OLG x INTERAC E-TRANSFER
Desktop, Mobile Responsive, iOS, Android
January 2023
The removal of INTERAC Online as a payment option means that players will no longer have access to a cash-advance-fee-free deposit method. This has become a significant issue for players, but the introduction of e-Transfer depositing is aimed to resolve this pain point. The initiative is expected to increase deposits significantly, as e-Transfers are widely accepted across major financial institutions and credit unions.
CURRENT UI
Following the removal of INTERAC Online, the only payment options available to players for depositing funds into their digital wallet are debit and credit cards. The task at hand is to incorporate INTERAC e-Transfer as a payment option in the deposit flow and guarantee a smooth deposit process across OLG channels and financial institution platforms.
INITIAL DESIGN
Mobile Resposnive
The initial design for the deposit flow is quite simple - the user would navigate to the deposit page and select INTERAC as the payment option. Upon selection, the user will be redirected to the INTERAC gateway page in a new tab, and then proceed to complete the transfer request on the online banking system of their financial institution. Upon returning to the OLG website, the user will be shown a holding page while the transaction status is being verified. Once the verification process confirms a successful transaction, the deposit will be marked as completed.
iOS App
CHALLENGES
After reviews and discussions with the Product Owner and developers, the team has identified technical difficulties in 1) opening FI web pages within the app, and, 2) triggering automatic status pull requests with the initial flow. To address the first problem, the app will now open the FI banking page in the default browser where the user can complete the transfer request. For the latter issue, a pre-polling screen needs to be added so that the pull request can be manually triggered by the user upon returning to the app. However, the challenge lies in presenting the pre-polling and relevant screens in a way that provides the necessary information to the user, ensuring they understand what's happening and what action is required of them.
SMALL ALERT BIG DISCUSSION
I faced another challenge during the project, which involved getting an alignment with the product owner and developer regarding the optimal display of alert popups on both the pre-polling page and the expiry page. This issue prompted multiple rounds of discussions centered around various factors such as adhering to Apple Developer Guidelines, ensuring content clarity, and determining the desired user experience. However, we were ultimately able to reach an alignment collaboratively on a design that satisfied all parties involved.
FINAL DESIGN
Mobile Resposnive
To deposit funds on both desktop and mobile responsive sites, the user can select INTERAC e-Transfer as their payment option on the deposit page. Once selected, the user will be redirected to the Financial Institution's online banking page to complete the e-Transfer request. Upon returning to the OLG site, the user will be shown a holding screen that indicates the transaction is being processed. Depending on the transaction status, the user will be directed to either a success, fail, or expiry screen.
iOS App
To deposit funds using the iOS and Android apps, the user can navigate to the deposit page and select INTERAC e-Transfer as their payment method. The app will then automatically open the Financial Institution's online banking page in the default browser, and the user can complete the e-Transfer request. After returning to the OLG app, the user will be prompted to confirm if they completed the transaction, and a status pull request will be triggered. Based on the transaction status, the user will be shown either a success, fail, or expiry screen.
Android App