"I used to be so happily married, but something isn't quite right with the relationship I have with my wife now. Ever since she got promoted, she would come home from work late and would always leave early too. I tried talking to her about this, hoping that she would squeeze some time for me and the kids in her schedule. But she'd end up getting upset. I love her. I really do. I just can't help but miss the physical intimacy. We hardly ever have sex anymore, and I have needs too! So I tried looking for a community where I won't be judged for wanting to have sexual arrangements even though I was married. I came across this site called Ashley Madison and it has sparked my interest. I started searching for Ashley Madison reviews and it has convinced me to try the site myself. It felt liberating, to find someone who completely understands your situation and wouldn't judge you for things you choose to do. I am actually still an active user, and I don't think I would ever stop."
- Admin Officer, 42
Design and Usability
The design and website layout of Ashley Madison is quite simple and easy to understand. Its interface is friendly to those who still don't know their way through websites, and therefore can be used by people from any age range.
It has a menu bar where all of its features and relevant pages are listed. This way, users will only have to look at the menu bar whenever they need to visit a page or do something. However, what seems to be off is its placement. Unlike other websites where the options are listed on the top part, in Ashley Madison, the menu bar is almost halfway the page. So basically, you can only scroll through the lower 3/4 parts of the page.
When it comes to comfort, it is quite easy on the eyes. It uses white as the main color and uses pink to highlight important details.
Interview with Ashely Madison's Chief Strategy Officer, Paul Keable
DatingScout.com talked with Paul Keable, Ashley Madisons' Chief Strategy Officer, about their approach on data safety today and how someone can make the most of their membership on Ashley Madison:
DatingScout.com: Which security features were installed after the data breach to guarantee the users' privacy and security of their data?
Paul Keable: Discretion is at the heart of our business. So, it should come as no surprise that security and privacy are among our top priorities – something we believe our members appreciate.
Security features members can see include two-factor verification, an option that provides members with an added level of account security they can control, rigorous PCI compliance, and fully-encrypted browsing. But our efforts go beyond technology solutions.
A good example of how we’ve changed our thinking and approach to privacy and security is reflected in being awarded the Privacy by Design certification from Ryerson’s Privacy and Big Data Institute. Organizations that have achieved this designation have demonstrated that they have withstood the scrutiny of a rigorous third-party assessment, assuring the public that their product or service reflects the viewpoint of today's privacy-conscious consumer.
While technology is a key aspect of our daily efforts to protect and secure our members’ information – our people are the most critical part. Regardless of role, our team reflects our approach to security on a daily basis, providing the level of service expected of us.
Our people approach to security and privacy is led by a team of security and privacy experts – including our Privacy Officer and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) – that are committed to building data security into the core of our entire work culture.
Having a dedicated Privacy Officer and CISO ensures that there is a constant reminder that our members have entrusted us with their information – and it is our job to protect that information each and every day.
DatingScout.com: What's the estimated success-rate for men and women with a premium membership for finding an affair through the site today?
Paul Keable: With more than a million affairs happening each month, we feel our members have clearly shown our community is a place where a successful affair can happen.
Our unique features give you the controls you need to manage your experience and create the best possible environment for an affair to happen. We offer selected features such as Priority Man which benefits our full status members greatly as it places their profile among the first three in all search results performed by female members. This gives them more chances of getting noticed and receiving greater communication results.
We also offer Priority Mail meaning a message sent with Priority Status will be flagged to the top of the receiving member’s inbox and a confirmation receipt is generated when the message is read. These types of features are likely the most attractive to those looking to establish a greater sense of efficiency when it comes to vetting affair partners. This is appealing to them since most members are juggling more than one relationship so if we can save them time and present more opportunities to them quicker, it's of great value.
DatingScout.com: What tips do you have for male and female users to make the most of their time on Ashley Madison?
Paul Keable: We believe that Ashley Madison has the most honest members in the online dating world. Our members can be completely transparent about what they are looking for because they are joining the biggest community of married daters – people who know what they’re looking for, because it's currently missing from their marriage. So we'd always advise members to approach their profile creation in a way that indicates to other members they are taking the process of finding a match seriously.
Like with other online dating sites, the likelihood of success is increased when members take the time to upload photos and share something about themselves that invites potential connection with someone else. Since we specialize in discretion however, and the majority of our members are married, we also encourage them to take the necessary precautions to reduce their digital lipstick. That is, any digital evidence of their affair. While we design our platform with their privacy in mind (e.g. photo access requires invite by private key, unbranded app icon, etc.), it's also important they aren't careless in their approach to preserving their discretion (e.g. leaving their phone unlocked or laptop open, etc.).
DatingScout.com: What were the biggest mistakes Ashley Madison has made that lead to the data breach scandal in 2015?
Paul Keable: We let our members down. Yet, with more than 20,000 people joining daily (on average) we know that our efforts to rebuild the relationship with our members is succeeding.
Today security is at the heart of everything we do and we have a security-focused mindset embedded in our employee culture. We are focused on continuing to deliver a world-class service, one that was and will continue to be an innovator in the world of online dating. Currently, we are more committed on building an enhanced experience for members. Every day we ask how can we make Ashley Madison better for them – that’s what drives us.
