Before you consider investing in a kiosk for your business it would be prudent to familiarise yourself with the terminology and jargon affiliated with the technology so please explore some of the most common terms in the glossary below.
We’ll be adding to this list over time but if you come across a term you don’t understand then feel free to get in touch and our friendly team will be more than happy to help!
Bespoke Kiosk
Fairly straightforward; this is a kiosk that is specifically designed to your bespoke specifications – this can refer to the appearance or software.
Custom Kiosk
As above.
Data Capture Kiosk
The main purpose of these kiosks is to collect information from the users and relay it to a specified person or location.
Digital Signage
Animated signs that can be programmed to display a variety of content – essentially the same as smart advertising.
Digital Signage Software
The software for a digital sign allows the administrator to add or amend the content displayed on the digital signage.
Free-Standing Kiosk
A kiosk that stands away from a wall or mounting point thanks to a solid base that supports the machinery. Usually fairly tall models to allow for adult use.
Gamer Tower Kiosk
Commonly seen in video game stores to allow demo usage of a console – there is built in security measures to protect the console itself.
Health Kiosks
Displays health information and can be made capable of printing appointment cards or receipts for prescriptions.
Hospital Kiosks
Located in hospitals; usually used as general health information points or for reporting crimes/accidents to the Police.
Industrial Kiosks
Heavy duty, rugged examples of kiosks that are designed to stand up to intense industrial conditions.
Information Point Kiosk
Delivers information to the user either on a preset loop or via touchscreen/mouse & keyboard.
Internet Kiosk
A kiosk that provides internet access – usually heavily filtered and restricted to avoid vandalism or unsafe sites to be accessed.
Kiosks
Computer terminals that can be freely accessed to complete a function.
Kiosk Hardware
The internal and external components that make up the machine itself – this accounts for everything except software.
Kiosk Software
The software base allows for programs and applications to be loaded and run on the kiosk.
Kiosks for Rent
Some companies rent out kiosks for a fee – either you pay on a set payment plan or the kiosk is coin operated and the provider collects the revenue.
Kiosk Manufacturers
The companies who actually build the kiosks.
Large Touchscreen Kiosks
Built with a very large touchscreen – in some instances as large as people.
Local Government Kiosks
Kiosks designed to provide information about local government departments.
Multimedia Kiosks
A kiosk capable of displaying information in a variety of formats such as text, images, video and audio.
Multi Screen Kiosks
A single kiosk with more than one screen to allow multiple users to make use of the same kiosk.
Networked Kiosks
This refers to a number of kiosks that are connected to the same network allowing access to all units from a single terminal.
Open Frame
Screens designed to be integrated inside other pieces of equipment – comparable to a mounted tablet.
Outdoor Kiosk
A kiosk capable of standing up to the elements and extreme weather conditions.
Panel Mount LCD
An LCD screen, generally for industrial use, mounted where required.
Panel PC’s
A complete computer housed within a monitor.
Portable Kiosk
A scaled down kiosk that can be easily transported.
Remote Monitoring
Remote functionality to identify and repair faults without the need to attend the kiosk in person.
Retail Kiosk
A kiosk mounted/situated in a retail outlet – the name refers to the location not necessarily the functionality.
Rugged Kiosk
A heavy duty machine which has been designed to withstand industrial locations such as factories and garages without sustaining damage from impacts etc.
Scrolling LED Signs
Usually offering 20-30 characters and deliver small amounts of information on a continuous loop.
Self Serve Kiosk
Any kiosk that allows a user to serve themselves without the assistance of staff required.
Sunlight Readable Monitors
Screens that diffuse sunlight shining on them to make them easily readable even in harsh sunlit conditions.
Survey Point Kiosks
A kiosk that runs survey software that can be updated remotely and the information can be automatically collated.
Telehealth
Delivers health related information via telecommunication technology such as SMS, Television or website.
Ticketing Kiosk
Allows a user to obtain tickets for an event – negates the need for human staff in most instances.
Touch Screen Kiosk
Quite simply, a kiosk that uses a touchscreen interface.
Visitors Centre Kiosk
Offers information to visitors about the business or event in question – can be programmed to collect entry fees, offer alerts and print out maps etc.
Waiting Room Kiosks
Automatically processes priority in waiting rooms – can be used as self service or as a support option to the reception desk.
Wall Mounted Kiosk
A kiosk that has no stand and must be mounted on a wall to function – offers greater accessibility to wheelchair users.
Web Kiosk
Offers internet access.
Wheelchair Friendly Kiosks
Specifically designed to allow easy access for user in wheelchairs – usually wall or desk mounted.