Schriever gets new touch information kiosks

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Wes Wright
  • 50th Space Wing Public Affairs
SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  At Schriever, staying current with and often ahead of digital information is something critical to the success of the mission. In keeping with that, the 50th Space Wing’s number one priority is to “successfully and innovatively execute today’s operations.”

The 50th Force Support Squadron is doing just that in the form of two brand new interactive touch kiosks. One is located in the Building 210 atrium and the other in the Fitness Center entrance. They were launched fully functional Nov. 21, 2017.

“It’s basically a glorified tablet,” said Jhen Stark, 50th FSS marketing director. “Our goal is for these kiosks to be one-stop information shops for people on base. It’s like an interactive website for people to find information about FSS events and activities. These kiosks are one of our avenues that will allow us to better interact with and inform our community.”

The kiosks arrived at Schriever mid-September and were put into a beta mode while Stark’s team received training and formulated an execution plan.

Currently, users can access information ranging from FSS events and activities to locating various offices and phone numbers within the squadron.

While the kiosks are already bringing value to Schriever, Stark says they have just begun to scratch the surface of their potential; her team is actively working to make their functions as robust as possible.

“Our hope as we dive deeper into all the functions, is to make it interactive in terms of digital maps,” Stark said. “ We also want people to be able to do things like sign their children up for the Child Development Center, check in at the gym and much more.”

Stark said one of the goals of these kiosks was wanting to stay current with how people, particularly the younger generation, are accessing information.

“In this age, people want information fed to them as easily as possible because technology can easily facilitate that,” Stark said. “If information is even a little bit buried or difficult to access, you’ll alienate your audience or they’ll go somewhere else for their information.”

Airman 1st Class Jameelah England-Smith, 50th FSS customer service apprentice, has been at Schriever for one month and was one of the first to experience the kiosks.

“I personally thought the kiosk was very helpful and convenient,” she said. “I had no idea it had all of those cool features! I liked how it was super easy to navigate and really simplistic. Not only did it allow you to take a peek at the dining facility lunch menu but also as any upcoming events on base.”

Airman Kalissa Vue, 50th FSS career development apprentice, has been at Schriever for two months and agreed with Stark on the importance of ease of access to information.

“I believe it is more beneficial to my generation because we are so interested in social media and always on our phones or devices,” Vue said. “It was very informational and I liked how it gave you an idea of what was going on around the base.”

Stark encouraged people to take a moment to explore the kiosks the next time they are at either of the locations.

“We have grand plans for these things and their functionality will only continue to grow,” she said. “Check them often, you never know what cool things we’re going to be putting on there.”