The traditional kiosk has been around for centuries, paving the way for modern digital kiosks to surge in popularity. Either type of kiosk opens the door to broader business opportunities, since a traditional version informs individuals about an organization even after business hours while a modern version facilitates 24/7 electronic transactions. Here are reasons you may want to consider developing custom kiosks for your business.
The 21st century is moving toward what is called the “knowledge economy.” This term refers more specifically to how digital technology is reshaping the way humans gather knowledge. At one time it took hours to research deep information not readily available to the public, but in the smartphone age it takes seconds to retrieve that same type of information.
But where does that leave the traditional nonelectric kiosk that provides information such as directions and maps? Both types of kiosks have been thriving in recent years and there’s no sign of a slowdown in this trend. Even if your small business cannot afford to invest in an electronic kiosk with AI technology, digital controls and touchtone screens, it can still benefit from a pop-up shop model like a tent that can be easily transported from one location to another. This trend challenges the traditional brick-and-mortar establishment concept of basing a business at one location.
Even the oldest type of kiosk–a sign within a small covered pavilion structure–still has value in today’s business world. People still see these popular models at parks, museums, libraries, apartment complexes and various tourist attractions. Even a bulletin board at a local store or school can take the form of a custom kiosk.
There are literally endless ways to design a kiosk, whether it’s stationary or portable. If you run a traditional establishment that closes at night, a kiosk can still inform customers after hours as an information booth with signs containing maps, photos, business hours, other branch locations, and anything else relevant to your target market. Large apartment complexes often use kiosks with maps that direct visiting guests to the specific unit they’re looking for.
Important considerations for your kiosk customization are style and type of material, colors, storage space, display size and how easily the messages can be read. Some kiosks contain walkthrough space like a museum exhibit, while more traditional models provide glass protection over signage. The three-panel model is still very common at theme parks. Whatever model you use, the signage is profoundly the most important element since it connects people with knowledge in the absence of an attendant.
One of your main concerns for traditional stationary signs is presenting information in a way that gives people simple quick answers. The same concept applies to electronic kiosks that allow customers to avoid waiting in long lines to make purchases. Remember that a sign does not need to be electronic to interact with humans if it conveys useful information.
Restaurants are capitalizing on the idea of self-serving machines to increase profits without having to pay for labor. But even without electronics, a restaurant menu posted for the public in a lobby, or on the exterior can help customers make choices. In that sense kiosks help build loyalty of a brand among patrons due to the convenient knowledge they provide.
Here at Zumar, we’ve created custom signage for everything from tsunami warnings to promotional storefronts and kiosks. We even offer digital & screen printing services for completely custom projects. For more information on custom kiosks, call Zumar at our Arizona, California and Washington location.