Have you ever thought about how challenging it can be to access public services at a district office? Finding the correct direction and speaking with the appropriate staff can be particularly difficult for first-time visitors. While every public building has information posted in the lobby, it can take a long time to find the right information. Additionally, individuals with disabilities may need assistance even to reach the information board. For those who are blind, public facilities often provide tactile maps for guidance, but these typically only include exterior information about the building.
Dot Inc. understands the difficulties that individuals with disabilities face when it comes to accessing information at public facilities. In an effort to create a more inclusive society, we have partnered with the Korean government to develop the Dot Kiosk - a barrier-free kiosk for everyone starting from PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics. This Kiosk is designed to be accessible for both disabled and non-disabled individuals.
Special features of barrier-free kiosks
The first thing that catches the eye when interacting with this barrier-free kiosk is the large screen. It includes features such as a magnifying glass and zoom-in function for elderly and visually impaired individuals. Additionally, sign language features are provided for the hearing impaired and the deaf. Lastly, the kiosk includes an auto-height adjustment feature for those using wheelchairs or children, which is activated by sensors.
Therefore, Dot Kiosks are easily accessible for all individuals, regardless of the type of information provided by public facilities. In the South Korean districts of Buyeo and Nowon, Dot Kiosks currently provide not only information on public facilities, but also real-time information on nearby outdoor public transportation. The kiosks can be customized to meet the needs of customers, and include language packages and wayfinding services for each floor. As of 2022, a total of 25 barrier-free kiosks have been installed throughout Korea, including in public facilities and subway stations.
In the future, the Korean government plans to install unmanned information terminals (kiosks) in all public facilities to improve accessibility. To this end, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has announced legislation to enforce the Act on the Prevention of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities. Dot Inc. is looking forward to these changes, not just in South Korea but also globally. Dot's mission to create a barrier-free society may come to fruition sooner than we expect. Stay tuned.