Touch Screen
Built-in Computer
Software
Customer interaction
An interactive kiosk is a standalone touchscreen terminal that lets people complete a task on their own, without needing a staff member's help. Depending on what it's built to do, an interactive kiosk is usually described in one of two ways: as a self-service kiosk, used for transactions like ordering, payment, or check-in, or as an information kiosk, used for wayfinding, directories, and general lookup. Both are built on the same core technology, just configured for a different purpose.
At Southpaw, we design, fabricate, and deploy interactive kiosks across Malaysia for retail, F&B, healthcare, hospitality, education, and shopping malls, combining our custom hardware enclosures with the software and content needed to make each kiosk work for its space.
What Is an Interactive Kiosk?
An interactive kiosk combines a touchscreen, a built-in computer, and purpose-built software into a single self-contained unit. Instead of asking a staff member for help, a visitor interacts with the screen directly to search for information, place an order, check in, make a payment, or find their way around a space.
Most interactive kiosks fall into one of two broad categories, based on what they're designed to do:
Self-service kiosks are built for transactions. They let a customer place an order, pay a bill, check in for an appointment, or complete a process on their own, speeding up service and reducing the need for additional staff at busy counters.
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Information kiosks are built for lookup and navigation. They help a visitor find a store, a department, a meeting room, or a route through a building, often through an interactive map or searchable directory.
The same physical kiosk hardware can usually support either function, or both at once, the difference comes down to the software an
Kiosk Form Factors
Every kiosk we build starts with a form factor suited to the space it'll occupy and the way people will use it. We offer four standard designs:
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Standard: A straightforward freestanding kiosk, suited to most retail, corporate, and wayfinding applications.
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Arc: A curved-profile design that softens the kiosk's footprint in open, high-traffic areas.
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Bezel: A framed-edge design with a more structured, architectural look.
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Diamond: An angular design intended for spaces where the kiosk itself is part of the visual statement.
Each form factor is available in Obsidian Black, Cool Grey, or Arctic White, with custom colours and finishes available on request to match your brand or interior design.
Touch Technology: IR vs. PCAP
The touchscreen technology behind a kiosk affects both its cost and how it feels to use. We work with two main types:
Infrared (IR) touch uses a light-beam grid to detect input, and is well-suited to larger screen sizes and high-traffic, durable installations. It supports 10-point multi-touch and is available in 40", 43", 55", 65", and custom sizes.
Projected capacitive (PCAP) touch uses a responsive touch-sensitive film applied to a glass surface, giving a smoother, more premium feel with no visible overlay. It supports up to 32-point multi-touch and is well-suited to sleek, glass-fronted kiosk designs.
Self-Service Kiosks: Ordering, Payments & Check-In
Self-service kiosks help businesses move people through a process faster, with less reliance on staff at every step. Common applications in Malaysia include:
Retail self-checkout and product discovery
Customers can browse a product catalogue, check stock or pricing, and in some setups complete a purchase directly at the kiosk. We've built this kind of interactive, engagement-led kiosk experience for brands like Eucerin, where shoppers could scan a product and learn more about it directly through the kiosk interface.
F&B self-ordering
Customers place and customise their own orders at the kiosk, reducing queues at the counter and giving kitchen staff a clear, accurate order without manual entry.
Healthcare patient check-in
Patients can check in for an appointment, confirm their details, and join a queue without speaking to a front-desk staff member first, which is useful for clinics and healthcare facilities managing high patient volumes.
Hospitality and hotel check-in
Guests can check in, verify their booking, and in some setups receive a room key or access card directly from the kiosk, reducing wait times at the front desk.
Ticketing and event registration
Visitors can collect or print tickets and registration passes without queuing at a counter, useful for events, exhibitions, and venues with high visitor turnover.
Information & Wayfinding Kiosks
Information kiosks help people find their way through a space, look up details, and access relevant content without needing to ask staff for directions.
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We've deployed information and directory kiosks across some of Malaysia's most-visited spaces, including The Curve in Petaling Jaya, where our interactive directory helps shoppers search for tenants and navigate the mall, as well as at Suria KLCC and BBCC (Bukit Bintang City Centre).
APPLICATIONS OF MULTI TOUCH TECHNOLOGY
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Bring engaging experiences and connect artifacts with eye-catching content. Entice visitors with truly unique and memorable experiences with cutting-edge hardware and custom content
Typical applications of interactive kiosks
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Shopping mall and building directories
Visitors can search for a specific store, service, or facility, view a floor plan, and get directions to their destination.
Visitor centres and corporate lobbies
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A kiosk at a building entrance can guide visitors to the right floor, meeting room, or department, while also displaying general information or announcements.
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Museums and exhibitions
Information kiosks can provide deeper context about an exhibit, play supporting video content, or guide visitors along a recommended route. We have deployed this kind of kiosk for museum and educational exhibits in Malaysia.
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Campus and education wayfinding
Students and visitors can look up class schedules, building directories, and event information without needing to ask staff.
Core Components & Features
Regardless of whether a kiosk is built for self-service or information lookup, most interactive kiosks share the same underlying components:
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Touchscreen display: IR or PCAP, sized to suit the space and expected viewing distance.
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Built-in computer: Running the kiosk software and managing all connected peripherals.
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Peripherals: Printers, card readers, scanners, or cameras, depending on the kiosk's function.
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Connectivity: WiFi or Ethernet, allowing remote content updates and monitoring.
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Durable enclosure: steel construction with a powder-coated finish, built to withstand continuous public use.
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Idle-state digital signage: Many kiosks can switch to displaying promotional or informational content when not actively in use, so the screen is never sitting blank.
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Accessibility considerations: Kiosk height, screen angle, and interface design can be adjusted to support wheelchair users and a wider range of visitors.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Kiosk
What is the kiosk's main purpose?
A kiosk built primarily for transactions (self-service) has different hardware needs, payment integration and receipt printing than one built primarily for lookup (information), which prioritises a clear, searchable interface.
How much foot traffic will it see, and what environment will it face?
A kiosk in a busy mall concourse needs a more durable enclosure and a larger, more visible screen than one in a quieter corporate lobby.
What peripherals does the use case require?
Payment terminals, printers, card readers, and scanners all need to be planned for upfront, since retrofitting a kiosk after fabrication is more difficult than designing it from the start.
Who will manage the content?
If the kiosk needs to display promotions, directory updates, or announcements, a cloud-based content management system lets your team update content remotely, rather than requiring an on-site visit for every change.
What's the realistic budget?
In the Malaysian market, ready-made self-service kiosk units typically range from RM5,000 to RM10,000, depending on screen size, peripherals, and build quality. A fully custom-fabricated kiosk built to a specific form factor, finish, and software setup is quoted individually based on your requirements.
Why Choose Southpaw for Kiosks in Malaysia
Southpaw has been building interactive hardware and software solutions in Malaysia since 2009. For kiosk projects specifically, that means:
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In-house fabrication: Our kiosks are designed and built in-house, with steel construction and a powder-coated finish, rather than assembled from third-party off-the-shelf parts.
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Choice of form factor and finish: Standard, Arc, Bezel, or Diamond, in your choice of colour.
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Real deployment experience: From mall directories at The Curve to retail engagement kiosks for brands like Eucerin, we've built kiosks for a range of real-world use cases across Malaysia.
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Software development capability: We can build the interface and content logic to match your specific workflow, rather than working from a fixed template.
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Local support: Based in Puchong, Selangor, with direct support for setup, training, and ongoing maintenance.
Our Process
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Requirements Review
We discuss your intended use case, location, expected foot traffic, and any peripherals or integrations you'll need.
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Design & Form Factor Selection
We recommend a form factor, finish, and touch technology suited to your space and budget.
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Software & Content Planning
We plan the interface, content structure, and any backend integrations (such as payment or booking systems) needed for your use case.
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Fabrication & Setup
Your kiosk is fabricated in-house, with hardware and software configured and tested before delivery.
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Installation & Training
We install the kiosk on-site and train your team on managing and updating content.
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Ongoing Support
We provide support for technical issues, content updates, and maintenance as needed.
Ready to Build Your Kiosk Solution?
Whether you need a self-service kiosk to speed up transactions or an information kiosk to help visitors navigate your space, Southpaw can design and build the right solution for your business.
CONTACT US FOR A FREE DEMO
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a self-service kiosk and an information kiosk?
A self-service kiosk is built for transactions, such as ordering, payment, or check-in, while an information kiosk is built for lookup and navigation, such as directories and wayfinding. Both use the same core kiosk hardware, configured with different software and peripherals for their specific purpose.
How much does an interactive kiosk cost in Malaysia?
Ready-made self-service kiosk units in the Malaysian market are typically available from around RM5,000 to over RM10,000, depending on screen size and included peripherals. A fully custom-fabricated kiosk, built to a specific form factor and software setup, is quoted based on your individual requirements. Request a free consultation for an accurate quote.
Can a kiosk serve as digital signage when it's not in use?
Yes. Many of our kiosks can switch to displaying promotional or informational content during idle periods, so the screen continues to add value even when no one is actively using it.
Do you offer custom kiosk designs?
Yes. Beyond our four standard form factors and three finishes, we offer custom colours, finishes, and enclosure designs to match your brand or space.
What industries do you build kiosks for?
We have built kiosks for shopping malls, retail brands, healthcare facilities, museums, education institutions, and corporate clients across Malaysia, covering both self-service and information/wayfinding use cases.
Can the kiosk software be updated remotely?
Yes. With a cloud-based content management system, your team can update directory listings, promotions, and other content without needing an on-site visit.
Do you provide installation and training?
Yes. Our process includes on-site installation, staff training, and ongoing technical support and maintenance.