What is an interactive kiosk?

Our definition of an interactive kiosk is a computer terminal that provides information or services, or makes transactions available to people in a public place.  Most kiosks these days provide access to web-based services in a way that does not require supervision or training for the user.

Kiosks have been used successfully to give information; collect payment in exchange for goods and services - such as digital photo prints; dispense tickets at airports and stations, and to search large databases - such as injob-finding).  The user interface is often simply a touch screen - although they may have a keyboard and pointing device -, and they sometimes have integrated peripheral components such as coin mechanisms, note acceptors, card readers and thermal printers enable kiosks to meet the owner’s specialised needs.