What Is a Computer Kiosk?
A computer kiosk is a stationary or mobile, stand-alone, small-format PC with an integrated housing unit. The terminal usually contains a monitor and keyboard or pointing device, unless it is touch-screen operated. Most kiosks come pre-packaged with software and are designed to handle specific tasks. Common uses of computer kiosks include welcome stations, navigation systems, customer support, or new product launches.
The kiosk’s intended tasks depend on the business using the computer kiosk. For example, events with large amounts of participants and required registration may use kiosks to facilitate quicker entry processes. Instead of each attendee signing their names in massive books or interacting with event handlers, a kiosk may be configured to handle such situations. The attendees simply use the computer kiosk to enter their names, and perhaps credit card or ticket information for identification purposes, and the computer handles the background registration information.
Kiosks are usually designed for "self-service," meaning patrons may use the device without outside instruction. Great care, therefore, is usually taken to ensure their software and hardware are intuitively designed. The operating systems are usually common and universally understood to ensure the majority of users immediately understand proper procedures.
Though many are stationary, some computer kiosks allow mobility. In hospitals, tailor-made kiosks allow nurses to travel from various rooms without the need to carry a computer. Instead, the computer is situated inside a mobile stand that reaches about four feet. A computer’s monitor and keyboard are laid out in a comfortable way to allow easy functionality and access; usually this means setting each device at arm’s length.
Advances in technology have allowed many kiosks to forego the traditional mouse-and-keyboard layout in favor of touch-screens. This allows even more intuitive use of the machines. Users no longer need to worry about possessing any computer knowledge to operate the system.
All interactive kiosks are basically some form of computer kiosk. All kiosks are developed using software written for user-interface purposes. Even the popular Redbox movie-rental kiosks that are rapidly gaining popularity, though touch-screen operated and free of a keyboard and mouse, are developed using such user-interface software.
Computer kiosks appear in a variety of locations, from small cubicle-type areas at stores that permit applicants to apply for a job, to mobile, wheeled stations that many hospitals incorporate. They are extremely handy and remove a great deal of excessive human interaction. This permits more fluid customer movement, and allows organizations to employ fewer employees to manage customer interactions.
Written by Nathan Spicer
