User Interface design for self-service kiosks

Self-service kiosks offer a new and clever way for customers to interact with a service through a touchscreen instead of interacting with a person. Through the years, they have become widely spread through many different industrial sectors. However, without proper user interface (UI) design, it all falls apart as customers will get frustrated while interacting with the tech. A properly designed UI on self-service kiosks can significantly improve user experience, increase user productivity and encourage more interactions. This article explores some of the key points needed for creating a refreshing user experience through good UI design for self-service kiosks.

1. Simplicity and intuitiveness

One of the fundamental principles of any UI design, including the self-service kiosks, is for it to be simple and intuitive. Users should be able to quickly understand how to use the kiosk even if they haven’t used it ever before. UI that isn’t intuitive quickly becomes frustrating for the users to use and they won’t want to interact with it any longer. To make it easier to understand, without many additional instructions, it is smart to make the kiosk interface resemble an already familiar interface such as one of a mobile app. There are some common practices when it comes to placement and design of icons, buttons and navigation that should be applied to the UI design of kiosks to ensure a more smooth and enjoyable user experience.

2. Visible buttons and text

To guarantee an easier interaction, buttons and text on the screen should be appropriate sizes and easily visible. Not being able to see the content of the screen properly, is another way to cause frustration among customers. They won’t be able to see what they are looking for and will have a harder time navigating through the interface. To avoid this it is advised to use fonts that are easy to read, using bigger sizes and strong enough contrasts between text and the background. 

3. Ease of use for different age groups

Kiosks are used by a wide variety of users which includes ages ranging from children to the elderly. The UI design should take into account different age groups and ensure that the kiosk is accessible to everyone. This can be achieved by text and buttons large enough for everyone to see, icons that are universally recognized (e.g. the cog icon used for the settings) and consistent layout that doesn’t offer too big of a challenge to navigate through. A helpful addition could also be to include a clear and accessible help or assistance option in the UI. It can be incorporated in the form of a simple button that either provides more instructions and a tutorial or even calls a staff member that can offer further assistance. 

4. Testing with users

Finally, a very important step in developing UI design for self-service kiosks is testing them with users. Since it is used by a wide range of age groups, it is advised to be tested by users from each one. By getting their feedback on the current design, it makes it easier to identify any potential problems and allows adjustments before the kiosks are put up for use. Well-planned testing can result in a greatly improved user experience.

User interface design for self-service kiosks plays a key role in creating a positive user experience. The keys to successful UI design include simplicity, intuitiveness, visibility, adaptability and user testing. Kiosks with a well-designed UI can significantly improve user productivity, increase satisfaction and contribute to success in the various industries where they are used.