Seattleites divided on digital kiosks in public spaces
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Seattle will soon have dozens of kiosks like this one shown in Miami. Photo: Courtesy of Orange Barrel Media
Many locals are wary of Seattle's plans to install 30 digital wayfinding kiosks downtown, according to an informal survey of Axios Seattle readers.
Why it matters: An ordinance signed Tuesday by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell will allow the Downtown Seattle Association to install the touchscreen kiosks throughout the central business district.
- Each kiosk measures more than 8 feet tall by 3 feet wide, and will display slides that are mostly advertisements when not in active use.
Zoom in: Axios Seattle recently asked readers to share their thoughts about the incoming kiosks, and some questioned if the benefits will justify increased advertising and privatization of public space.
- Of the 51 people who responded, two-thirds had negative reactions, with 49% strongly disapproving of the kiosks' installation and about 18% saying they somewhat disapprove.
What they're saying: Advertising was the most common concern mentioned, followed by the kiosks' appearance and size.
- "It's crowded in Seattle already — now we will have to dodge bulky, unwanted advertising too?" wrote reader Joni Bosh, who described the kiosks as "billboards at face level."
- Even some who like the idea of the kiosks as a way to relay public information worried they'll quickly become defaced and vandalized, turning them into eyesores.
- Others raised concerns about privacy, given that the kiosks will include cameras as part of a user-operated selfie booth feature. The city ordinance says the kiosks won't retain those images, nor take other types of photos or video.
The other side: Some readers said the devices — which are already in use in about two dozen other U.S. cities — are useful tools that Seattle should embrace.
- Reader Peter Kulseth described them as "another awesome way to demonstrate the tech-focused and futuristic feel that Seattle embodies so well."
- A few people described privacy concerns as overblown, noting that the kiosks will be placed on public streets where there is little expectation of privacy.
What's next: The Downtown Seattle Association expects to have all 30 kiosks installed by next summer, when Seattle is slated to host six matches as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- The city could then choose to install another 30 throughout downtown and 20 more across other business districts.