Interactive kiosks can be found in public venues, such as retail stores, libraries and airports, where there is a benefit to be had from having people being able to serve themselves. They can be used to access services or to buy products. They are basically a computer-like device, and anyone who can use a personal computer should have no problems using an interactive kiosk. A standard kiosk allows people to access the internet, view multimedia files and run software applications. What exactly people can do it on it is up to you though, as you can have it set-up in any way that you like. So, if you do not want people to be able to access the internet from it, then you can turn off that option. They work best when they optimized to do certain tasks.
You can just have a single tailor-made software application running on it if you like, which allows users to only do a particular thing, such as buying a product or entering their personal details. Kiosks require a processor, RAM and a hard disk to run, but these are not particularly expensive as the same ones that are used for home computers are also used for kiosks. The user will not actually see any of the hardware though as it will be encased within an outer unit. How the outer casing looks is up to you. You can get plain, box style kiosks, branded, curved kiosks, and everything in between. Also within the casing will be a display screen, which can be either a standard looking computer monitor or a plasma / LCD screen, depending on your needs and the image that you want to present.
As for input devices, kiosks can be fitted with a mouse and keyboard, or a touch screen and / or trackball. Most companies find that touch screens are the best as they are the easiest to use and are the most durable. Additional devices that can enhance the user experience include printers, scanners, credit card readers, and barcode readers. Everything is customizable, so you only need to pay for what you need. All devices can be easily repaired and replaced, so a part of the kiosk that starts to run inefficiently after prolonged use does not mean that you will need to buy a whole new kiosk.
Software applications for interactive kiosks can be as simple or as complex as needed. There is the option to have them run standard home computer applications, such as Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer, and also the option to have them run specialist software.
You can just have a single tailor-made software application running on it if you like, which allows users to only do a particular thing, such as buying a product or entering their personal details. Kiosks require a processor, RAM and a hard disk to run, but these are not particularly expensive as the same ones that are used for home computers are also used for kiosks. The user will not actually see any of the hardware though as it will be encased within an outer unit. How the outer casing looks is up to you. You can get plain, box style kiosks, branded, curved kiosks, and everything in between. Also within the casing will be a display screen, which can be either a standard looking computer monitor or a plasma / LCD screen, depending on your needs and the image that you want to present.
As for input devices, kiosks can be fitted with a mouse and keyboard, or a touch screen and / or trackball. Most companies find that touch screens are the best as they are the easiest to use and are the most durable. Additional devices that can enhance the user experience include printers, scanners, credit card readers, and barcode readers. Everything is customizable, so you only need to pay for what you need. All devices can be easily repaired and replaced, so a part of the kiosk that starts to run inefficiently after prolonged use does not mean that you will need to buy a whole new kiosk.
Software applications for interactive kiosks can be as simple or as complex as needed. There is the option to have them run standard home computer applications, such as Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer, and also the option to have them run specialist software.
No comments:
Post a Comment