Self-service kiosks have long existed, but now, businesses are starting to take note of their ability to solve consumer problems in cost-effective ways. Some of the most popular are information kiosks, internet kiosks, wayfinding kiosks, and advertising kiosks. Want to find out more? Read on!
The primary function of an information kiosk is to provide exactly that -- information. But information kiosks are not just limited to the display of digital advertising; they offer a range of other useful services as well.
For those with limited or no internet access, internet kiosks are here to assist. Often found in public places such as libraries or even integrated into smart city kiosks, they provide free or paid access, depending on the environment in which they are deployed.
Internet kiosks usually resemble telephone booths and are placed in public areas such as airports, train stations, libraries and museums. The goal is to provide quick access to email or specific web pages with pertinent information, such as an airline’s website in an airport gate area. The benefit of these kiosks compared to normal PCs is that they are much more difficult to abuse or vandalize. Since they are “locked” by proprietary software, they simply perform their function as programmed, and cannot be used in malicious or less-than-ideal ways.
The primary function of an internet kiosk is to provide public internet access. And while these kiosks have certain features locked or “walled off,” the advantage is that they almost manage themselves, and can include features such as automatic rebooting should a power outage occur, which allows them to provide consistent help to users even in complicated circumstances.
For those that need assistance locating buildings, offices or personnel, wayfinding kiosks are the answer. Easy and intuitive to use, these kiosks provide 2-D and 3-D maps to allow for simplified navigation in unfamiliar areas, allowing users to not only find a given location, but other points of interest around them as well.
Wayfinding and directory maps are available in 3 primary variants: 2D, 2.5D and 3D. The quality of the maps vary from 2D to 3D, with 2D maps being less detailed than 3D. Map data for the kiosks is updated and controlled remotely via cloud-based servers, meaning that any and all updates are automatically uploaded and updated, which keeps the kiosk’s data current.
2D wayfinding is considered the most basic, but also the most cost-effective. It generally will provide a top view or flat layout of a building or campus, which looks very similar to a typical paper map.
A slightly more advanced version of a 2D wayfinding map, it provides a bird’s eye view while still being rendered in 3D. This is the most common type of wayfinding map utilized with digital kiosks, as it provides the benefit of being more visually in-depth like a 3D map, while retaining some of the cost benefits of 2D maps.
The most intricate and detailed map, providing a full 3D model of a building, complete with pathways, elevation, almost as close to a scale model of the building itself. This is also the most expensive option however.
Digital and interactive wayfinding is utilized in many different environments to help users navigate unfamiliar surroundings.
Advertising kiosks are fast becoming the new normal as they are often more eye-catching, and therefore, more effective, than traditional signage or billboards.
Advertising display kiosks generally utilize large-size digital displays to showcase goods or services from various companies. These advertisements can be static or interactive, the latter which allows the user to touch and engage with them. These kiosks can also include a multitude of components that can allow them to be used for payment, wayfinding, photo booths, wifi hotspots and of course, the flexibility to allow companies to quickly and easily change out advertisements based on their business’ requirements.
Movie Theatres: Many movie theatres use advertising kiosks to promote upcoming movies as well as showcase food options and specials.
Quick Service Restaurants: QSRs and fast food restaurants utilize advertising display kiosks and digital signage to market new food items and combinations, as well as pricing.
Retail: Malls employ advertising kiosks to promote individual products as well as stores inside of their area.
Stadiums: Sports arenas and other large venues use display kiosks to promote different events taking place onsite.
Airports: Airports utilize advertising kiosks to promote new and established restaurants, as well as airlines and rental car services.
Digital advertising kiosks are becoming a marketing mainstay in consumers’ everyday lives and knowing how useful they can be, it’s difficult not to see why. Whether used to showcase products, services, companies, or events, digital signage kiosks help businesses and other organizations increase customer engagement while offering an excellent return on their initial investment.