Interactive kiosks are self-contained computing terminals that provide access to on-demand information and transactions. These devices can take a number of forms, such as touchscreen product displays, interactive mall directories, and employee HR info stations. Some devices even serve multiple purposes, e.g. a product catalog and gift registry for customers and a job application center for prospective employees. Kiosks may be found in a growing number of industries, including retail, automotive, education, food service, and banking. Increasingly, multi-channel retailers are deploying these self-service devices to help customers choose products in the store and order out-of-stock items.
Kiosk systems employ modular hardware designs that can be expanded to include numerous peripherals, such as touchscreens, thermal printers, and barcode scanners. By their nature, interactive kiosks require robust and secure hardware and software to ensure a consistent user experience and prevent unauthorized modifications. A number of kiosk manufacturers offer this type of solution, but quality and features can vary widely between vendors. When evaluating interactive kiosk manufacturers, be sure to ask about their quality assurance process, warranty coverage, and method for handling situations such as dusty or humid operating environments. You may also wish to identify a reliable service and support organization for your interactive kiosk project.
Here are some articles you might find useful:
- Tips for maximizing ROI on your kiosk network
- Determining the feature set for your interactive kiosks
- Benefits of all-in-one kiosk hardware platforms