Table of Contents
Tactile & QSR Cool Videos Update
Introduction
Couple of nice videos this week with first real-time tactile graphics display (no piezo thank you) and also Square integrating with restaurant kiosks..
Dot Pad, The First Real-time Tactile Graphics Display
The Dot Pad is a tactile graphics display designed for the visually impaired. It features a patented actuator technology based on electromagnetism that uses 2,400 movable pins arranged in a specific manner to create texts and images 12. Thanks to Texas Instruments. The device is integrated with iOS/iPad OS 15.2 and higher and has an AI-based processor that renders the most meaningful tactile output. The Dot Pad also has six freely assignable buttons that allow users to take control of the content. The device is sized at 273 x 228 x 16 mm and weighs 1200 g, making it portable. The Dot Pad unlocks a whole new world of content for the visually impaired, including maps, graphs, photos, and equations. Estimated cost is $7000 and already deployed widely.
Square Integrating with Restaurant Kiosks
James Youn and I had the incredible opportunity to participate in Square Dev Chats! We delved into the tech stack used to build Gamsa.IO and shared our startup journey’s challenges and rewards. My favorite part was discussing how we engage with our customers — to give them a product they find both intuitive and valuable. Thanks Square and Richard Moot for hosting us!
In this Square Dev Chat, we sit down with James Youn and Jiwon Kim, co-founders of Gamsa.io. James and Jiwon have built a custom kiosk app that integrates directly with Square in order to empower Square sellers in the QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) industry. Gamsa integrates with the Square catalog, terminal, and more to create a seamless experience for sellers looking for an automated way to service their customers. Our conversation with Gamsa touches topics of development phases, Square integrations, technology stacks, and so much more. We hope you enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction 0:57 – What is Gamsa? 1:49 – Acquiring the first customers 3:01 – Early learnings 4:01 – Important features 6:15 – Learning from customers and improving UX 8:27 – Technology choices 11:55 – Feedback and feature development process 12:43 – Text message notifications and other features 15:28 – Exploring the quick service restaurant industry 17:39 – Working with Square 21:04 – Terminal API vs Reader SDK 22:54 – Conclusion Resources: Gamsa: https://www.gamsa.io/ Square Catalog API: https://developer.squareup.com/docs/c… Square Terminal API: https://developer.squareup.com/docs/t… Square Loyalty API: https://developer.squareup.com/docs/l…
- James and G1 are the co-founders of Kamsa, a kiosk app designed for Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs).
- Kamsa integrates with Square and provides a kiosk solution for busy restaurant locations.
- The kiosk app is built using Windows and Electron, with React for the UI.
- They prioritize feature development based on customer demand, focusing on requests such as text message notifications and tax exemptions.
- The team aims to expand their product to food halls, stadiums, and other markets beyond QSRs.
- They plan to stay in the QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) space for now.
- ️ Expanding into stadiums requires significant effort.
- Exploring retail would involve considerations like barcode scanning.
- ️ Considering larger venues like amphitheaters within the QSR realm.
- Comparing stadiums to food courts, emphasizing the need for efficient ordering.
- Discussing menu abstraction and its importance.
- Reflecting on integrating with Square as a positive decision.
- Appreciating Square’s personable approach compared to other payment processors.
- Discussing regrets about not integrating with Square earlier.
- ️ Challenges faced with printing on Linux and the benefits of Square’s hardware integration.
- Choosing the Terminal API due to its suitability for kiosks and user-friendliness.
- Appreciating the seamless integration of the Terminal API with their setup.
- Interviewer expressing gratitude for the conversation and looking forward to future developments.
Square Advice on Restaurant Kiosks
As a business owner, finding ways to streamline operations and improve customer service is always a priority. If you run a busy restaurant or retail store, a self-serve kiosk may help you do just that.
What is a self-serve kiosk?
A self-serve kiosk is an interactive touchscreen device that allows customers to buy products or services without the help of a staff member. It includes both hardware and software components that make it possible for customers to browse items, to place orders, and to pay independently.
The hardware component is a screen device that is fixed in place to surfaces such as walls, countertops, or standing pedestals. The software component is a kiosk application that allows you to design an ordering workflow that suits your business. An example of a self-serve kiosk is a mounted point-of-sale (POS) system that allows customers to check out independently in a store or restaurant.
How a self-serve kiosk can help your business
Improve space management.
A self-serve kiosk can save significant counter space. The Square Stand Mount can be fixed on walls, on counters, or on standing pedestals. So you can customize the device to fit into your space without making any major structural changes to your store or restaurant.
Reduce staffing requirements.
Customers can complete orders with little or no staff attention on a self-serve kiosk. This helps free up staff members for other important activities that benefit from human interaction. This may be particularly helpful if your business is short on staff. According to the Square Future of Restaurants report, up to 70% of restaurants say that they are experiencing a labor shortage.
Deliver a better customer experience.
In self-serve mode customers have complete control over their orders, so they can select items they need quickly and check out faster. This means fewer order errors and shorter wait times, which translate to an improved customer experience.
Increase your revenue.
First, self-serve kiosks offer customers anonymity, so they can order more items or make special requests without feeling judged. In one study, the market share for hard-to-pronounce items increased by 8.4% via self-service channels.
Second, self-serve kiosks allow you to set up well-planned upsells and other incentives that can be presented to customers in a carefully considered way. A McDonald’s study found that customers were also more likely to take an upsell presented via a self-serve kiosk compared to in-person orders.
Receive better customer insight.
Customer activities on self-serve kiosks can be accurately tracked, giving you more insight into customer behavior and preferences, enabling you to offer more personalized experiences.
How to set up a self-serve kiosk for your business
Analyze your business needs.
Consider whether a self-serve kiosk is a wise investment for your business. Think about the purpose of your kiosk and how you intend to use it. For example, a busy, quick-service restaurant may want to speed up customer service or optimize space. In contrast, a full-service restaurant may need an easy way for servers to punch in orders without crowding the kitchen or counters.
Choose the right device.
Once you’re clear about the purpose of your self-serve kiosk, the next step is to choose a device. Consider ease of use. The last thing you want is a device that’s difficult for customers to use or that requires several minutes of explanation. That defeats the purpose and experience of a self-serve kiosk. Next, match device specs against your requirements. If freeing up counter space is a key requirement, consider a small device such as the Square Stand Mount, which can be fixed anywhere — on a wall, on a flat surface, or on a standing pedestal — and connects your POS directly with multiple kiosk apps.
Set up your kiosk.
Choose a good spot in your store or restaurant. Depending on the device you choose, you may not need a technician to install it. For example, all the mounting hardware needed to install the Square Stand Mount is included in the box, so it requires zero service visits. Plus, if you change your mind about a kiosk location, you can uninstall it and move it to another location.
Promote your kiosk.
Your self-serve kiosk is only helpful if your customers use it. Inform customers about your kiosk and find ways to boost adoption. In-store signage can introduce customers to the kiosk and provide easy instructions. You can also encourage customers to use the kiosk by offering a discount on orders placed via the self-serve kiosk.