THE KIOSK INTERFACE This section of the course contains the following: Introduction to the Interface Basic Session Components Optional Session Components Web Site Relevance

A TOP-DOWN MENU SYSTEM Every kiosk contains a menu-driven interface with certain components. Mixing these components is an art-form and a science. The basic session consists of the following: user approaches the kiosk during the attraction sequence user touches screen - triggers "in-use" mode kiosk session occurs (info / transaction / collection) user walks away - triggers "attract" mode BASIC SESSION COMPONENTS The components that make up a basic session are listed below. Each section includes a brief discussion: Attraction Loop The attraction loop is usually a series of screens displayed round-robin, based on either time-per-screen and/or screen completion. Do: Display motion Make it "sexy" Inform them "how to begin" Don't: Use a single screen Use sound unless extremely remote Welcome Screen This is an optional, yet recommended screen. The Welcome Screen is usually displayed once a touch from a user is received during the attract mode. Sometimes a Welcome Screen is not desired. For example: informational kiosks displaying item of interest during the attract sequence. Do: Tell the user the purpose of the kiosk Include a musical theme & voice if possible Provide a "help button" immediately Get to the point Provide a bypass option (button) Don't: Overdose on technology "Trap" them into the introduction Menu Screen{s} If at all possible, keep the major menu options visible from screen-to-screen. Avoid forcing the user to "know" or "remember" where they currently are within your application. This usually means avoiding the "back" button. Consider including a "menu bar" in addition to one or more "menu screens". This type of design enables you to eliminate the "back" button rather easily. Do: Expose main topic buttons from screen-to-screen Make buttons "3D" and reactive Include text on your buttons Provide audio feedback on touches Use the "hourglass" when necessary Provide a "help" button Make it so Grandma can use it Don't: Make deep levels Rely on the "back" button Rely on graphic objects only unless unmistakable Content Screen{s} Design your content screens to be to the point. Use background graphics that adhere to the message. If you have the budget and the location supports it, use audio in addition to text and graphics. Do: Be concise Use graphics that reflect the message Deploy a printer if "additional information" is required Deploy a telephone (if possible / necessary) Allow them to decide Don't: Overload them with information "Trap" them into a presentation OPTIONAL SESSION COMPONENTS Besides the basic session components, the following components may be a part of your kiosk application. Data Collection Screen{s} This can make or break your kiosk application - and usually it will break it. If at all possible, use pre-defined question widgets to speed the collection process. If you're considering asking for personal information (email, address, phone), make sure the user will want to take the time to enter the information. Registering for a "Prize" may entice the user to enter the information. Do: Use "widgets" if at all possible Be brief Show progress (Question 3 of 8) Allow exit option Entice with "prize" if applicable Don't: Force them to finish Ask too many questions Get to personal Use an on-screen keyboard unless necessary or brief Keyboard{s} You should note that touch-type keyboards (on-screen keyboards) are very, very slow,and "real" keyboards are usually preferred. And, if you are considering asking the user to enter in more than a few lines of text, it's almost mandatory that you provide a physical keyboard. Failure to do so will more than likely cause your application to fail. Do: Make on-screen keyboards "3D" Create "Yes" and "No" keyboards if applicable Provide both a QWERTY and a non-QUERTY option Don't: Ask people to type too much WEB SITE RELEVANCE If you are considering using your web site as the main component of your kiosk application, be sure to evaluate your web site using the criteria discussed above and possibly enhance or re-design those components that do not spell "success" at the kiosk level.