Images related to this article
Lead Designer: Daryl Neal
Design Team: Jonathan Pidwell
The I-Station team acted on the opportunity to create a 24hr, public space information kiosk using new technologies and information databases.
I-Station approached tasmanstudios to design a kiosk that would house their technology, deliver their information and be suitable for public outdoor spaces.
Driving factors were budget and performance. The kiosk design had to be efficient to avoid unnecessary manufacturing, material and labor costs. It should be able to be easily serviced to reduce maintenance time and costs.
The kiosk must withstand New Zealand's weather, keeping internal electronic components dry and ventilated and inaccessible to vandalism. The kiosk should have a technological, but friendly and safe appearance on the street.
The kiosk must house a touch screen, thermal printer, camera, PC, speakers and amplifier, lights and power supplies. It should be able to be craned onto the installation site, and installed onto an existing Telecom phone booth mounting pad.
The kiosk was designed with minimum welding, using insert studs and nuts to locate parts. Built from stainless steel, the kiosk's form is not only for show but also is integral to its strength and robustness. Components are easily removed and replaced for minimum down time. The kiosk has a large rear door to allow for easy service and the door and all panels are weather sealed with rubber extrusions. Seams are kept to a minimum to avoid attempted break in, and all components are vandal protected from fluid and flame intrusion. Grilled air intakes allow ventilation. The kiosk is open and well lit, the information is accessible to all ages and abilities and the kiosk presents itself as a modern and friendly fixture on the street.
Over 24 months of trialling, the kiosk has proven itself unbreakable. I-Station Ltd has now installed kiosks in several major tourist centres and is securing 100 sites around New Zealand as well as venturing offshore. Investing in skilled industrial design has ensured that the product would perform and has allowed the I-Station team to focus on delivering uninterrupted local and tourist information around New Zealand and the globe.
I-Station is currently securing more sites around New Zealand and is making great growth. Check out their article in Stuff