6 content types that look great on customer kiosks

There are many types of content that can make a great impression when displayed on a retail kiosk.

Retail sales areas are dedicated to the sole purpose of turning browsers into buyers. That means making these spaces as appealing as possible, deploying items that will keep shoppers interested and building confidence in the brand. This is the role information kiosks occupy, with large and appealing screens drawing attention.

"Many types of multimedia look great when presented via a kiosk."

Of course, no matter how good a display unit looks, it won't make a real connection with consumers unless the information displayed is interesting and entertaining. Retailers can try several different approaches to content creation, safe in the knowledge that many types of multimedia look great when presented via a kiosk. Here are just six of the many categories that work well.

Interactive product descriptions: Items that come with options can be put on full display on an interactive kiosk's touchscreen. With a simple gesture, shoppers can cycle through the possibilities and see what their purchase would look like with a different set of features. The interactive and visual elements could prove far more effective than a verbal description of the merchandise in question.

High-resolution videos: While consumers theoretically have constant access to brands' video content via smart devices, there is something to be said for viewing those materials with the extreme sharpness of a large kiosk display. Furthermore, if brands choose kiosk solutions that store content on the hardware instead of streaming it from the Internet, there is no lag or buffering to drive shoppers away. The video experience isn't the same as the one provided on a smartphone or tablet - it's better.

Vibrant still images: When there's no room in a showroom for the entirety of a company's product line, it will need alternatives. This is what a kiosk can provide, with huge galleries of images that consumers can browse with intuitive gestures on the large screen. From side-by-side comparison to initial education, there are plenty of ways for customers to glean information from kiosks' image galleries.

"Games keep people in stores longer, surrounded by the company's branding."

Branded games: One of the most compelling features of a kiosk is its interactive nature. Today's shoppers want a hands-on experience and wish to self-direct their engagement with a brand. Games take this concept to an extreme, with consumers using kiosks' responsive screens to have fun. These enjoyable activities keep people in stores longer, surrounded by branding of the company's choice. Such features also show off the functionality of the kiosks' interface, demonstrating how well the screens work.

Helpful dashboards: When looking at a kiosk, users should be impressed with how useful it is. Items that convince shoppers to keep interacting with the device are therefore welcome. Kiosk software can include real-time information streamed from a number of sources, from weather data to the latest movement on the stock market. When customers see these features, they will know that the device is connected and up-to-date, and they may use it for a longer duration.

Captivating screen savers: Some of the above items, such as images and video clips, can be programmed to run as screen savers when no one is using a kiosk. While it's important to keep the attention of users, it's also vital to draw those individuals over in the first place. This is what a great screen saver does - broadcasting that the device is interactive and interesting, inviting consumers to check out the device while simultaneously promoting the brand's current offerings or temporary specials.

Creating a compelling retail showroom requires a great deal of planning and effort. However, kiosks can provide significant aid by fulfilling several roles at once. These devices, and the many types of content they carry, can draw consumers in, keep them engaged and answer questions they may have. In an age of independent shoppers ready and willing to interact with technology, strong devices can help a brand maintain its appeal.