Self checkout systems at supermarkets and hardware stores are becoming ubiquitous.  They all deliver a horrible user experience.  I was in Lucky recently and after swiping my credit card I was prompted “Credit 6.98 OK?”.  It took me three three tries to get it right (I know – I’m slow).  But here’s what went through my mind:

1. The Debit button’s arrow it pointing toward the “OK?” on the screen.  I’ll press the Debit button.  Fail.
2. Are they asking me, “Debit or Credit?”.  I press the Credit button.  Fail.
3. I press the green Enter button.  Success!

But I have to ask myself:

• Why is “OK?” the approval phrase?  The button they want me to press is labeled Enter AND Yes.  Why didn’t they use either of those words?
• In addition to allowing the Enter button to be a valid input, is there any reason not to have Debit and/or Credit be a valid button too?
• And they couldn’t be bothered to add a dollar sign to the display?  To wit “Credit $6.98”