Kiosks are fast becoming one of the most important features of both corporate and public sector organizations. Historically, a kiosk used to be a simple wooden garden table open on all sides, common in Persia, India, and the Arabic Empire in the early 13th century. kiosks evolved over time to become more technologically advanced, and capable of many functions.

kiosks are used for a variety of functions. They are used as ticketing machines for quick service restaurants and fast food chains, as information kiosks in airports, bus and train terminals, at tourist destinations, etc. They have also become a part of retail establishments, such as groceries, drug stores, superstores, etc., offering information about the product or service being offered, as well as promotional material. kiosks can display advertising space, in order to attract customers. kiosks can be used to display banners, as well as interactive media players and games. Kiosks have even provided an easy way to access the I Pad, with the invention of the Wi-Fi technology.

A kiosk is considered a part of the Information Technology infrastructure (ITI). One of the biggest advantages of using kiosks is their ability to offer a convenient information service, in a particular location. For example, at an airport, a kiosk is a great way to offer flight information to passengers. At a supermarket, the kiosk could display coupons for discounts or other deals at that store.

Another advantage of kiosks is to provide an easy way for shopping malls to improve their services. Many airports now feature full-service kiosks where people can find and buy anything they need from luggage or check-in bags. Most shopping malls have also installed kiosks in their entrances, providing people a way to purchase products from the comfort of their seats. In airports, kiosks are particularly useful for offering flight information, check-in and other services.

Kiosks are also being used by banks, stores and other financial establishments in an effort to increase productivity and profits. Self-check-in kiosks are being used by banks to encourage customers to wait in line to avoid the long queues at the cashiers. Self-service kiosks in supermarkets allow customers to check out their groceries, books or other items while they wait for the check-out person at the counter. This allows people to spend more time checking out things, rather than standing around waiting for a long time.

Self-service kiosks in airports allow passengers to pay their fares at the self-service check-in counters. Customers can use a card or debit card to make their payment, rather than having to write down or swipe a ticket. This option greatly reduces the chances of losing money by mistake. Kiosks at hotels also use self-service check-ins to encourage customers to wait until they are called for check-in, rather than leaving the hotel lobby until the check-in clerk calls them. Some hotels offer discounts or other incentives to guests who check in with their hotel keycards rather than using cash.

There are many other uses for kiosks, including ATM locations and food courts. In the latter case, kiosks have been found to be effective in promoting business for fast food chains. A kiosk at a mall could display promotional flyers encouraging shoppers to visit certain stores. In some cases, kiosks are placed at entrances to mall shops so that customers can pay with their debit cards or walk through a door. Some malls also have photo kiosks installed so that a customer can capture a picture of themselves at the store and thus make their shopping experience a little more exciting.

Although freestanding information kiosks seem to be taking up space in public places, they have several advantages over information kiosks. Freestanding units are usually portable and can be reconfigured to display whatever information is needed at any time. Many are also wheelchair-accessible, making them convenient for wheelchair users. Finally, they provide an opportunity for the advertising that most businesses want to engage in, especially those that cater to niche markets.