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New Product Development in Insurance: The Actuary

4 minutes, 30 seconds read

Ratemaking, or insurance pricing, is the process of fixing the rates or premiums that insurers charge for their policies. In insurance parlance, a unit of insurance represents a certain monetary value of coverage. Insurance companies usually base these on risk factors such as gender, age, etc. The Rate is simply the price per ‘unit of insurance’ for each unit exposed to liability. 

Typically, a unit of insurance (both in life and non-life) is equal to $1,000 worth of liability coverage. By that token, for 200 units of insurance purchased the liability coverage is $200,000. This value is the insurance ‘premium’. (This example is only to demonstrate the logic behind units of exposure, and is not an exact method for calculating premium value)

The cost of providing insurance coverage is actually unknown, which is why insurance rates are based on the predictions of future risk.  

Actuaries work wherever risk is present

Actuarial skills help measure the probability and risk of future events by understanding the past. They accomplish this by using probability theory, statistical analysis, and financial mathematics to predict future financial scenarios. 

Insurers rely on them, among other reasons, to determine the ‘gross premium’ value to collect from the customer that includes the premium amount (described earlier), a charge for covering losses and expenses (a fixture of any business) and a small margin of profit (to stay competitive). But insurers are also subject to regulations that limit how much they can actually charge customers. Being highly skilled in maths and statistics the actuary’s role is to determine the lowest possible premium that satisfies both the business and regulatory objectives.

Risk-Uncertainty Continuum

Source: Sam Gutterman, IAA Risk Book

Actuaries are essentially experts at managing risk, and owing to the fact that there are fewer actuaries in the World than most other professions — they are highly in demand. They lend their expertise to insurance, reinsurance, actuarial consultancies, investment, banking, regulatory bodies, rating agencies and government agencies. They are often attributed to the middle office, although it is not uncommon to find active roles in both the ‘front and middle’ office. 

Recently, they have also found greater roles in fast growing Internet startups and Big-Tech companies that are entering the insurance space. Take Gus Fuldner for instance, head of insurance at Uber and a highly sought after risk expert, who has a four-member actuarial team that is helping the company address new risks that are shaping their digital agenda. In fact, Uber believes in using actuaries with data science and predictive modelling skills to identify solutions for location tracking, driver monitoring, safety features, price determination, selfie-test for drivers to discourage account sharing, etc., among others.

Also read – Are Predictive Journeys moving beyond the hype?

Within the General Actuarial practice of Insurance there are 3 main disciplines — Pricing, Reserving and Capital. Pricing is prospective in nature, and it requires using statistical modelling to predict certain outcomes such as how much claims the insurer will have to pay. Reserving is perhaps more retrospective in nature, and involves applying statistical techniques for identifying how much money should be set aside for certain liabilities like claims. Capital actuaries, on the other hand, assess the valuation, solvency and future capital requirements of the insurance business.

New Product Development in Insurance

Insurance companies often respond to a growing market need or a potential technological disruptor when deciding new products/ tweaking old ones. They may be trying to address a certain business problem or planning new revenue streams for the organization. Typically, new products are built with the customer in mind. The more ‘benefit-rich’ it is, the easier it is to push on to the customer.

Normally, a group of business owners will first identify a broader business objective, let’s say — providing fire insurance protection for sub-urban, residential homeowners in North California. This may be a class of products that the insurer wants to open. In order to create this new product, they may want to study the market more carefully to understand what the risks involved are; if the product is beneficial to the target demographic, is profitable to the insurer, what is the expected value of claims, what insurance premium to collect, etc.

There are many forces external to the insurance company — economic trends, the agendas of independent agents, the activities of competitors, and the expectations and price sensitivity of the insurance market — which directly affect the premium volume and profitability of the product.

Dynamic Factors Influencing New Product Development in Insurance

Source: Deloitte Insights

To determine insurance rate levels and equitable rating plans, ratemaking becomes essential. Statistical & forecasting models are created to analyze historical premiums, claims, demographic changes, property valuations, zonal structuring, and regulatory forces. Generalized linear models, clustering, classification, and regression trees are some examples of modeling techniques used to study high volumes of past data. 

Based on these models, an actuary can predict loss ratios on a sample population that represents the insurer’s target audience. With this information, cash flows can be projected on the product. The insurance rate can also be calculated that will cover all future loss costs, contingency loads, and profits required to sustain an insurance product. Ultimately, the actuary will try to build a high level of confidence in the likelihood of a loss occurring. 

This blog is a two-part series on new product development in insurance. In the next part, we will take a more focused view of the product development actuary’s role in creating new insurance products.

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The Essence of User-Centered Design: A Dive into Fundamental Principles

In a digital world where user experience reigns supreme, crafting designs that resonate has become a mission. Enter User-Centered Design (UCD), a philosophy placing users at the core of the creative process. In this exploration, we’ll delve into the fundamental principles of User-Centered Design and understand why they are the keystones of successful interfaces.

User-Centered Design

Introduction:

Imagine navigating a website seamlessly, effortlessly finding what you need. That experience is no accident but the result of intentional design. User-centered design (UCD) is the compass guiding designers toward creating interfaces that users not only navigate but embrace.

1. Empathy is Key:

  • Incorporate for a better approach: Start by stepping into the shoes of your users. What are their pain points? What delights them? By empathizing, designers gain insights that drive user-focused design decisions.

2. User Involvement Throughout the Design Process:

  • Real-life example or statistic: Apple’s iterative design process involves user testing at every stage. This constant involvement ensures that their products align precisely with user needs.

3. Holistic Approach to Design:

  • Visual content: Picture your design not as isolated screens but as a cohesive journey. Use diagrams to illustrate how each component fits into the larger user experience ecosystem.

4. Usability is Non-Negotiable:

  • Case studies or examples: Consider the success of Google’s homepage. Its simplicity and efficiency showcase the power of a user-centered approach, emphasizing usability.

5. Accessibility for All:

  • End with a clear call-to-action: Make your designs accessible. It’s not just a legal obligation; it’s an ethical imperative. Ensure your interfaces are usable by everyone, regardless of ability.

6. Consistency Across the Interface:

  • Formatting for readability: Consistency is not just a design principle; it’s a readability strategy. Use bullet points for clarity and short paragraphs for easy consumption.

7. Flexibility and Customization:

  • Inclusive language: Users are diverse, so should your designs be. Incorporate flexibility and customization options. This ensures your interface caters to a broad range of preferences.

Why User-Centered Design Matters:

A. Enhanced User Satisfaction:

  • Feedback mechanism: Prioritize user satisfaction. A satisfied user is an engaged user. Welcome reader input and questions to keep the conversation alive.

B. Reduced Learning Curve:

  • Clear call-to-action: Minimize frustration. Make your interfaces intuitive, reducing the learning curve. Invite users to explore with a clear call-to-action.

C. Increased Engagement and Retention:

  • Visual content: Engaging interfaces retain users. Visualize engagement with appealing images or infographics. Showcase how user-centered designs reduce bounce rates.

D. Effective Problem Solving:

  • Tangible proof: Case studies offer tangible proof. Explore how UCD’s iterative process allows for effective problem-solving. Real-world examples bring these concepts to life.

Conclusion:

In the grand tapestry of digital design, User-Centered Design is the thread weaving functionality, aesthetics, and user satisfaction into a seamless whole. By embracing these principles, designers transform mere interfaces into user-centric experiences. So, as you embark on your design journey, remember: User-centered design isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a commitment to excellence. Design with the user in mind, and success will follow.

About the Author: Mehul Chauhan is a seasoned Senior UI/UX Designer at Mantra Labs. With a deep understanding of design principles and a keen eye for detail, he brings creativity and innovation to every project he touches. When he’s not busy perfecting digital interfaces, you can find him seeking inspiration in art galleries or exploring the latest design trends across various industries.

Further Reading: Unveiling the Art of Emotional Design

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