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When you think kiosks,
you may think of a box with a computer and monitor
in it. What many people fail to realize is a
good integrator makes it look easy. But a lot
of planning and development go into designing
an enclosure that meets all the needs of the
user: Careful planning insures a professional
looking product that is attractive and easy
to service.
The EXTERIOR of the unit, of paramount importance,
is only the beginning. It must be a pleasing
design that is harmonious with the aesthetics
of the location and yet attracts the user's
attention.
Q) How is the kiosk going to be used?
A) The answer to this question will help determine
how rugged to make the unit and with what materials.
(Wood, Metal, Plastics or a combination?)
Q) Where is the Kiosk going to be placed?
Interior or Exterior? What should footprint
be?
A) The location usually indicates the size.
- How much time will the average user spend
at your kiosk?
- Do you want to incorporate a seat into the
unit or discourage long term use?
- What is the height of the unit?
- Have you considered ADA (American Disabilities
Act) compliance?
- Where will the unit be placed? Against a wall,
wall mounted, end of aisle or island?
- Do you need to plan for the unit to be easily
moved to various locations?
- Should it be designed for more than one person
to access at a time?
- Does it need to be themed for a particular
location?
- Does it need to look like a box of french
fries because it is going in a fast food location?
- Does the look need to be interchangeable with
different software programs?
- Does it require a lighted attraction panel
for advertising?
- Is the kiosk going to be located in a place
that serves food and drink?
- What precautions are taken in the design to
eliminate spills from soda or food?
- Does the product meed UL and FCC specifications?
- Are the components that may require servicing
easy to access?
- Will the unit be enhanced with the application
of exterior artwork?
The INTERIOR
A list of all components and the particular
manufacturers must be identified before you
can start the design process. Each printer,
card swipe, keyboard, bill validator, hand set,
etc. has its own requirements for mounting.
Rarely can one device be substituted for another
without making changes to the enclosure.
The environment of the kiosk must be considered
when choosing the components.
- Do they need to be weather resistant or weather
proof?
- Have you considered ergonomics when positioning
your components?
- Is the printer receipt, card swipe, etc. easily
accessible to all users including the disabled?
- Does your user prefer a mouse or a touchpad?
- Which is friendlier and/or what is the more
rugged approach?
- How easy it is to get to the printer to replenish
the paper supply?
- Would slide out shelves make for easier access?
- If coin handling or bill validators are used,
do you want the person servicing the computer
to be able to access the money?
- Are they located in separate, yet secure compartments
inside the kiosk?
The Printer - special considerations for
paper management
Printer, printers, and more printers. Most
of you know that the number of printers on the
market is substantial. The manufacturers all
choose different ways in which to load and eject
paper. The front, the side, the top, single
sheets or on a roll. You name it, it is out
in the market. When insuring that the paper
comes out of the printer and into the hands
or hopper of the customer, care must be given
to the slot, chute, or "duck bill"
that is designed to present the paper. There
is nothing more frustrating to a user than when
the paper is at the end of the kiosk, but drops
just short of the chute to be left inside for
the service person to "review". The
additional cost for a presenter is usually money
well spent. Jamming results when a user is in
a hurry and aggressively tries to pull his/her
receipt out of the unit before it is ready.
The Shipment
Since the customer should be able to take the
kiosk out of the box, plug it in, and turn it
on when it arrives, care must be given to mounting
of the electronics. Special shock absorption
materials can be used beneath a PC and all units
should be palletized for shipment to insure
tha they work when it arrives at the customer's
site.
There is a lot to consider before you start
putting components into the box. Careful planning
can make the prototyping and subsequent production
go more smoothly.
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