The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented questions regarding hygiene, risks, and general awareness for touch-based public displays. "Now, more than ever, we need to consider the possible costs of heavy use of shared touchscreens," notes Ville Mäkelä, Professor, Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business and the research team.
The recently published study examines people's perceptions and considerations of hygiene on shared touchscreens and how hygiene-related functions could improve touchscreens. The study finds demand for improved awareness of public displays' hygiene status, especially among those with stronger concerns about COVID-19. The most critical piece of hygiene information, as reported by respondents, is when the screen was last disinfected.
Public interactive displays are found in many urban and public areas. They entertain, inform, and allow users to access various services such as withdrawing cash and purchasing train tickets. The majority of public displays work by touch input, as this type of interaction is accessible, fast, easy, and familiar. Hence, addressing hygiene on these screens can have a significant impact on public health.
Read the study here.