Some 1,100 DBS Bank and POSB automated teller machines (ATMs) islandwide will soon boast new features that are more intuitive and inclusive, and which will cut transaction time.

The changes, to be in place by June, are the first major revamps of the bank's ATM user interface in a decade, DBS said yesterday.

It said the new ATMs will offer a Tamil language option, making it the first bank here to offer customers four language options, including English, Mandarin and Malay.

Other changes are: the inclusion of elderly-friendly features such as larger font display, and having popular transactions on the main menu.

DBS said the new features were piloted over several months. Based on the results, the new design is expected to cut transaction time by up to 20 per cent.

"While efficiency was a key factor in designing our interface, we also wanted to ensure that it would take into account the diverse needs of our customers. Hence, the implementation of the Tamil language option and elderly-friendly features," said DBS head of consumer banking group (Singapore) Jeremy Soo in a statement yesterday.

The bank said that its staff spent about 150 man hours reviewing and vetting the Tamil language function with community partners such as the Singapore Tamil Community, Tamil Murasu and the Tamil Language and Cultural Society to ensure accuracy and user-friendliness.

In January, the bank rolled out "Talking ATMs" to help those with visual disabilities.

Wong Siew Ying