Do you regularly carry cash? If so, you may now be in the minority, as a result of the rapid growth of contactless payments in the UK. Technology often works best when barely noticed, and tapping a card (or mobile phone) has become the de facto payment option for consumers – so much so that entering a pin can now feel an inconvenience.
Charities were quick to identify the potential of contactless payments to replace or supplement traditional coin bucket collections, and a rising number of museums are installing contactless donation points.
At National Museums Scotland, we’ve experimented with different ways to use contactless technology over the past 18 months – from standalone terminals in high-traffic areas to an interactive kiosk with a large screen display that attracts visitors and reacts to their donations.
Alongside a steady level of donations, we’ve witnessed positive new visitor behaviour, especially from locals who now “tap in” as an integrated part of their free visit, to give something back to the museum. We have just installed a contactless donation terminal as the focal point of a fundraising campaign supporting the launch of three galleries in early 2019.
Our long-term aim is to extend the coverage of contactless donation at key exit/entrance points. The option to lease terminals should also see more institutions tapping into the contactless trend.
Charities were quick to identify the potential of contactless payments to replace or supplement traditional coin bucket collections, and a rising number of museums are installing contactless donation points.
At National Museums Scotland, we’ve experimented with different ways to use contactless technology over the past 18 months – from standalone terminals in high-traffic areas to an interactive kiosk with a large screen display that attracts visitors and reacts to their donations.
Alongside a steady level of donations, we’ve witnessed positive new visitor behaviour, especially from locals who now “tap in” as an integrated part of their free visit, to give something back to the museum. We have just installed a contactless donation terminal as the focal point of a fundraising campaign supporting the launch of three galleries in early 2019.
Our long-term aim is to extend the coverage of contactless donation at key exit/entrance points. The option to lease terminals should also see more institutions tapping into the contactless trend.
Robert Cawston is the head of digital media at National Museums Scotland
