Proxy Access Control Study

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The purpose of this study is to gather feedback on interfaces that allow older adults to specify security and privacy permissions when setting up proxy (delegated) bank accounts. A proxy account is a bank account that can be set up for a caregiver, or close family member of an older adult, allowing that person to perform some limited banking tasks (such as paying bills) on behalf of the older adult. Our study will make use of a prototype of a pretend online banking interface to give participants the opportunity to try setting up a proxy account for a caregiver. Results of this study will help with the development of banking interfaces that more securely support older adult banking clients and their caregivers who may do banking on their behalf.

Recruitment Script

Investigators:
Dr. Celine Latulipe (celine.latulipe@umanitoba.ca)
Zach Havens (havensz@myumanitoba.ca)
Anmolpreet Khangura (khangura@myumanitoba.ca)

You are invited to participate in a study about online banking interfaces for older adults. Specifically this study investigates how older adults can set up their bank accounts to provide proxy access to caregivers, so that those caregivers can do some occasional banking on their behalf (such as paying bills or transferring funds between accounts). The aim of this study is to find ways to help older adults set up proxy access in a way that protects the older adult’s privacy and security, while not being cumbersome or complicated.

Participation in the study will consist of a single session lasting approximately 60 minutes. The study will take place online via Zoom. We are looking for older adult participants (age 65+) who use online banking (with or without help from someone). We will ask participants about if and how they get help with online banking tasks currently and how they expect to get help with banking in the future as they age, and what concerns and challenges they face using online banking.

We will then give participants a chance to interact with a prototype (pretend) online banking interface that allows them to setup proxy access so a caregiver can do some banking on their behalf. Finally, we will ask participants about their perceptions of the interface they used to set up proxy access.  Risks associated with participating in this study are minimal: there is a possibility that discussing informal caregiving in the context of financial tasks may cause emotional discomfort or social risk. The benefit of participation is that you get to contribute knowledge about how online banking systems can support older adults and their caregivers. You also get a chance to reflect on how you might arrange support for your banking needs as you age.

Participation in this study is voluntary. We are looking for individuals who are aged 65+ and who use online banking, with or without help from a family member, friend, etc. Because this study is run online, participants must also meet the following criteria:

    • Have access to a desktop or laptop computer with either the Chrome or Firefox browser installed.
    • Have a reliable Internet connection to use for the study session
    • Must be comfortable using Zoom.

Upon completion of the study session, as a token of thanks for their time, participants will receive $20 compensation. This can either be given to participants directly as cash or through e-transfer, or can be given as a donation to one of the following charities:

If you are interested and meet the above criteria, please follow the link below to the consent form. Once completed, that form can be submitted online.

Once a completed consent form has been received, we will reach out to you to schedule a session.

This research has (NOT YET) been approved by the Research Ethics Board at the University of Manitoba, Fort Garry campus. If you have any concerns or complaints about this project you may contact any of the above-named persons or the Human Ethics Coordinator at 204-474-7122 or humanethics@umanitoba.ca.

To ask questions about this study, please email Anmolpreet Khangura: khangura@myumantioba.ca or Dr. Celine Latulipe: celine.latulipe@umanitoba.ca.

Consent Form Link

Consent Form

Final Report

Once the study closes and analysis is complete, a summary report of the results of this research will be posted here.