What is an Information Kiosk? Its Application and Benefits.
Human behavior has undergone a drastic change in recent years. The demand for instant information has increased in the era of mobile phones and the internet. People look for easy access to information in public spaces as well. But human assistance is not readily available at all times and places. This is where the information kiosk comes into the picture. It is the need of the hour since human assistance cannot be provided anytime anywhere. An information kiosk is the display of information through interactive or non-interactive kiosks.
An information kiosk using embedded software has a use case in various industries. The combination of hardware and software with internet connectivity, where information is displayed with the means of an engaging menu system. They represent information in a visually attractive manner and help in decision-making. Information kiosks are fast becoming a normal fixture in libraries, malls, retail stores, museums, and other such public places.
Types of the Information kiosk
There are various types of information kiosks available based on various factors.
A. Shape 1) Horizontal 2) Vertical 3) Wall Mounted
B. Location 1) Indoor 2) Outdoor
C. Interactivity 1) Touch screen kiosk 2) Digital signage
Many businesses are now going for information kiosks because they
Increase brand presence
Kiosks can be used as a marketing tool where the latest offers, products, or special discounts can be displayed. The kiosk can be used to display highlighted products/services when not in use. Information kiosks can be both interactive and non-interactive.
2. Improved service
Since manned help desks cannot operate at all times and places, Information kiosks are a great help. Information is available to the customer at all times. Suppose, a customer requires assistance at a mall regarding a particular store and there is no help desk nearby, he can use the information kiosk and get information regarding the store, the kind of products they keep, etc. This helps in providing a better quality of service to the customer.
3. More consumers are served
Many retail outlets, malls, museums, and other public places have installed information kiosks. This helps in making the service fast. As most of the information is available at the kiosk and the manual part reduces. This reduces the queues and lines at different places.
4. Security and Privacy
Many customers do not want to share their personal information with anyone. They also feel skeptical about sharing information regarding which store they want to visit or which product/service they are looking for. Information kiosk helps in protecting the privacy of the customer and hence leave the customer satisfied and happy. The software protects digital content from theft.
5. Increased efficiency
It has been observed that the installation of an information kiosk leads to an increase in efficiency of the staff, store employees, and managers as the time spent on answering queries and providing information can be utilized in serving the customers.
6. Quick updates
The information kiosk software is easy to update and in most cases can be done remotely. Any updates regarding the latest products, services, stores, facilities, etc, can be done remotely and reducing the time spent printing new catalogs or brochures.
7. Affordable
The kiosk is friendly to the pocket as it is a one-time investment. It helps in reducing the cost of printing and distribution. They do not occupy too much space and can be wall mounted as well.
Use cases of the Information kiosks
Museums: Information kiosks are perfect for applications that are content-heavy. In a museum, a kiosk can be set up in each room giving details about the artifacts in that room. Kiosks can give information about the history and all the information that the museum has on its exhibits. Here the kiosk acts as a digital archive for visitors.
Shopping malls and stores: Perhaps the best utilization of information kiosks is in malls and retail stores, where they can provide information and showcase the latest arrivals at the stores, and display product inventory catalogs.
Corporate Office: Give a formal and professional look to your office space with the help of information kiosks. They can display details like your company’s history, awards won by you, the products and services offered, mission and vision statements, and testimonials of your clients. In-office complexes where multiple companies share the building, such kiosks can let visitors know about the various offices located inside a building and also display the working hours and other details.
Tourism: You can say goodbye to guides with the introduction of information kiosks at tourist places. Kiosks are a far better and more accurate option when it comes to information sharing about the history of a tourist place or monument.
Transport: Bus stands, subways, airports, and railway stations can all make good use of information kiosks by providing a variety of information to visitors. Information on arrival and departure as well as a catalog of facilities available in the building complex can be displayed on these kiosks.
Events: In conferences and seminars, these kiosks can be placed just outside the hall so that delegates can get information about the various topics, speakers, and timings of the panel discussions.
Exhibitions: In exhibitions, information kiosks can be used in different ways. They can be placed next to the registration counters so visitors can see the exhibitor catalogs and stall numbers. They can also be placed in individual booths and display the details of the product or service of the company having the booth. Visitors can browse through these touchscreen information kiosks and get a lot of information. They are also a more attractive way to present information to delegates rather than printed brochures.
Healthcare: Healthcare centers, Hospitals, clinics, etc. use kiosks to provide and search information regarding facilities, availability of doctors and healthcare workers, etc. The Information kiosk also helps in displaying symptoms, prevention, and cure of some common diseases and ailments.
Does your business have a kiosk?
VirtuBox provides sturdy and sleek hardware for kiosks along with reliable software solutions. You can know more about our wide range of kiosks by visiting our website or dropping a query.
Source link: https://medium.com/@virtubox.io123/what-is-an-information-kiosk-its-application-and-benefits-2345c2becca7