Kiosk Hardware and Access

Introduction - Premise of Search and Analysis

Search:

A search was conducted using the world-wide-web, for "Multimedia Kiosks". Of some 100 'hits', approximately a quater of the companies viewed were suppliers or manufacturers of kiosk hardware (the rest were interface designers / programmers etc.). The search was not conducted on the basis of disability access, but the subsequent analysis was.

The information in this site has been taken from manufacturers' web sites, and from additional promotional literature provided by manufacturers. Naturally, the source sites vary in presentation format and content, and for this reason it was necessary to pull images from those sites, and present them here in as consistent a format as possible.

Analysis:

There are standards and guidelines which address disability access to Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) / Kiosks (See Part 6: Relevant Standards and Guidelines). These relate to the physical dimensions and characteristics of the ATM housing and interface elements, the space and environment around the ATM etc.

Testing compliance with any stangard or guideline requires exact specifications from manufacturers, and a knowledge of the final environment the kiosk is placed in. Compliance verification is is not the aim of this study.

Instead, this exercise looks to identify hardware features that can aid people with disabilities, but do not detract from good overall design (i.e. non-stigmatizing or "Universal" Design).

The following is a list of physical kiosk housing features that are considered important for access. It is important to note that other features such as captioning for people who have difficulty hearing the kiosk, and audio access for people who have difficulty seeing or reading the kiosk screen, are also important, but are more a function of the software than the physical design which is being evaluated here. These are treated elsewhere on the Trace Kiosk site.

Wheelchair access from the front.

Wheelchair access from an angled approach from the left.

Wheelchair access from an angled approach from the right.

A shelf area to put personal belongings such as bags, at approximately waist height.

A place to rest a walking stick or cane.

A support that the user can lean on during the transaction.

Outputs reachable and graspable by wheelchair users and those of small stature.

Inputs reachable and usable by wheelchair users and those of small stature (i.e. users can see clearly and manipulate); or Adjustability (if reqired) in the heights of inputs.

Angle of screens acceptable for all users (i.e. low and high stature, seated etc.); or Adjustability (if reqired) in the angles of screens.

Built-in Shielding from glare on screens.

Privacy so that others cannot see the user's transaction.

The use of high contrast signage and labelling.

a Handset which will be important for implementing access features for people who have heaing or visual disabilities .

It is important to note that this list is intended to exclude nobody.

Back to Contents