Barclays trials surface computing

The Surface system is a unique feature of Barclays' PIccadilly Circus branch

Barclays is trialling Microsoft’s Surface computer as a tool to win more customers and increase client interactivity at its flagship branch in London’s Piccadilly Circus.

The touch-screen technology has been in use at the site since it opened in December and is part of an ongoing multimillion-pound branch development programme.

Surface computers enable interaction with digital content through hand gestures, touch and physical objects. Barclays did not disclose the investment made in the equipment, but each set of Surface hardware and software costs about £11,000.

The three systems installed in its Premier lounge are a unique feature of the Piccadilly Circus branch, showcasing current account products for high-net-worth individuals, as well as services available to clients such as round-the-clock concierge
facilities, access to meeting rooms worldwide and airport lounges.

“We always look at innovations for retail banking and we have found that surface computing represented a good opportunity to interact with customers in a very different way,” said Rafaele Petruzzo, head of concept development at Barclays.

“The technology also makes it easy for people to visualise and understand the benefits of our Premier account.”

Development of the bespoke system running on the computers took about a month and a half. The system is run via the bank’s content management platform, which is frequently updated to ensure information available on the screen is up to date.

The system is currently a standalone application, but the possibility exists to develop its functionality depending on the trial results, said Petruzzo.

“Once we understand how the application is working for us in detail, we will probably change it or look at expanding the way we use it for extra customer interaction,” he said.

“If Microsoft and our partners allow us to take the technology to a further extent, we will be potentially exploring it ­ - the sky is the limit.”

First Direct is also among the banks trialling surface computing. The technology will be used at the Grand Designs Show to promote the bank’s offset mortgage product.

The application will enable existing and potential customers to work out how much household projects will cost, taking mortgage payments and bank balances into account.

According to First Direct, the motivation to use the equipment is part of a set of initiatives to get people to use their money more smartly. Depending on results of the trial, there is a possibility that surface computing may also be used at branches of parent HSBC.