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Embracing Innovation: U.S. Mayors Adding Interactive Kiosks to Enhance City Safety and Connectivity, and Should Be Considered for Higher Education Campuses as Well

Writer's picture: Joell McNewJoell McNew

Updated: Feb 12


In cities across the United States, mayors continuously seek innovative solutions to improve public safety, promote local businesses, and provide essential information to residents and visitors. One such game-changer is the addition of interactive kiosks, which combine modern technology with crucial public services. Systems like Howard Technology Solutions D1 Interactive Kiosk, coupled with 22miles digital signage and wayfinding solutions, transform urban landscapes and make wayfinding a crucial Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principle.


Interactive Kiosks: A Modern Solution

Interactive kiosks are versatile tools that offer a wide range of services to the community. They can provide wayfinding assistance, promote local businesses, share important health and safety updates, and more. These kiosks are designed to be user-friendly, accessible, and customizable, making them an invaluable asset in urban environments.


Wayfinding as a CPTED Principle

CPTED, or Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, is a multidisciplinary approach that aims to reduce crime and improve safety through the strategic design and use of the built environment. Wayfinding, an essential component of CPTED, involves using signs, maps, and other visual aids to help people navigate their surroundings safely and efficiently.

Effective wayfinding contributes to natural surveillance by encouraging the presence of people in public spaces, which can deter criminal activity. When individuals can easily find their way around a city, they feel more secure and are less likely to become targets for opportunistic crimes. Interactive kiosks enhance wayfinding by providing real-time information, detailed maps, and directions, ensuring that residents and visitors can confidently navigate urban areas.


The Role of Interactive Kiosks in Urban Safety and Connectivity

Interactive kiosks, such as Howard Technology D1 Kiosk integrated with 22miles solutions, offer numerous features that promote safety and connectivity:

  • Wayfinding Assistance: Kiosks provide detailed maps and directions, helping users navigate the city and locate points of interest.

  • Emergency Services: Many kiosks include a 911 button and a flashing blue light, allowing users to contact emergency services quickly in case of an incident.

  • Health and Safety Updates: Kiosks can display important health and safety information, such as public health announcements, weather alerts, and emergency notifications.

  • Promoting Local Businesses: By highlighting local businesses and events, kiosks support the local economy and encourage community engagement.

  • Art and Cultural Information: Kiosks can showcase local art, cultural events, and historical information, enriching the urban experience for residents and visitors.

  • Customizable Content: The 22miles applications allow for easy customization of kiosk content, ensuring that information remains relevant and up-to-date.


Benefits of Wayfinding on Higher Education Campuses

Including wayfinding on higher education campuses offers several benefits:

  • Enhanced Safety: Clear and effective wayfinding reduces the risk of students and visitors getting lost, which can be especially important during emergencies.

  • Improved Accessibility: Interactive kiosks can provide accessible navigation options for individuals with disabilities, ensuring everyone can quickly move around the campus.

  • Campus Engagement: Wayfinding kiosks can highlight campus events, student activities, and essential locations, fostering a sense of community and involvement.

  • Support for New Students and Visitors: New students, prospective students, and visitors can easily find their way to key locations such as administrative offices, lecture halls, and dormitories, making their experience more welcoming.

  • Promotion of Campus Services: Kiosks can advertise campus services such as dining options, bookstores, and recreational facilities, enhancing the overall campus experience.

  • Emergency Preparedness: Interactive kiosks can provide real-time information and directions to safe locations in emergencies, contributing to a well-prepared campus. This includes easy updates to buildings and places for first responders who serve the campus community.

Georgia State University Interactive Kiosk
Georgia State University Interactive Kiosk

How are you implementing CPTED Wayfinding in your communities?


Integrating interactive kiosks in cities and higher education campuses represents a forward-thinking approach to urban safety and connectivity. By enhancing wayfinding, promoting local businesses, and providing essential health and safety updates, these kiosks play a vital role in creating safer, more vibrant communities. As more U.S. mayors and higher education institutions embrace this technology, the positive impact on public safety and community engagement will grow.


At Safeguard Strategy Crime Prevention Consulting, we are dedicated to helping cities and campuses understand the benefits of CPTED principles to create safer, more connected environments. If you want to learn more about how we can assist you in implementing these innovative solutions, don't hesitate to contact us today.


 
 
 

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