Category Archives: kiosk history

The History of Kiosks: An Overview

The history of kiosks stretches back several centuries and reflects humanity’s ongoing pursuit of more efficient, accessible, and self-directed ways to share information and conduct transactions. While modern kiosks are associated with digital touchscreens and automated services, the concept began long before the advent of electronics. Its evolution mirrors technological advances, changes in consumer behavior, and the rising demand for convenience.

The earliest known kiosks originated in the Ottoman Empire during the 13th and 14th centuries. These structures, known as kösks, were small, open pavilions often found in gardens, marketplaces, and city centers. They served as social and cultural spaces where people could gather, exchange information, or purchase goods. Over time, similar small booths or freestanding structures appeared in European cities, functioning as newsstands, ticket booths, and small retail shops. These early kiosks were attended by staff, but they introduced the idea of a compact, dedicated space for transactions and information.

The move toward automated kiosks began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the rise of vending machines. In 1883, the first commercial coin-operated vending machines in London dispensed post cards and small items. These devices demonstrated that customers were willing to interact with automated systems for simple purchases. While not “kiosks” in the modern sense, vending machines laid important groundwork by proving that unattended retail could be both practical and profitable.

A major shift occurred in the 1970s and 1980s as computing technology improved. In 1977, the first truly interactive computer kiosk was developed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Called the PLATO IV kiosk, it featured a touch-sensitive display and allowed users to look up information—an early demonstration of how digital kiosks could deliver self-service convenience. Around the same time, airports and transportation hubs began experimenting with automated ticketing systems, while banks adopted automated teller machines (ATMs). ATMs quickly became the most widespread form of kiosk technology, proving that large numbers of people were comfortable performing financial transactions without human intervention.

By the 1990s, touchscreens, graphical interfaces, and more compact hardware designs accelerated kiosk adoption. Retailers used them for price checking, product information, and customer surveys; hotels introduced self-check-in stations; and government agencies tested kiosks for tasks such as renewing licenses or paying fees. The rise of the internet also expanded what kiosks could offer, giving users direct access to online data and services through public terminals.

The 2000s saw explosive growth in kiosk applications, fueled by better connectivity, more intuitive interfaces, and declining hardware costs. Airports deployed self-check-in kiosks on a large scale, transforming the passenger experience. Fast-food chains and quick-service restaurants began installing ordering kiosks, reducing wait times and improving order accuracy. Retailers adopted self-checkout stations, which quickly became one of the most recognizable forms of kiosk technology. Specialty kiosks also emerged, including photo printing stations, DVD rental machines, bill-payment booths, and wayfinding systems in malls and hospitals.

In the 2010s and beyond, kiosks became more sophisticated, incorporating features such as biometric authentication, RFID and NFC readers, AI-driven interfaces, and cloud-based management systems. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated kiosk adoption as businesses sought to reduce physical contact through touchless technologies, mobile-connected kiosks, and voice-activated systems. Today, kiosks are integral to industries ranging from retail and hospitality to healthcare, transportation, and municipal services.

Across centuries of development, the core purpose of kiosks has remained constant: to provide accessible, efficient, self-directed service. From wooden Ottoman pavilions to AI-powered digital systems, kiosks illustrate how society adapts physical spaces and emerging technologies to meet changing needs. Their history is one of continuous innovation, driven by the desire to empower users with faster, more flexible, and more convenient ways to interact with information and services.