Even though you keep your touch screen kiosk clean, if it gets a lot of use (or even if you just get one ornery visitor to your museum) you may need to make repairs to the kiosk.  It is very important that you do a visual inspection frequently because some scratches, dings, breakages, etc. can be dangerous to your visitors.

Certainly, if a piece of equipment or a part of the kiosk cabinet are broken, these need to be replaced or fixed immediately.  If you can’t address an issue like this quickly, remove the kiosk from public access until the kiosk is ready for public use. 

Scratches, dings, and chips are the most common physical issues in touch screen kiosks and exhibits.  Often these don’t need to be addressed immediately (unless they leave a sharp edge or an opportunity for increased trouble).  Whether your kiosk is wood, Formica, or metal, scratches can usually be fixed with touchup paint or stain (paint and stain pens are available at a hardware store and are easy to use).  Dings and chips are more difficult to deal with.  Touch up paint or stain may do the trick.  If there are loose pieces, they should be removed (even if it makes the spot look worse because they can be a danger).  If the chip or ding can’t be covered and is unacceptable to leave as is, it may be necessary to replace the panel where the chip or ding is located.  This can be costly which is why most chips and dings are left as is (maybe it will give your kiosk “character”).

Some kiosks and exhibits have graphics applied to the surfaces.  These can peal or scratch.  A pealing edge is an invitation for little fingers to peal even more.  If possible re-affix pealing edges or cover the edges with a molding or edge.   Graphics can also be covered with plexiglass or acrylic to protect them.

Many kiosks have rubber “feet” or something else at the base in contact with the floor.  These can come loose or fall off if the kiosk is moved.  It’s important to keep the kiosk or exhibit stable so if you need to fix or replace these, do it quickly.  You can find all sorts of “feet” or pads for this use at a hardware store.  If you can’t find one that matches the size of what you have you may need to replace them all to get a solid and stable footing.

Finally, you’ll want to check the kiosk hardware (locks, hinges, etc.).  These don’t break often, but sometimes a lock is an invitation to tinker and you don’t want your hardware compromised.  Again, a hardware store may stock replacement hardware but if you can’t find what you need, contact the kiosk supplier for replacement hardware.

Hopefully this post inspires you to do frequent inspections and helps you to keep your touch screen kiosk or museum exhibit safe and looking its best.

If you have any kiosk repair questions or methods you’d like to share, let us know.

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 over 100 museums and have been used in corporate events across the country. Visit our web site at http://www.point2explore.com.