Information Kiosks
An information kiosk is a interactive computer terminal that provides information access via electronic methods. Most kiosks provide unattended access to web applications.
Integration of technology allows kiosks to perform a wide range of functions, evolving into self-service kiosks. Customised components such as coin hoppers, bill acceptors, card readers and thermal printers enable kiosks to meet the owner's specialised needs. Interactive kiosks are typically placed in high foot traffic settings such as hotel lobbies or airports.
Information Kiosks
Kiosk reliability
Reliability is an important consideration, and as a result many specialised kiosk software applications have been developed for the industry. These applications interface with the bill acceptor and credit card swipe, meter time, prevent users from changing the configuration of software or downloading computer viruses and allow the kiosk owner to see revenue remotely.
Design and construction
The aesthetic and functional design of interactive kiosks is a key element that drives user adoption, overall up-time and affordability. There are many factors to consider when designing an interactive kiosk including:
- Aesthetic design: The design of the enclosure is often the driving factor in user adoption and brand recognition.
- Manufacturing volume: This will determine which manufacturing processes are appropriate to use (i.e. sheet-metal, thermoformed plastic etc.).
- Graphic messaging: Plays a key role in communicating with potential users.
- Maintenance and thermal design: Critical in order to maximize up-time (the time between failures or crashes).
- Component specification: Typical components include Touch-screen, P.C., pointing device, keyboard, bill acceptor, mag-stripe and/ or bar-code scanner, surge protector, UPS etc.
- Ergonomic: Is important to ensure comfortable and easy user accessibility.
- Regulatory compliance: In the US it is important to design to ADA. Electrical standards include UL in the U.S. and CE in Europe. In the retail space you have PCI certification in the U.S. which is descendant of VISA PED (relative of Chip and Pin in Europe).
- Interface design: Designing for interactive kiosks typically requires larger buttons and simpler decision trees than designing for a web or computer based interactive. Catchy attract animations and short dwell times are important.
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