Knowing when to use kiosks and when to use standard screens is key to getting the most out of your digital signage project. Knowing when to use each type of screen can help increase audience satisfaction and engagement.
ContentsScreen-audience interactionDigital kiosksStandard displaysThe verdictKnowing when to use a standard kiosk or displayCan I use digital kiosks and regular displays in my project?Digital kiosks are large freestanding displays in touch or non-touch format. Standard screens are nearly identical to TVs you might find in your living room, however, they may have additional features such as higher brightness levels and longer run times.
Aside from aesthetics, one of the main differences between the two screen types is the target audience. Kiosks are generally intended for an individual user. In contrast, standard screens are often intended for many users in one place.
In this article, we discuss when you should use a standard kiosk or screen.
Kiosks are generally intended to interact with consumers on an individual level where users directly use the kiosk for functions such as checking out of a hotel or using digital wayfinding to navigate a large campus. They are typically used to provide individual users with the ability to perform a specific task without the assistance of an employee. This makes them highly preferable for projects and self-service environments.
For example, a single digital wayfinding kiosk might be placed in the lobby of a large hospital. Many visitors or patients cannot use the screen at the same time. However, one or two can use the screen at the same time to receive specific directions to a specific location request (i.e. A&E Ward). Although fewer people can use the digital kiosk at a time, the information retrieved can be of higher quality and used for a specific scenario
In contrast, standard screens are often used to interact with many users at the same time. Instead of content having a specific purpose, for one person, it provides useful information for many people. However, this information is often less specific.
Using our hospital example again, a digital screen can be placed in the waiting room to display the latest average wait times. As this information is applicable to all people on hold and not just one person, it is appropriate to be on a digital screen to make the information more accessible.
We find it great to use a mix of digital kiosks and standard screens in your digital signage project. Standard displays will provide your audience with quick updates and easy access to information, while digital kiosks will help your audience get answers to specific questions or complete specific tasks.
One of the first things to consider when deciding whether to use kiosks or standard displays is how valuable interactivity is to your end goal. For example, are you looking to answer direct questions and solve direct problems, or are you looking to inform a wider audience?
For example, an organization looking to improve navigation on their site should consider using a digital kiosk. Instead of reading multiple signs, a user can enter their destination on the screen and receive a personalized route to where they need to be in seconds. However, a retailer looking to raise awareness of a customer loyalty program would be best suited for standard displays, as this objective requires no interaction from the audience and can reach more people at once.
Yes absolutely! In fact, we would encourage it.
Digital screens and kiosks can be used collaboratively. For example, standard screens can successfully attract potential customers to your store. Once customers enter your store, digital kiosks can be used to achieve specific goals or provide specific functions. This can be placing an order or signing up for a loyalty program.
Additionally, interactive digital kiosks can help increase user engagement. Examples include content that allows consumers to enter a contest or a camera that allows users to take a photo using the screen.
As demonstrated, choosing between kiosks and displays can be a tough decision for your organization. Usually, most companies can benefit from the combination of the two and use them in harmony. Digital screens grab customers' attention while kiosks engage them on a deeper level.
