Part 1: Design choice and wireframe. The range of purposes that kiosks serve is broad and varied. From providing information or services to the purchase of an extensive array of goods a kiosk can be and frequently is used to meet the desires and needs of the general public and consumers. In recent years there has been a substantial and steady increase in the frequency that we see or use some form of stand alone kiosk.
The wireframe that I considered is more general in nature. This was done to provide flexibility in the design that can be easily used across a broad range of services with minimal modification. It also accommodates easy adjustment for use by disabled individuals. [pic]Part 2: Report of design principles. The final goal in designing a kiosk is to generate a product that will meet the needs of the business or organization that is using it to provide goods or services to its potential clientele.
The purpose is to produce a product that is highly intuitive, and also provides clear and concise instructions on the proper use of the kiosk in general and specific features for those patrons that need assistance. The final design is influenced by several factors; • The service it provides and its ultimate function. • Ease of use and convenience for all users including handicapped. • The surroundings it needs to blend with.• Ease of maintenance. • Additional considerations prompted by specific use and location.
To be a useful tool the kiosk must be effective in providing the desired information or service to a user. In order to do this the kiosk must meet various criteria. Firstly it must be highly visible and accessible. Not only must it be visible, it must be presented in such a way that it will attract potential users. If it fails to do this, it may simply become something that takes up space but fails to be productive service.
In addition to being visible and attractive to customers, it must be useable. If it is designed in such a way that it is intimidating to potential users it is just going to be a dust collector.Not only must it be useable, it requires a design that promotes that impression to the user. The design should attract the customer and designed in such a way that it projects comfort and simplicity in its use, not complexity and fear.
By grouping controls that serve similar or compatible functions so that the usage flows smoothly rather than becoming a hunt and peck procedure using the kiosk will be a much more pleasant experience. Using it should be satisfying and memorable in such a way that it encourages repeat usage of the kiosk instead of avoiding it.Part 3: Ethical Considerations.At first glance the consideration of ethics in the design of a kiosk may tend to escape designers, but it is part of the design equation. There are some facets which at first glance may not be actively considered to fall under this heading, but in reality are ethical considerations.
One of the more important considerations that fall under this category is that of safety. At first glance this seems to be something that is routinely considered, just an automatic process, not anything that is a specific consideration. In light of some of the various failures that have occurred and recalls that have occurred, it is obvious that safety has to be part of the active design of a product.The consideration of safety is not just the consideration that the kiosk may fall over and cause and injury, but also the possibility of confidential information being made public. This can range from making individuals personal information including credit card or banking information public to making sensitive company information public as well.
As part of the design process procedures to protect this information must be incorporated, including the means to protect confidential data. Another consideration that has to be part of the design from the beginning is complying with ADA requirements.The kiosk design has to develop an approach that complies with the ADA regulations and still is comfortable and easy to use by those who are not handicapped. As part of this procedure the choice of where the kiosk is located is also a consideration. Selection of the kiosk location has to take into account customer traffic patterns to provide maximum exposure, but still locate it so handicapped individuals, particularly those using aids such as wheelchairs are not obstructing movement of others.
