10 Tips for Touchscreen Applications

Sometimes a simple change to your application may mean the difference between success and failure.

1. Applications should be run full screen—don’t have a title bar or menu bar in kiosk applications.

2. Bright background colors (no black!) in your application will hide fingerprints and reduce glare. Dithering or other patterned backgrounds such as a crumpled paper look will help the eye focus on the screen image instead of reflections, even in areas where there are no icons or menu choices.

3. Use a simple point-and-click interface with large buttons. Do not use dragging, double-clicks, scroll bars, drop-down menus, multiple windows, or other elements that can confuse the common user and interfere with usability and efficiency.

4. Turn the cursor off—your user will focus on the entire screen instead of the arrow. A cursor on the screen makes the user subconsciously think “how do I get the arrow to do what I want”. Remove the cursor, and the user’s thinking and action will be direct instead of indirect, unlocking the true power of touchscreens.

5. Always give your users feedback as soon as they touch the screen. A 3-D button effect (similar to a Windows standard button) works well. Output a “click” or other sound whenever they touch the screen. Also be sure that the display clears immediately and displays an hourglass while loading the next screen. Immediate feedback is critical to reassure the user that their touch registered.

6. Make your application run fast! Users will walk away from a sluggish system, but you can keep their attention with a quick response to touches. Speedy systems also reduce vandalism. (Graphics modes with excessive colors or resolution only slow down your system. Using 256 colors is typically more important than resolution above 640x480.)

7. Try to make the application intuitive, limit choices, and guide the user as much as possible. Testing your application on focus groups will disclose the areas that need improvement. If anyone pauses in confusion for even a moment, think how to improve the application.

8. Digitized speech via a sound card can walk users through your application. For example, “Touch the first letter of the company you are looking for.” Click. “Now touch OK.” Click. There is something almost magical about a user interface with voice prompting and touch response. Your brain can simultaneously process voice while absorbing an image.

9. Animation and large fonts help attract users to kiosk applications. The kiosk design (cabinet) should also be attractive.

10. When designing a kiosk cabinet, consider the following. If using forced air ventilation, put your fan at the top, near the monitor’s vents. Keep the intake away from the floor and airborne dust from footsteps. Keep air from entering around the CRT face too. The kiosk design should accommodate variation in monitor dimensions and bezels, as monitor models may come and go every few months. Remember to point your speakers in the direction of your userÆs ears. Finally, choose a finish that does not show fingerprints—avoid polished stainless steel, chrome, or glossy black paint.

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