Companies and institutions may have different needs for the business. The user experience is a determining factor for projects and the usability evaluation of touchscreen interface as well.
There are many variables to consider in choosing the technologies and components that should integrate digital kiosks and billboards. With several years of experience in the market, PARTTEAM & OEMKIOSKS has a wide know-how on the complexity of these new touch technologies and therefore there is certain evidence to consider:
– Installation location of the equipment: Indoor or outdoor solution ?
– How big is the equipment? Is the structure vertical or horizontal?
– Which software to use?
– How many users expect to use the equipment?
The truth is that there are numerous variables to be analyzed, so that the final product meets the expectations of the users. In this article, we will deepen some of these characteristics and see how they can influence the user experience, or how they can increase the complexity of the projects.
The Touchscreen Era
The first touchscreen of the story was born through the British inventor E.A.Johnson. The equipment was developed to be used in air traffic control radars and lasted until the 1990s. The equipment was capable of handling only one touch (there was no multitouch support yet) and was binary, identifying only two positions: touch or absence of touch.
Image Bill Buxton – First Touchscreen
In 1982, Nimish Mehta, a professor at the University of Toronto in Canada, introduced the world’s first multitouch device. Until then, touchscreens were unable to identify more than one touch at a time. The touchscreen thus begins to develop and to obtain other configurations. In the 90s, technological devices with tactile screens for sale began to be announced, ushering in the marketable touchscreen era.
Currently, it is unthinkable not to resort to the new technologies touchscreen. We live surrounded by digital kiosks, smartphones, tablets, GPS and other technological gadgets, which are already part of our daily lives.
There are a number of types of technology used in the manufacture of touchscreens. The best known are: Resistive (DMR), Capacitive (ProCap or PCAP), Acoustics (SAW), Optics, among others. Each of these technologies has qualities and limitations and the decision of which technology to use should be made taking into account the different operational characteristics and environments to meet the demanding needs.
The most commonly used technology is Projected Capacitive Technology (ProCap or PCAP). Kiosks, digital billboards, interactive tables, videowalls, among other interactive technological supports, all of them can integrate ProCap.
ProCap
Capacitive screens detect fast, repeatable ringtones with single-touch or multi-touch capability. In these screens, there is no need to exert pressure or force for the device to recognize movements.
Video – 360º Experience of the Renault Website with the digital billboard NOMYU
The equipment comprising the ProCap technology include several components such as:
- A polymer (also called “foil”) with embedded filaments, laminated to non-conductive materials such as glass, wood, etc.
- A protective layer with transparent electrodes. The electrodes are the main responsible for capturing commands: electric induction of the fingers causes this layer to be triggered and sends the signals to the executed software.
- A USB cable that connects the electronic board to the equipment.
- Software that allows to calibrate this technology.
The next step is usually to apply this film to a material (usually glass) to create the touch. The choices of the glasses can affect the performance of this technology, so it is important to be careful in choosing them, in order to provide a good experience for the user. ProCap technology also provides outstanding equipment safety. Once, it is applied on the opposite side to the touch side, minimizing the risk of vandalism.
Image – Digital Billboard NOMYU
Unlike Infrared technology, ProCap technology is not affected by natural or artificial light, so it can be part of interactive technological solutions for outdoor or indoor use. ProCap technology allows for multitouch application, higher resolution and brightness, less distortion and again, more accuracy and less response time.
PARTTEAM & OEMKIOSKS has a unique experience in the field of interactive technologies and is concerned with the production quality, of its multimedia kiosks and digital billboards. Therefore, it has in particular attention all the components that integrate the technological equipment that it develops. From the type of displays (high brightness and contrast) to the most extensive touch technologies, PARTTEAM & OEMKIOSKS provides interactive solutions whose main objective is to provide unique experiences of high quality, adapted to different environments and spaces.
Image – Digital Billboard ADEYO
Softness and Fading
Developed to protect displays such as the LCD and LED, Anti-Glare glass offers an ultra-smooth experience, presenting a better touch experience. On sunny days, brightness and reflections can be a huge problem obstructing the view of users. The unique properties of Anti-Glare glass allow you to filter and reduce these inconvenient elements, making the experience more enjoyable.
PARTTEAM & OEMKIOSKS digital kiosks and billboards are produced with the highest technology in fully automated processes, presenting unmatched uniformity, finish and performance. This glass receives a special chemical treatment that offers high resistance to scratches and stains.
Less Air Gap … More response
PARTTEAM & OEMKIOSKS engineers and technicians have succeeded in the development of digital kiosks and billboards, substantially reducing the layer of air between the glass and the display. This type of construction offers fewer reflections and a clearer view, even with the intense sun exposure. By reducing the air layer, it is possible to increase responsiveness and reduce parallax effects.
The higher the nits. The brighter the display.
Digital Signage has been widely used, turning the traditional trading platform into something more creative and attractive. The display is one of the most important components and one of the most difficult to explain and understand. The brightness of an outdoor display has different characteristics from an indoor display. The brightness of a display is normally measured by the number of Nits or candela per square meter (Cd / m2). The higher the Nit value, the brighter the display.
Interactivity at your fingertips
In summary, ProCap technology combined with different materials and components, offers users numerous advantages such as:
- Equipment Quality and Durability
- Sharp images and high contrast
- Softness and Fading
- Usability and Accuracy
- Filter and Security
Future and versatility
“Innovation is the specific instrument of entrepreneurship, the act that gives resources a new ability to create wealth.” Peter Drucker
Interactive displays are a constant in the lives of most people and citizens. There are more devices replacing keyboards, buttons, and other interface devices, by interaction. Whether in tablets, smartphones, self-service kiosks, digital billboards, among others. The trend is for this technology to grow and become more and more essential in the daily lives of cities, companies and organizations. For them, PARTTEAM & OEMKIOSKS produces customized solutions with different touchscreen technologies.
Image – Steve Jobs Presentation
Do you remember the Blackberry? A cell phone that had the keyboard as one of his trademark images. When smartphones came up with tactile screens, no buttons, there was a break of that model and people realized that the absence of keys was actually a benefit, not a problem.
Steve Jobs, noted as co-founder, president and CEO of Apple. In 2007, Jobs launched the first iPhone. Apple was not the first company to use touchscreen technology in mobile phones, but was perhaps the first to realize and recognize the potential to revolutionize the market. The touchscreen is the ideal form of user-system interaction.
Technology itself is something that is constantly evolving and will certainly bring new benefits to society by providing new practical and efficient tools.
That is why PARTTEAM & OEMKIOSKS is an innovative technological company capable of responding to all market needs, developing products and solutions tailored to each client, company, partner or distributor.