The kiosk system as a strategic interface for citizen communication

Citizens’ expectations of modern administration have changed. In an age where information is instantly available everywhere, analog signboards and rigid opening hours are increasingly met with incomprehension. Local authorities face the challenge of providing optimal visitor orientation despite staff shortages and complex responsibilities. Digital kiosk systems have established themselves as a key technology for transforming public spaces into interactive, barrier-free service zones.

Definition and system architecture

A kiosk system is a specialized computer terminal designed for unattended continuous operation (24/7) in publicly accessible areas. From a technical perspective, it consists of a robust hardware enclosure (stele or wall housing), a PC, and dedicated software that locks the operating system against unauthorized access (kiosk mode).

The two types of functions: passive vs. interactive

We distinguish between two basic concepts:

• Passive systems (digital signage): These are used purely for information transfer. Examples include digital notice boards or announcements that are played in a loop. They replace the traditional paper notice board. Thanks to automatic interfaces, daily announcements, meeting dates, or warnings can be displayed in real time.
• Interactive systems: Here, citizens engage in dialogue via a touchscreen and navigate independently to the information they need. Whether it’s wayfinding, appointment booking, or retrieving specific service details, the system responds individually to the user’s needs.

Criteria for hardware and software selection

Choosing the right hardware and software is crucial to ensuring long-term operational reliability, full accessibility, and an intuitive user experience in demanding everyday public life. While specialized industrial hardware protects against vandalism and weather conditions, professional software architecture ensures GDPR-compliant data security and simple, decentralized content maintenance. Only through the precise interaction of both components can costly system failures be avoided and lasting high acceptance among citizens and employees be achieved. A high-quality overall solution acts as a proactive service interface that identifies technical errors through continuous monitoring before they can disrupt the flow of information.

Hardware requirements:

• Thermal management: Outdoor kiosks require active cooling and heating systems to remain operational at temperatures ranging from -20°C to +45°C.
• Light intensity: Displays with at least 2,500 cd/m² (nits) are required for outdoor areas to compete with direct sunlight.
• Vandalism protection: IK10 (impact resistance) certification and anti-reflective safety glass are standard in public spaces.

Software requirements:

• Centralized management: Content must be able to be maintained via a web interface regardless of location.
• Open interfaces: The software should be able to automatically import existing data (e.g., from room reservation software or the municipal council information system) to avoid duplicate maintenance.

Kiosk system advantages and challenges

Challenges

• Hardware requirements: High level of protection against vandalism and weather conditions required.
• Maintenance: Systems must be proactively monitored (to prevent failures).
• Data protection: GDPR-compliant configuration is mandatory.

smartPerform – Your partner for kiosk systems

A kiosk system is only as good as the software that powers it and the service behind it. This is where smartPerform comes in. We see ourselves as a caretaker who accompanies municipalities every step of the way—from initial planning to ongoing operation. Our software solution is extremely easy to manage and does not require IT specialists: specialist departments maintain their content decentrally and independently.

Tried-and-tested solutions for every requirement

Our reference projects demonstrate how successful this approach is:

• Herrenberg Technical Town Hall: An intelligent digital reception provides seamless visitor information with a telephone interface to the desired contact person.
• Neuendettelsau municipality: Here, a digital bulletin board combines traditional announcements with interactive guidance for citizens.
• Scharbeutz Tourist Information: On the coast, smartPerform provides guests with round-the-clock information about events and weather, which reduces the burden on city marketing and raises the level of service.
• City of Pegnitz: A passive installation welcomes visitors with up-to-date information as soon as they enter the town. An interactive stele serves as a central point of contact for daily information, from weather forecasts and the latest news to leisure activities.

With smartPerform, you are choosing a hardware-independent system that detects errors before they occur and adapts flexibly to the growing needs of your municipality.

We would be happy to advise you. In addition to hardware recommendations, we offer you the right software with an intuitive content management system. This allows you to easily create, plan, manage, and display your content. And to ensure that everything works perfectly, we integrate your kiosk system solution into your existing infrastructure.

Information and kiosk systems with smartPerform

Numerous public institutions and municipalities trust smartPerform to implement a modern information and kiosk system solution. You too can realize your potential: inform your citizens, adapt content in real time, and enhance your image. Our information and kiosk system solution will help you do just that.