Kiosk input devices play a crucial role in how users interact with self-service kiosks.
Devices such as keyboards, touchscreens, keypads, and touchless input devices are some of the key features that improve the efficiency and accessibility of most self-service kiosks. Each input device has a unique advantage in each kiosk type.
However, there is a need to select the right kiosk input devices, which will primarily depend on the kiosk application and user requirements.
In this article, we discuss the various kiosk input devices, how to select the right type, and how to meet their accessibility and legal requirements.
What are Kiosk Input Devices?
Kiosk devices have technologies that ease communication. The technologies that help with data input are known as kiosk input devices.
They are components that make it easier for users to input information or commands. Without these devices, self-service kiosks would not function.
Kiosk input devices determine how users interact with and control kiosk systems.
Common Key Input Devices for Kiosks
A digital kiosk has common critical input devices that allow users to input specific commands, selections, or data. These hardware components are standard in various kiosk machines, such as payment stations and ticketing machines.
We highlight some of the most common key input devices in a kiosk machine:
Touchscreens
They are the ideal input method for users to interact directly with the kiosk interface. Users operate by touching options on the screen, often in combination with interactive software. Touching options include tapping or swiping on the screen.
Users with different abilities will find it easier to interact with a touchscreen. They eliminate the need for physical keypads or keyboards, saving space and simplifying a kiosk’s design.
Keyboards
Depending on its use, a self-service kiosk can have a virtual on-screen or a physical keyboard. A physical keyboard requires a user to enter text. It is common in kiosks in airports, hotels, or information kiosks.
A virtual on-screen keyboard is usually displayed on the kiosk monitor. It allows users to type by tapping the virtual keys and is ideal where physical keyboards are impractical.
Virtual on-screen keyboards are ideal for ATMs, ticketing kiosks, or any touchscreen-based system where text input is necessary.
Numeric and Telephone Keypads
Kiosks with touchscreen systems have touchpad keypads where users tap the user-friendly icons or buttons on the screen to make selections. These touchpad keypads are ideal for self-service kiosks or product selection kiosks.
Numeric keypads can only enter numbers, such as a payment amount, or select an item code. They are ideal for vending machines, parking kiosks, or other kiosks where numeric data is essential.
Under numeric keypads are pin pads, which are small keypads that are standard for entering numeric values such as passcodes, PINs, or phone numbers.
Some specific kiosk applications require customized key configurations. Such kiosks require programmable keypads to simplify the user interface and perform a particular function.
Programmable keypads are ideal for vending kiosks and information booths where a few key selections are necessary.
Suppliers such as BestKiosk can also customize kiosks with braille keypads. They have raised braille characters primarily to accommodate visually impaired users. Kiosks in areas that are mandated to be ADA-compliant have braille keypads.
Microphones
Some self-service kiosks have microphones for voice-based input, allowing users to communicate with the system via voice commands.
Voice recognition technology makes it easier to include microphones in kiosks. Microphones allow users to interact with kiosks hands-free, making them a convenient alternative to keyboards or touchscreens.
Voice inputs are a great option for users with disabilities, complying with some legal requirements. Microphones allow users to complete tasks faster while handling other tasks.
Trackpad and Mouse
Trackpad and mouse are input devices that offer cursor control in kiosks. They are not common in modern kiosks but might be a requirement in specific applications.
Trackpad and mouse are essential where users need to click on small buttons. Users accustomed to using a mouse will find them ideal.
Tasks that require dropping, selecting, or dragging multiple items will work well with trackpad and mouse. They are ideal for kiosks in educational or gaming environments.
Innovative Kiosk Input Technologies
As kiosk technology evolves, it is essential to add innovative input methods. Touchless input devices, fingerprint and hand readers as well as card readers are some examples of innovative kiosk input technologies.
Touchless Input Devices
These input devices remove the need for users to make physical contact. Touchless input devices can make use of gesture recognition systems.
The systems have sensors or cameras to detect body gestures or hand movements. Users can input data without touching the screen.
Another common technology for touchless input devices is voice recognition, enabling users to control the kiosk by speaking.
Eye-tracking devices use cameras to follow the user’s gaze, enabling selections just by looking at the screen. Users can also interact with the kiosk by using mobile integration technology, such as using smartphones to scan QR codes.
Touchless input devices are user-convenient and safer. They enhance hygiene through the use of hands-free interactions, especially where touching surfaces is not ideal, such as healthcare facilities.
Touchless devices are ideal for self-service kiosks in airports, hospitals, retail stores, payment kiosks, or for people with limited mobility.
Interactive Touchscreen Podium Kiosks
Interactive touchscreen podium kiosks help in blending functionality, ease of use, and elegance, where public interaction is essential.
These kiosks have large, interactive touchscreens to support the various multi-functions such as zooming, selection, and navigation. They support multiple points of touch.
Podium kiosks have user comfort in mind, with angled screens that are easy to read. Users can adjust the height of the screen. The kiosks also have additional accessories and allow connection to the internet, enabling user remote control.
Interactive touchscreen podium kiosks are suitable for a wide range of industries, including education, hospitality, retail, and corporate.
Fingerprint and Hand Readers
Fingerprint readers read a user’s fingerprint to authenticate identity or access information. Kiosks with fingerprint readers mean users don’t need to carry cards or remember passwords, as the fingerprint becomes their identifier.
Hand readers, on the other hand, use a person’s hand to verify identity. Palm vein scanners use infrared light to detect vein patterns. The scanners can provide a touch-free way to verify identity.
Fingerprint readers are ideal in healthcare check-in kiosks, ATMs, or where verification is necessary.
Palm vein scanners are ideal for healthcare and public environments that require touch-free surfaces. Both input devices improve hygiene and reduce the spread of germs.
Scanners and Card Readers
Barcode and QR code scanners read encoded information from labels, digital screens, or tickets. They enable the kiosks to process data accurately and fast and store a lot of information.
Self-checkout kiosks, ticketing, or information kiosks are some of the kiosks that require barcode and QR code scanners.
Some kiosks have magnetic stripe card readers that capture data from the magnetic strip from the back of various cards. Users swipe the card with the magnetic stripe through the card reader, retrieving stored information.
Other types of scanners and card readers include chip card readers, as well as passport and ID scanners. Scanners and card readers are ideal in payment kiosks, ATMS, vending machines and hotel check-in kiosks.
Accessibility and Legal Requirements
Self-service kiosks should accommodate users with different needs. The kiosk sample design should have accessible input devices for all users.
Accessible features include touchscreens, voice command systems, braille keypads, or touchless input devices. Most regions have legal requirements in place to make self-service kiosks accessible.
Some of the laws include the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). The law mandates that people with disabilities can access public kiosks. The kiosks should be at an appropriate height for users in wheelchairs and alternative means of communication.
Another legal requirement is the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which enforces accessibility for all public services, including self-service kiosks. The act has similar standards to the ADA.
Selecting the Right Input Device
User requirements and kiosk application will determine the right input device. Each kiosk application has unique demands which influence the choice of input device.
Kiosks requiring fast input methods will require input devices such as touchscreens, barcodes, or QR code scanners. Payment kiosks require chip card readers or fingerprint scanners.
The right input device should be easy to use. Buttons and icons should be large enough to tap easily. If the kiosk has voice input devices, they should have accurate speech recognition and can support multiple languages.
The device should be efficient and fast. Scanning input requires high-speed scanners to reduce wait times and frustration. Input devices should also be accessible to all users and should also follow legal requirements.
Input devices should also provide a high level of personal security, especially in high-risk environments such as banks. Outdoor kiosks will require stronger input devices, such as waterproof touchscreens, to withstand weather conditions. They also need to be visible, and backlit keypads are ideal.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal kiosk input device directly impacts every user experience, accessibility, and efficiency. A combination of devices such as keyboards, scanners, and readers ensures the kiosks can meet diverse user needs and adhere to accessibility laws.
If you have further questions about choosing the perfect kiosk input devices, feel free to reach out to BestKiosk. Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to provide a free quote tailored to your needs. Don’t wait—get in touch now!
