SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The ATM Industry Association is launching what it says is the first "official" international symbol to ever be developed for the ATM.
According to a news release, the global ATM pictogram has been registered by the International Organization for Standardization. The pictogram was agreed upon by 75 percent of ATMIA's membership and involved extensive development and testing.
"The ATM is a universal technology which people of all races and ages are comfortable using. It is therefore appropriate that we have a public sign which everyone around the world can easily understand," said Mike Lee, ATMIA's chief executive. "The sign should increase foot traffic to ATMs and improve transaction volumes."
The pictogram is the brainchild of Lee, who in 2001 initiated the search for a universal design.
"The fact that the design passed the critical evaluation test in three global cultures and gained the approval of at least 75 percent of ISO members shows a widespread international acceptance of the brilliant simplicity of this design," Lee said. "It expresses the reason for the existence of the ATM: cash dispensing. As the proverb goes, ‘A picture is worth a thousand words.'"
ATMIA has planned a worldwide promotional campaign to encourage the adoption of the symbol.
