Design Tip #6 for Creating Multi-Touch Experiences - Don't Overlook Hardware

After years of enabling our customers to build interactive content, we've identified what we formally call "10 Things You Need To Know When Creating Multi-Touch Experiences". Informally, each tip represents an area of focus whose insight can make the difference between a successful and a failed deployment.

Design Tip #6 - Don't Overlook Hardware

You've built great content but what are you running it on and how will it be housed? It's important to consider both the device running your interactive experience and the
enclosure used to both promote and protect it. Every detail influences both cost and your audience’s impression of
quality and appeal.

Consider look, size and placement from the very beginning

Wall-mount, table or kiosk? Large screen to grab attention or small screen for privacy? Additional signage that can be seen from a distance? In the aisle or the end cap? Answer these questions wrong at your peril. And this isn't just about the physical aspects of your deployment. The visual you create in your experience must complement your decisions about look, size and placement. Building
for a table-mounted 12” display is quite different than for a 82” wall-mount. Consider all of this early in the process to ensure your budget and design meet the mark.

Strike the right balance between cost and speed/accuracy of a touch display

What touch display should you get? There's no right answer but it comes down to finding the right balance between cost and aesthetics. The more you spend on a display, the better the performance (i.e. reaction to a touch) and the more touch points supported. But do you really need 10 touchpoints on your 24" display or would two be enough? And is performance of Display X good enough? There are
even – across a range of prices - touch overlays you can pair with
non-interactive displays. Do your homework. But don't be too stingy or your touch display could kill the whole experience.

Don't overlook installation protection and security

iPads are great but you probably don't want random visitors to run off with them. And repair options are limited so maybe letting people hold the Chrome device is a risky approach. Oh, and even on the wettest day you'll have children playing with your kiosks. When planning your installation, think about security, both protecting integrity and preventing theft. We're sorry to say it but don't trust in the
good graces of your fellow man or woman. Keep out the weather, dirt and mischievous
hands. A little extra expense up front could prevent much large expenses down the line.

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