Interviews

Ricardo Santos Baptista

Aero/Astro Graduate Student (rsb@mit.edu)

As a user, what are the main advantages/benefits that the current TechCash system (in the laundry room) offer? (In other words, what features would you keep?)

• Ability to refill the card online and using a credit card (I believe the refill can also be credited to an MITPAY account, but I haven’t used this feature so I could be incorrect)
• The balance updates quickly on the card and can be used immediately after refilling the balance online

As a user, what are the main disadvantages/issues with the current TechCash system that need be addressed? (In other words, what features would you change?)

• There is no option to automatically refill the card if the balance drops below a certain amount
• There is no notice (e.g., by e-mail) when the balance drops below a certain amount
• It would be great for the system to save payment details so it would be easier to refill the balance without having to re-enter the billing information each time
• There is currently a charge for updating the balance with a credit card

Kimberly Tam Dinh

Chemical Engineering Graduate Student (kdinh@mit.edu)

As a user, what are the main advantages/benefits that the current TechCash system (in the laundry room) offer? (In other words, what features would you keep?)

• Convenience to swipe only ID and not needing to carry cash/changes
• Easy reporting of issues with the dryers/washers

As a user, what are the main disadvantages/issues with the current TechCash system that need be addressed? (In other words, what features would you change?)

• Swipe system could be update since it’s just slow to respond
• There shouldn’t be a fee to add money to your TechCash balance online versus having to go in person.

German Alberto Parada Hernandez

Graduate Student in the Program of Polymers and Soft Matter (gparada@mit.edu)

As a user, what are the main advantages/benefits that the current TechCash system (in the laundry room) offer? (In other words, what features would you keep?)

• No need to carry coins around
• Convenient way to add money (online)
• Can recharge on the spot if needed
• Fast, secure, straight-forward
• Can always use coins if desired

As a user, what are the main disadvantages/issues with the current TechCash system that need be addressed? (In other words, what features would you change?)

• Extra charges when adding money to techcash (fee)
• Card readers are sometimes down