Design Of Magnetically Encoded Cards

Design Of Magnetically Encoded Cards

Magnetically encoded cards are flat cards that contain information in a magnetic stripe. These cards are commonly used for identification, access, and financial transactions. The magnetic stripe is made of tiny magnetic particles that can be polarized one way or another, encoding information in a pattern of north and south poles. To design a good magnetically encoded card, there are several criteria to consider. Firstly, the material quality of the card itself, including the thickness, flexibility, and durability should be chosen to withstand frequent use without warping or breaking. Secondly, the magnetic stripe should be placed strategically, and protect it from scratches, dirt, and demagnetization, which can render the card unusable. Thirdly, the design of the card should be clear, easy to read and avoid clutter, with a clear hierarchy of information. Additionally, a good magnetically encoded card should have a well-defined encoding scheme, to ensure compatibility with various systems and devices. It should also adhere to industry standards, including the thickness of the magnetic stripe, data format, and error correction codes. In terms of security, good practice would be choosing structures that are hard to counterfeit, unforgable and tamper-evident. Lastly, a good magnetic card should provide visual cues as to its purpose, such as corporate branding or logo to enhance corporate identity. The card should also be ergonomic and easy to use, with a suitable size and shape, and rounded corners to prevent snags and snagging in card readers.

Magnetic stripe, Card design, Encoding, Material quality, Hierarchy

— Brian Johnson