When your project requires a touch screen, getting what you need is kind of a big deal. To do this you need to understand your application, the environment the screen will be placed into, and the audience. With the the apple iOS for iphones and iPads, Android from Google, and Microsoft’s new Windows 7 Phone based devices, the media is all a stir about multi-touch based screens. Multi-touch is the ability to touch the screen in more than one place and have both points recognized as an interaction at the same time. This sure does come in handy if you are going to resize a photo by putting two fingers on screen and bringing them towards or away from each other, but, to be honest, not always needed for most kiosk based applications. As prices for all devices are dropping, you still shouldn’t pay for something you don’t need. If your application requires a simple touch of a button or sliding of a scroll bar, single-touch might be right up your alley.

Is your device going to be used in an industry, such as medical, that might require latex gloves to be worn? Perhaps cleaning fluids like water and soap are going to be making an appearance on the hand? You might need to check out a resistive touchscreen over a capacitive touchscreen. Capacitive touchscreens are seen with your iPhone or iPad. Notice that you can’t touch the device with any object and hope for recognition. Resistive touchscreens recognize a press between two plates and therefor recognize any object that can put force on the screen. This is ideal for glove wearers or if you need to cover the device with a clear material to protect it from the elements. There are many other types of screens as well and there is a lot of great information online about them.

Mounts are important too. How your device connects to the environment it is within only adds to the user experience (and could keep your device from crashing to the ground). You don’t want your touch screen bobbing back and forth with every touch, yet you don’t want a device that is too heavy either. Do a little research, make a couple of calls, and you should be able to find the best option quickly. One last thing is the computer itself. Other touch screens connect to a separate computer and some touch screens have a computer built in. Some touch screens come with a mouse and keyboard and some just use the touch and an on screen keyboard. Sooooo many options.

Hardware aside, and an important feature to keep in mind, if your device is going to be hanging out for a while, don’t let it get bored, yawn, and fall asleep. Build a screensaver into your application that can add a little motion when times are slow and draw people back in.

When buying a touch screen, call the company that makes it and discuss what you are trying to do. See if they can send you a test unit. They know their equipment and can help you make the best choice for your application, the environment, and your audience.