Designing a public access information system in a new domain

The development of a public access information system, or 'information kiosk', presents the designer with many challenges (Leventhal et al 94). Amongst other things, such a system must be: accessible to a wide range of users with different competencies, experience and expectations in regard to both the use of computer technology, and the information domain itself; easy to use without training or access to specialised support staff; and, commonly, implementable using relatively unsophisticated interface technology such as a screen for output and a keyboard and point and click device for input.