Biometric: performance, preference and perceived security

Objectives: To investigate people’s interactions with biometric devices assessing which factors influence their preference and perceptions of security for the devices in a self-service environment.

Design: A within subject design was used with all participants using both biometric devices.

Methods: 36 people used a fingerprint and palm vein device in 9 different positions composed of three heights, 1000mm, 1100mm and 1200mm, and three angles 0, 15 and 45 degrees. Three performance measures were rtecorded for each of the interactions based on the ISO9241-11 (1998) usability standard. Efficiency, time taken to verify, Effectiveness, Image quality and Satisfaction, comfort rating. The participants’ device preference and security perceptions with reasons for their choices were recorded in a face-to-face semi-structured interview after interacting with both devices.

Results: Participants preferred the palm vein device. Examining the performance of the devices it was found that it took less time to verify using the palm vein device and it received higher comfort ratings. The reasons given for the preference included the palm vein device being easier to use, more comfortable and more hygienic.
Participants perceived the fingerprint device as providing greater security with reasons based on knowledge of the fingerprint device and lack of knowledge about the palm vein device rather than the actual interaction. Those who perceived the palm vein device as being more secure based their perceptions on the interaction. It was found participants’ device preference was not correlated with their perceived security of the devices.

Conclusions: Users’ interactions with the devices and the device performance affected user preference. While the users’ perceptions of security tended not to be affected by their interaction with the device or its performance and were instead based on their knowledge of the devices.