Are You Familiar With The Design Of A Touch Screen Kiosk?
We all know that there have been a lot of technological advancements made in the twenty first century. The kids like us in the 80’s who practically did not grow up with Internet did not have an inkling on how much the world would changed to be so technologically advanced in just a number of years. The advancement was so fast that the kids these days do not remember snail mail or diskettes. Right, one of the most amazing modern advancements is the evolution of touch screen technology.
Today, when a person goes to stores, banks, and other establishments, it is not a surprise if he will find a touch screen kiosk in these places. These kiosks are structures that feature a touch screen interface. Touch screen kiosks have definitely made a revolution in the world of business. The following are the basic features of the touch screen kiosk design:
• Simplicity – Not all people could catch up with the very fast paced evolution of technology. That is why a lot of people, especially the older ones, have a hard time using high-tech devices like the touch screen kiosk. Touch screen kiosks actually feature non-technical interface so that they will be used easily. After all, they are practically worthless if people have a hard time using them. Technological features that are simple in design are the ones that usually last for a very long time.
• System feedback – Touch screen kiosks always have system feedback features. Most users find it difficult to use kiosks because they do not get system feedback. Phrases such as “your request is being process” or “please wait for a while” can give users the assurance that they are using the kiosks the right way.
• Control – Touch screen kiosk designers have always made buttons and links large enough for the fingers. Small buttons and links are only practical for mouse-based applications. Aside from that, there are people who really have large fingers! That is why buttons have to be large enough. Also, buttons have to be located apart from each other. The distance between two buttons should be enough so that accidental pressing of buttons or pressing the wrong button can be avoided.
• Navigation features – These features have to be placed at the bottom of the screen. Placing these features on top is not recommendable because the arm or palm of user might accidentally touch other buttons below the navigational features. Placing the features on the either sides of the screen could be disadvantageous to either right handed or left handed individuals too.
• Accessibility – Touch screen kiosks are also designed in a way that they will be easily used by motor impaired people. One of the most common complaints about touch screen kiosks is that they are too sensitive. Too much sensitivity can pose as a problem to people with motor impairments. For example, old people with arthritis might have difficulty using some touch screen-features because they unintentionally activate features very easily. Designers also usually consider making the touch screen kiosks more suitable for the visual impaired. This means the kiosks must also be easily accessible by individuals such as the far-sighted and color blinded.
The usability of touch screen kiosks has come a long way recently, with new technology and the introduction of ipads being available to kiosk manufacturers.