Cutting Through the Friction: Ways to Simplify Identity Verification

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Identity verification is like asking customers to upload documents, fill out endless forms, and jump through individuality hoops isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of a good time.
• One of the best ways to simplify authentication is to critically evaluate every step and remove anything that isn’t essential.
• Physical document checks via mail slow things down tremendously.
• Individuals can confirm their individuality seamlessly via biometrics like face or fingerprint scanning.
• Machine learning and computer vision can extract and cross-check data from government IDs in seconds, way faster than humans. 

Identity verification (IDV). Two short words that can strike fear and frustration into the hearts of users everywhere. 

We get it, asking customers to upload documents, fill out endless forms, and jump through individuality hoops isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of a good time.

But here’s the thing – authentication doesn’t have to be a slow, painful process. 

With a little creativity and customer understanding, you can transform cross-checking from a necessary evil into a seamless experience. The key is cutting through the friction. 

In this post, we’ll share actionable tips on how to simplify authentication for your users and your business. 

Through smart optimization and staying up-to-date with the latest industry innovations, you can remove roadblocks and speed bumps from the IDV process.

Say goodbye to dropped sign-ups, high abandonment rates, and poor customer satisfaction. 

By following the guidelines below, you can have authentication that delights customers rather than turning them away. Let’s get started!

Reduce Unnecessary Steps

One of the best ways to simplify identity verification is to critically evaluate every step and remove anything that isn’t essential. 

Do users need to enter the same information in multiple places? Does your business require physical document checks in all cases? Look for ways to trim the fat.

Remove Repetitive Information Collection

Don’t ask them to re-enter the same data as their name, address, etc. multiple times throughout the process. 

It’s time-consuming and frustrating. Instead, collect it once upfront, then auto-populate subsequent forms. 

Interesting Fact:
The regions that account for the majority of total digital identity verification checks are as follows:
1. North America: 17%

2. Latin America: 6%

3. West Europe: 24%

4. Central & East Europe: 8%

5. Far East & China: 25%

6. Indian Subcontinent: 8%

7. Rest of Asia Pacific: 6%

8. Africa & Middle East: 6%

Also, allow to pause verification and resume later if needed. Don’t make them re-do steps if they get interrupted.

Leverage Existing User Data

If you already have some customer data, like from a previous purchase, use it to pre-fill IDV forms. 

No need to hassle them for info you already have. Just be transparent about what existing data is being used.

Skip Manual Document Checks When Possible

Physical document checks via mail slow things down tremendously. If permitted, use electronic authentication of government IDs instead. 

It’s faster, simpler, and more secure. But if physical checks are required, provide prepaid return envelopes and give them status updates.

The goal is to keep IDV laser-focused on only the steps that are necessary to verify the user’s identity. Cut out anything that doesn’t serve a purpose. 

Give Multiple Options & Alternatives

Taking a one-size-fits-all approach to individuality check causes friction. Where possible, give users choices in how they verify themselves. 

More options mean a smoother experience.

Allow Login Via Social Accounts

If users can opt to verify via their Facebook, Google, or Apple ID, they can skip remembering new passwords and filling out forms. Streamline sign-up with social account integration. 

Statistics:
Over the range of 10 years from 2017 to 2027, the global market of identity verification is growing rapidly. However, it is forecasted to grow by more than 13 billion U.S. dollars, increasing from 4.93 billion in 2017 to over 18 billion in 2027.

Make sure to communicate the privacy implications of linking social accounts, though. They should understand exactly what data will be accessed.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication Without Codes

Entering authentication codes is clunky. Let them confirm their individuality seamlessly via biometrics like face or fingerprint scanning, push notifications to their phones, or security keys. 

Just make sure your biometrics are inclusive – facial recognition can struggle with certain demographics, for example.

Support Identity Documents Besides Government IDs

Not everyone has a driver’s license or passport. Broaden the accepted ID types like national cards, bank statements, mobile carrier records, student IDs, and more. 

The more options you provide, the less friction individuals will encounter trying to verify themselves. Offer a mix of document and non-document options.

The key is flexibility. Understand your users may come from different cultures, histories, and backgrounds. 

Give them multiple paths to get verified so they can choose what works best for their needs. More options = less friction.

Use Smart Automation

Bringing in smart automation can be a total game changer for streamlining authentication. 

The key is using automation thoughtfully – let the robots handle the boring stuff when humans provide oversight.

Implement Risk-Based Authentication

Instead of forcing every user through the same gauntlet, use advanced AI to assess risk behind the scenes based on multiple factors like device data, location, past behavior patterns, etc. 

Low-risk folks can breeze through with minimal friction, when higher-risk peeps may need a few extra checks. 

Just beware of bias – make sure your data scientists test for fairness across demographics.

Leverage AI to Instantly Verify IDs

Next-gen machine learning and computer vision can extract and cross-check data from government IDs in seconds, way faster than humans. 

But we still need human auditing to make sure the AI isn’t being sketchy or making mistakes. Artificial intelligence isn’t 100% reliable yet!

Employ Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Automated software robots can take care of tedious manual tasks like data entry, form filling, and document processing to free up your team for more necessary work like customer service.

Let the bots handle the grunt work while humans review trickier cases.

Do You Know?:
According to Mordor Intelligence, banks spend over $1 billion a year on authentication solutions. Therefore, it makes up 30% of their security budget. 

Getting the automation mix right leads to smoother experiences for individuals and less hassle for your staff. 

Streamline IDV by taking advantage of the latest tech when keeping qualified humans in charge!

Focus on User Experience

Concerning identity verification, providing a seamless user experience should be the top priority. 

After all, with over 70 billion IDV checks projected for 2024 according to recent stats – up a strong 16% from the year before – you want individuals to stay engaged throughout the process instead of bailing midway.

And that’s where experience design comes in. It’s about smoothing out any bumps that could potentially throw them off their game. 

Things like bouncing between multiple pages (talk about a workflow disruptor). It’s far better to structure it so they can knock it all out in one fluid motion. 

Simple tricks like a progress tracker or updates also work wonders, helping people see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Another vital step is making sure any instructions are straightforward to follow. No one likes being in the dark about what’s needed from them. 

Guide them along patiently and they’ll stick around. Also, since so many sign up on mobile these days, be sure the experience translates just as smoothly for those on the go.

When you boil it down, clearing that path for people and making confirmation a breeze is how you’ll keep them engaged throughout. 

Their satisfaction comes first, so put those user-centric lenses on and optimize away any friction stumbling blocks still in play. 

A little effort upfront goes a long way toward building consumer trust and loyalty for your brand in the long run.

Final Word

To wrap it all up, the end goal with identity verification will always be balancing that delicate act – streamlining the experience while still keeping everything buttoned up securely. 

Focusing on the human side of things, seeing where emerging tech tools could lighten the load, and striking the right AI/human synergy is what’ll transform what was once an inconvenient step for users into a slick onboarding asset.

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