Utilizing Concept to Completion ™ design process results in ADA compliant, multi-language solution offerings
According to the American Disabilities Act (ADA), US Airports fall under a special zone for ADA compliance. ADA compliance must address physical reach and height regulations and, at the discretion of the airport, accessibility to the hearing impaired and also the visually impaired for Information Transaction Machines (ITM). Working with Clear Channel Airports (CCA), Meridian built a turnkey system for interactive digital signage and an advertising platform for installation at airports across the US and Canada. The self-service solution allows CCA to sell advertising for local amenities such as hotels, transportation, entertainment and restaurants. The CCA solution offers wayfinding and phone service for greater accessibility to their advertisers.
The interactive signage solution was designed and manufactured by Meridian and powered by Meridian’s proprietary software, Meridian Application Platform (MAP). Clear Channel Airport’s ADA compliant solution utilizes VoIP for telephone handset, phone pad and on-screen prompts; SMS messaging and QR codes are incorporated as well. Scott Appnel, Sales Manager with Clear Channel Aiports stated “the Meridian solution helps us connect advertisers to all travelers especially those with accessibility challenges.”
In order to accommodate the ADA physical requirements, Meridian lowered the screen content of the 42” screen within ADA guidelines. Content out of reach of the user can be pulled down into the compliance area using buttons near the bottom of the screen. Meridian streamlined the design of the self-service solution for greater accessibility, whether using a wheelchair or standing.
The Meridian Application Platform (MAP) provides accessibility and interactivity for the visually impaired. MAP provides an all-software solution without the need for special equipment. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology allows the user to interact with the kiosk through the use of voice prompts and DTMF tones. Users are able to utilize the solution’s handset to navigate the entire solution.
With the rise of Voice over IP (VoIP) technology, TDD communication becomes increasingly difficult to implement due to the need to roll out QoS (Quality of Service) which requires an expensive network infrastructure. Meridian’s use of the MAP TDD platform in combination with VoIP technology ultimately reduced CCA’s infrastructure cost for deployment. Chris Gilder, Founder and CEO states, “As ADA regulations are constantly changing, Meridian created a unique solution for Clear Channel Airports that addresses the needs of all users. Meridian’s MAP platform provides the foundation to stay ahead of changing requirements.”
In Addition to accessibility features, Meridian’s MAP platform also provides Clear Channel Airports (CCA) a dynamic and extensible multi-language support for displaying content in ten languages including English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Arabic. MAP provides a foundation for CCA to create rich interactive experiences with digital signage that is measurable, manageable and accessible. Meridian uses the same MAP platform to develop turnkey solutions for clients globally.
Employing Meridian’s Concept to Completion™ process, Meridian created a turnkey solution for CCA that addressed complex ADA requirements, streamlined efficiency for updates, expanded reach with multi language capabilities while maximizing their return on investment.
About Meridian:
Meridian is an award winning, established leader, providing full service solutions for the self-service kiosk industry. Recognized for expertise, quality, design, flexibility, style and partnerships; Meridian provides solutions to some the largest companies in the world. The Self-Service Technology Center (SSTC), in Bentonville, AR, in partnership with Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Microsoft, Storm and Key Innovations and Zebra Technologies attests to Meridian as the leader for self-service solutions. The corporate headquarters and kiosk manufacturing facilities are located in Aberdeen, NC and the Mzero software development is located on Ontario, Canada. For more information: http://www.mzero.com
Source: Meridian
