with universal access features. Beginning with the persona of a seven-year-old girl, we identified various use cases, such as receiving allowance, buying lunch at school and purchasing games online. We created an interactive simulation that had a large onboard display for balance and transfer functions and that allowed both point-of-sale and device-to-device payments. Accessibility features included large fonts, audio guidance and single-handed operation. Thicker than a credit card, the device could still fit into a wallet.
We also explored a dual-component system. A proof-of-concept UAD design consisted of a stored-value card with an embedded e-ink display showing the current balance. Such a card could be used on point-of-sale devices or paired with a smartphone for online and peer-to-peer transactions. The card could also be inserted into a compact peripheral device for direct, peer-to-peer transfer between cards.
Multiple design choices are possible for both single- and dual-component systems. Other deviceless designs also exist. Innovation is improving the usability and security of biometrics (e.g., fingerprint and facial recognition). The Bank’s approach is to prototype multiple designs and evaluate their performance. It may be possible to allow third parties to provide additional designs if the Bank supervises them to ensure they meet standards for privacy, security and universal access.
A UAD is resilient in times of crisis. It could be designed to carry a local store of value, use a local source of power and operate without a centralized network. Devices could be designed to operate for long periods on local power alone, with potential access to natural sources of energy (e.g., sunlight). Alternatively, if power is lost, funds may still be recoverable from the embedded value store. However, allowing long-term offline storage of value on a device has certain security risks that we are investigating (Minwalla 2020).
The cost per UAD should be minimized to enable widespread distribution and periodic replacement as required. If not attached to individual users, UADs could be exchanged for their held value. Keeping the cost of the device low should make this type of exchange easy. This functionality can be further supported by dual-component systems, where whole cards could be exchanged for goods or services.
Canadian bank notes instill confidence and pride; a CBDC can do this too. Bank notes are designed using a set of principles that allow them to be secure, functional, immediately recognizable, inclusive and accessible. Bank notes combine art and technology. They integrate visual content with security features and functional requirements. The result is aesthetically pleasing bank notes that have a broad appeal among Canadians. The design of a UAD could follow similar principles and incorporate visual and security elements from current bank notes. This would allow Canadians to recognize the device as a Bank of Canada product and adopt it with confidence.
Les notes analytiques du personnel de la Banque du Canada sont de brefs articles qui portent sur des sujets liés à la situation économique et financière du moment. Rédigées en toute indépendance du Conseil de direction, elles peuvent étayer ou remettre en question les orientations et idées établies. Les opinions exprimées dans le présent document sont celles des auteurs uniquement. Par conséquent, elles ne traduisent pas forcément le point de vue officiel de la Banque du Canada et n’engagent aucunement cette dernière.
DOI : https://doi.org/10.34989/san-2020-10
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