Last Updated on May 2, 2026 by Craig Allen Keefner
Kiosk Design Checklist
Here is starting point checklist for Kiosk Design.
1) Purpose & Context (Start Here)
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☐ Clear primary task (order, pay, check-in, dispense, wayfinding)
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☐ Known environment: indoor / outdoor / semi-outdoor
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☐ User profile defined (first-time vs repeat, time-pressed, accessibility needs)
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☐ Expected session length < 60 seconds for core flow
2) Physical & Enclosure Design
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☐ Stable footprint (no wobble, tip-resistant, anchored if needed)
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☐ Reach zones comply with ADA height & depth
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☐ Rounded edges; no pinch points or sharp corners
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☐ Ventilation supports continuous operation
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☐ Easy access panels for service (no full teardown)
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☐ Materials chosen for location (retail abuse, UV, moisture, cleaning agents)
3) Display, Touch & Visibility
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☐ Screen readable in actual lighting (sunlight-readable if needed)
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☐ Touch targets ≥ 9–10 mm (larger for seniors / public spaces)
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☐ No glare at average viewing angles
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☐ Alternative input supported (physical button, keypad, voice, mobile)
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☐ Screen angle optimized for standing AND wheelchair users
4) UX / UI Flow
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☐ First screen explains what this kiosk does in < 3 seconds
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☐ One primary action per screen (avoid clutter)
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☐ Back, cancel, and help always visible
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☐ Error messages are human-readable and corrective
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☐ Idle attract screen is informative, not noisy
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☐ Timeout behavior tested (clear reset, privacy preserved)
5) Accessibility (Not Optional)
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☐ Screen reader / audio guidance available
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☐ Headphone jack or private audio option
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☐ High-contrast mode supported
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☐ Touch + non-touch path exists (mobile, keypad, voice)
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☐ Accessible path to all core functions (not just info)
6) Payments & Security
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☐ Card reader reachable and visible
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☐ Privacy shield / spacing considered
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☐ PCI-compliant components
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☐ PIN entry shielded
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☐ Camera placement avoids shoulder-surfing
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☐ Clear user trust cues (“Secure Payment”, branding)
7) Serviceability & Operations
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☐ Replaceable components in minutes, not hours
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☐ Cable strain relief and labeled wiring
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☐ Remote monitoring enabled (uptime, errors, consumables)
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☐ Consumables easy to reload (paper, cards, tickets)
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☐ Field tech can service without screen removal
8) Branding & Experience
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☐ Brand visible from 10–20 feet
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☐ Consistent brand language with app / web
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☐ Lighting enhances, doesn’t distract
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☐ Physical design reinforces brand promise (premium vs utilitarian)
9) Compliance & Risk
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☐ ADA reviewed with physical + software teams together
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☐ Local codes checked (fire, electrical, mounting)
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☐ Clear privacy notice displayed
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☐ Emergency stop / fail-safe behavior defined
10) Pilot & Validation
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☐ Tested with real users (not just internal teams)
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☐ Observe confusion points and hesitations
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☐ Measure task completion time
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☐ Capture abandonment reasons
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☐ Revise before scaling
🧠 Pro Tip (from repeated field failures)
If a kiosk looks great but needs explanation, the design is not finished.
More Resources
- Kiosk UX UI — Design Checklist – Kiosk Industry
- Kiosk UX UI — How To Design Checklist
- Kiosk ADA Checklist – 14 Point Accessibility Checklist – Kiosk Industry
- Kiosk ADA Checklist – 17 Point Checklist Self-Service
- Kiosk Design 101 – How To Mount Epson desktop printer in a Kiosk
