Considering Usability in the Discussions about Central Bank Issued Digital Currency

摘要

The use of blockchain technology has the potential to achieve virtual currency with characteristics similar to cash, such as anonymity, non-repudiation, and person-to-person transfer without the need of a central trusted party. Central banks around the world have acknowledged this potential and have begun to discuss the benefits and limitations of issuing digital currency, focusing on the economic impact. However, the challenges of a technical solution based on blockchain technology from the perspective of user centered design have not been as widely discussed. In this paper, we examine the discussions regarding central bank issued digital currencies and identify to what extent are factors such as usability and accessibility being considered, and how these factors may affect the adoption of a digital alternative to cash.