Exhibit Multimedia Blog by point2explore

ROI for Kiosks? It’s all in the data.

So you have deployed your kiosk(s).  You have put in hours of work.  You have spent a lot of money (some or all of which came from a sponsor or the corporation you work for).  You have overcome the steep learning curve.  Or have you…

There it is, on display at your museum, in your corporate lobby, or at an event.  It looks great and people are gathering around and actually using it.  What a success!  Or is it…

One month later...  You have a meeting with the sponsor or your boss.  You are excited to show them the pictures and tell them about the crowds.  After exchanging hellos and small talk, she wants to know the details on the program, specifically the ROI (Return On Investment). 

Do you begin to sweat?  Do you start feeling nauseous?  No!  You made sure that your software developer included data tracking features in the software and you have prepared charts and graphs on the usage along with survey results.  You are a hero and the sponsor or boss wants to discuss the next deployment.

Collecting data in your kiosk programs is very important.  The data you can collect is a valuable tool in evaluating the success of a program and in confirming that the purpose of the program has been achieved. 

Basic data collecting includes the number of users and usually the time and date of usage.  This data is very useful because most people (including sponsors and corporate executives) will accept proof of usage as a confirmation of success.  By collecting the time and date you can determine the busy times of day and the busy days.  Our point2explore kiosks are set up to collect this data and store it in a generic data file that can be imported into a spreadsheet or database application very easily.

You can also collect data that goes beyond the basic usage data.  You can track the length of time the program is used, scores for quizzes, etc. very easily.  You can also incorporate multiple choice survey questions or “fill in” blanks and track the answers. By adding basic questions like “What was your favorite exhibit?” or “Rate this event on a scale from 1 to 5.” You can begin to increase the value of the program and use the data to make changes in your facility or event programs.  We have set up corporate kiosks at events and conferences that include a game to attract usage but also include a survey. The success of this type of kiosk program has been great.  Not only can the game reinforce brand/product awareness or conference topic information, the survey can let you know exactly how the event was received and what needs to be changed next time.

If you have an interest in collecting data in an exhibit or at an event, give us a call.  Our point2explore product line contains many fun and educational option for kiosk program that are very affordable. 

If you have any questions or are just willing to share about your experiences with kiosks or collecting data, please click the “Comment” link below and share your experiences.

Chris Meyer

President

CD Meyer, Inc./point2explore

point2explore is product line of customizable touch screen kiosk programs including interactive games and informational programs.  point2explore products are currently running in almost 50 museums and have been used in corporate events across the country. Visit our web site at www.point2explore.com.

Ki(OS)k – You can’t have a computer kiosk without an OS!

What’s an OS?  OS stands for Operating System.  A computer’s operating system is the software that allows you to use the computer hardware and run software programs.  Most of you are probably using Microsoft’s popular OS called Windows™.  Over the years, many features have been added to operating systems and now all of the major operating systems offer many additional software options.

Basically there are three major operating systems to choose from: Microsoft Windows, Apple Macintosh OS, and Linux/Unix.  Each has its share of enthusiasts but most people don’t think much about their operating system.  In the case of kiosks, if the programming is done well, the users may never know what operating system is running “behind” the software program.

Windows – the most popular OS by far.  Think what you want about Bill Gates and Microsoft but they have created the most used software in the world.  Most everyone is familiar with the Windows interface and has had the opportunity to use it on a regular basis.  This fact alone is the major benefit to using Windows.  If you want the ability for someone to be able to set up, troubleshoot, and update kiosk software, Windows is probably your best bet.  You can always find someone who can take care of any OS issues you have when the OS is Windows. 

Apple Macintosh OS – this OS (as you may or may not know) runs only on Apple brand computer hardware.  Apple is an innovator in user interface design and many believe that “Macs” are easier to use than PCs (by PC they mean Windows based computer systems).  Macs are used almost exclusively in schools and “creative” environments (at least from what I have seen) but the overall market share is much less than Windows PCs.  The lesser market share means that there are less people familiar with working with the Mac OS and that there are many less computer hardware options for Mac systems. 

Linux/Unix – this OS is most commonly used for web servers, although there are many versions of Linux available for “regular PCs”.  Linux is an OS that has a growing following, mainly because it is “open source”.  Open Source means that the program code is readily available for programmers to enhance AND it is free to use (although we recommend that if you intend to use a Linux OS, you purchase a packaged product like Red Hat). Another advantage that Linux has over the other two OS options are that Linux runs very efficiently on PC compatible hardware which leaves more of the computer’s “power” to run your kiosk software.   Linux is the least utilized OS of the 3 noted here which means that finding someone to take care of any OS issues may be difficult.

What we recommend – Although our point2explore software will work on any of the above OS platforms, we typically recommend using Windows.  Computer issues are very frustrating and unavoidable.  So we figure, since most people are “used to” Windows, why not remove the OS stumbling block from the problem.  If we could guarantee that no computer issues would arise (not only would we be filthy rich) we would probably use Linux because of the price and the low “load” on the computer’s CPU.  The bottom line is to use something that you are comfortable with and that you know will be easily utilized by others if the need arises.

Operating system discussions can get heated between the enthusiasts on all three sides.  Please comment and post your opinions using the “Comment” link below.

Chris Meyer

President

CD Meyer, Inc./point2explore

Exhibit Multimedia Blog by point2explore

Information and comments on exhibit multimedia for museums and corporations.

Touch Screen Panel PCs. Compact and Affordable.

Many of our point2explore customers opt for a Panel PC as their kiosk hardware solution.  We feel that they are a great kiosk hardware solution and have been offering them to our customers for several years.

What is it?  Basically, a touch screen panel PC is an all in one computer and touch screen unit.  This one piece of equipment contains a complete computer system, a touch screen display and a small pedestal or wall mounting bracket.  It pretty much looks like an LCD monitor that is a bit larger in depth.  To see the units we sell, visit our web site at www.point2explore.com.

The beauty of these units is that they are affordable and easy to maintain.  Although the cost is more than purchasing a computer with a separate touch screen display, they are much less expensive than a complete computer kiosk.  Since the units have no separate parts and can be mounted, there is no need for a kiosk housing to “hide” or secure the computer components.  These units are also very easy to maintain.  Just keep the fan and screen clean and let them run.

As with the full sized kiosk units we sell, we fully install all software and test each Panel PC unit before shipping. We use a 24 point quality control check list to ensure that all systems are fully tested and ready for use.  When our customers receive their Panel PC, all they have to do is plug it in and turn it on.  How’s that for easy installation?

We also have had customers who desire both the portability of the Panel PC and the stature of a stand up kiosk.  Being so portable, Panel PCs allow our customers to easily move the kiosk for events and conferences.  This convenience led us to design our point2explore Mojave kiosk pedestal.  This unit includes an ADA compliant pedestal along with a Panel PC. The Panel PC is mounted to the face of the pedestal and can be removed by staff members so that the Panel PC can travel.  The pedestal can be upgraded to include speakers, audio handsets, and even signage.

For more information on our Panel PC units and kiosks, visit www.point2explore.com.  Please send comments or questions using the “Comments” link below.

Chris Meyer

President

CD Meyer, Inc./point2explore