DuPage County approves outdoor touchscreen kiosk pilot at administration campus

DuPage County’s facilities committee voted to approve a contract with TouchSource LLC to install an outdoor touchscreen kiosk at the county administration campus.

County staff said the kiosk will give visitors an on-site, bilingual directory and QR code links to directions and information, intercepting people who otherwise enter the wrong building. Committee members approved the contract for a five-year service plan, with a total cost not to exceed $40,877.61.

Jeff, a facilities staff member who presented the item, said, “we went down there and looked at it, and it has been very, very successful.” He told the committee staff visited Will County’s installation and that the device there had performed well. Jeff said the kiosks will be mapped to the county campus when the courtyard project and new sidewalks are completed and that the units include a QR code so visitors can capture directions on their phone.

Committee members and staff discussed placement and accessibility. Officials said the tentative location is near handicap parking stalls at a main entrance corner so the kiosk will be wheelchair accessible. The unit was described in the meeting as about “7 or 8 feet tall” with accessibility standards applied to the screen height and as able to display campus events or departmental postings.

A committee member asked who would control content; Jeff and facilities staff said Facilities Management would manage content, with communications staff coordinating messaging. When asked about timing, staff said the vendor will survey the site for compliance and that installation would likely occur this fall, contingent on site work such as pouring a concrete pad.

The contract was presented under a GSA (General Services Administration) vehicle; presenters said the purchase includes a five-year service plan and warranty. Committee members moved and seconded the recommendation; the motion carried.

Staff notes and next steps include site assessment for accessibility, coordination with the courtyard project so the kiosk fits campus wayfinding, and Facilities Management taking responsibility for content and upkeep.