sandcup insights AUG 18, 2025
By Zaina Rafique
In a rapidly digitalizing world, locations in India deserve more visibility. The scenario these days is of urban spaces being spotted easily on the map, giving more mobility to people. However, rural spaces remain hidden from screens. To trace and explore them is not easy. Whether for e-commerce deliveries, emergency services, logistics, or civic tech, these areas remain untapped, keeping them at bay.
India Post’s DIGIPIN is a bold step towards bridging this gap. As digital product enthusiasts, we look into its universal design and usability. Keep reading :)
What’s New? - A Brief Overview
India Post’s DIGIPIN introduces a 10-character alphanumeric code that is very different from the typical six-digit PIN codes or street names. Each code is globally unique and changes for every 4x4 sq. metres area. The code avoids confusing characters like O, I, and S to improve readability and reduce error. The system is now open source, allowing developers in India and beyond to collaborate and integrate it more easily. It also has offline access to generate DIGIPIN codes even without network access. This feature would be perfect for remote areas with connectivity issues as it avoids any inaccuracies while travelling.
Besides this, the web portal provides instant access to code generation from any browser. For more feasibility, each DIGIPIN can be rendered as a QR code, enabling scanning-based entry.
Why Good UX Matters - And Where DIGIPIN Gets It Right
DIGIPIN nails several critical design considerations that enhance usability like:
- 1. No login or App needed. Users simply visit the portal and use the code to trace locations
- 2. Works well offline, ensuring universal usability
- 3. Codes are inclusive as they don’t rely on any specific language
- 4. High contrast and clean typeface for low-vision or senior users
- 5. Easy for non-savvy users as it works across all device types
It’s rare to see a digital product made for the public to hit the mark on UX principles. As India moves towards digitalizing open-source systems, DIGIPIN sets an important benchmark- one that meets policy goals keeping user experience at the center.
SandCup’s Take
Good design is what works best not just for a client, but for the whole ecosystem and domain. At SandCup, we have had the opportunity to design real-world government systems and large-scale projects. We root for open collaboration and accessibility, hence witnessing our national systems take such leaps adds more to our faith in transformative design systems!
Apart from encoding addresses, it is a digital ecosystem that works for all. There’s a possibility for healthcare and administrative systems to take note and work towards efficient design that truly works in the long run. It’ll take time to be accepted and implemented unanimously across the nation, but it’s off to a great start!
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