Self service kiosks are no longer a sight from the future that we only see in sci-fi movies. It is now an integral part of cafes and restaurants making ordering faster and more accessible for all kinds of people.
While touch screen kiosks do make dining a better experience for many people, it is, in reality, a dream come true for people with disabilities. In this blog, we will discover how these touch screen kiosks benefit people with disabilities by offering more exclusive services.
Customisable Interfaces: Meeting Individual Accessibility Needs
One important feature of self service kiosks is the ability to change the size of the text on the screen. For people with vision problems, larger text makes it easier to read menus and place orders.
Some kiosks also have high-contrast modes, which make the text stand out more clearly against the background, improving visibility. In addition, screen readers can read out the menu options for those who are blind or have low vision, allowing them to order independently.
Kiosks often provide simple, easy-to-understand menus for people with cognitive or learning disabilities. These menus are designed to be straightforward, with fewer steps and clear instructions.
This gives people more independence and makes the ordering process quicker and less stressful. By offering these customisable features, touchscreen kiosks make dining out a more accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Multilingual and Communication Support
Many kiosks now offer multiple language options, including Te Reo Māori, which is especially important in a multicultural society like New Zealand. This helps customers who speak different languages feel more comfortable and confident when ordering food, as they can interact with the kiosk in their preferred language.
Touch-screen kiosks are also becoming more accessible for customers with hearing impairments. Many kiosks now include audio prompts and sign language support. These features ensure that everyone can easily use the kiosks regardless of hearing ability.
Additionally, voice commands and speech-to-text features are making kiosks even more accessible for people with speech disabilities.
Physical Accessibility: Designing Kiosks for Mobility-Impaired Customers
Touch screen kiosks in New Zealand are being thoughtfully designed to accommodate customers with mobility challenges, especially wheelchair users.
Many kiosks are now height-adjustable, which means they can be easily lowered or raised, making it simpler for someone in a wheelchair to reach the screen and use the kiosk independently.
In addition, contactless payment options are becoming more common. This is especially important for people with limited mobility, as it eliminates the need to handle cash or touch payment devices. During health-conscious times, like the recent pandemic, contactless payments are a safer and more hygienic way to pay, reducing the need for physical contact.
Kiosks are also strategically placed in locations that are easy for everyone to access. For example, they are positioned in areas with plenty of space for wheelchair users to move around comfortably. This ensures all customers, including those with physical disabilities, can use the kiosks without barriers.
Voice and Gesture-Controlled Kiosks
Some kiosks now adopt voice control, allowing customers to place orders by simply speaking their choices aloud. This is especially helpful for those who may have difficulty using a touchscreen.
In addition, gesture control technology is starting to be used in some kiosks. Customers can interact with the screen by moving their hands in front of it without needing to touch the kiosk directly.
Another key improvement is the compatibility of these kiosks with assistive devices. For example, they can work with screen readers, which read out loud what’s on the screen, or alternative input devices, like adaptive keyboards or switches, to help those with physical or visual impairments navigate the system.
Why Accessibility Benefits Businesses?
Wider Customer Base:
- Accessible touchscreen kiosks allow businesses to serve a larger and more diverse group of customers, including those with disabilities.
- This inclusivity helps expand the customer base, increasing potential sales and customer engagement.
Enhanced Customer Satisfaction:
- By offering accessible kiosks, businesses improve the overall dining experience for customers with disabilities.
- Customers who feel supported and included are more likely to return, creating long-term loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.
Boosting Efficiency and Reducing Costs:
- Accessible kiosks streamline the ordering process, reducing wait times and requiring less staff assistance.
- This leads to smoother operations, increased efficiency, and lower costs.
- Businesses also fulfil their social responsibility by being more inclusive, enhancing their reputation and customer trust.
Final Words
By ensuring these kiosks are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, businesses can provide a better experience for all customers and build stronger connections with their community.
Think about your business—how accessible are your touch screen kiosks for all customers? Now is the time to make the changes that will benefit your customers and your business in the long run.
