The digital kiosk has gone from being a nice surprise to a common feature in many public facing businesses. From airports to shopping centers, clinics to corporate campuses, kiosks are quietly transforming how we navigate spaces, access information, and complete transactions.

And, more than ever, the digital kiosk has become an accessible feature - one that any business can use. 

If you’re looking at ways to use the screen kiosk in your business, we’re going to dig into the many different ways they can be used, and how to set them up. First of all…

The digital kiosk is a standalone screen-based terminal equipped with a touchscreen interface that allows users to interact with digital content or services. Typically installed in public or semi-public locations (eg. a foyer or entrance area) these kiosks offer specific functionality depending on the needs of the business. Some act as virtual receptionists, others as shopping assistants, or navigation and wayfinding guides, and many help users check in, pay bills, or find directions.

Kiosks are usually connected to the internet and managed remotely through digital signage software. This allows for centralized updates, real-time content changes, and performance tracking.

You might already see that there are numerous benefits of using a touchscreen kiosk in your business - for both businesses and users. Their growing presence across industries is driven by several key advantages:

Operational efficiency: Kiosks automate tasks that previously required staff, freeing up employees for higher-value roles.

Reduced wait times: Customers can access services or information without queueing at a staffed desk or counter.

Consistency: Unlike human agents, kiosks provide the same experience every time, which is critical for brands with multiple locations.

24/7 availability: Many kiosks can operate outside of standard business hours, offering round-the-clock support or services.

Data insights: Kiosks can collect data on usage patterns, preferences, and feedback, supporting better decision-making.

As customer expectations continue to shift toward self-directed service, kiosks offer an increasingly viable way to meet them, especially when designed to solve specific challenges.

The Most Common Types of Digital and Interactive Kiosks

While the term “kiosk” can refer to a range of technologies, most fall into a few distinct hardware categories. Each type has its own applications, technical setup, and user experience.

Want to speed up your service? The self-service kiosk is an excellent way to streamline almost any customer facing process, and is often the preferred choice for customers. These types of kiosks are typically used for ordering food, click and collect orders, paying bills, or sometimes registering for a service.

Another benefit of the self-service kiosks is that they can cut operating costs while speeding up service delivery. With that being said, it often makes sense to have a real human, aka a customer service agent on hand for assistance. 

If you’ve got an appointment or a ticket, you might be able to use the self check-in kiosk instead of waiting on the reception or desk staff. An example might be airports, hotels, healthcare clinics, and recruitment offices. These terminals are usually designed to guide visitors or customers through an onboarding process, which may include ID verification, form filling, and queue management.

A self check-in kiosk not only speeds up the arrival process but also helps with security, tracking who is on site at any given time.

Direction to next steps (e.g., gate number or waiting area)


These digital help desks are like self-service counters but for information. They provide static or interactive content, ranging from general facility information to targeted FAQs. These kiosks work well in environments where customers are likely to have questions but staff may not be readily available.

The information kiosk also reduces the pressure on live staff, especially during busy periods, while ensuring visitors can find what they need without frustration.

Customer support chat or call integration


As physical spaces become larger and more complex, wayfinding kiosks are being introduced to help visitors orient themselves and navigate unfamiliar environments. These are typically interactive and map-driven.

These kiosks are particularly valuable in large venues where poor signage can easily lead to frustration or missed appointments.


Integration with elevator or accessibility options


Some kiosks are designed to provide live or virtual customer support. These might feature video conferencing options or real-time chat, giving users a more human interaction without requiring a person to be physically present.

A customer service kiosk bridges the gap between self-service and full support, offering flexibility to businesses that want to maintain a high level of service at scale.

Accessibility kiosks are specifically designed to meet the needs of users with disabilities. This might include voice controls, screen readers, adjustable heights, or tactile feedback. Many of the features of the accessibility focused kiosk will likely be integrated into the general wayfinding system, but it’s a great idea to highlight the opportunity for more engagement from those who need it. 

Also, with increasing regulatory focus on accessibility, use of these types of kiosk can help ensure inclusivity and compliance with ADA or local disability access laws.

Discover the different types of touchscreen digital kiosks, what they're used for and how to get started with your own interactive digital signage.

The Complete Guide to Digital and Touchscreen Kiosks

A Guide to Digital and Interactive Kiosks

Hardware

Software

Support & Services

A Guide to Digital and Interactive Kiosks

A Guide to Digital and Interactive Kiosks

Contents

Ask for an AI Summary