The project has analyzed the technological requirements in the context of users and the tasks they perform in carrying out travel enquiries, and developed a prototype information kiosk that will be installed in the Gare St. Lazare in Paris. Vocal input is managed by a spoken language system, which aims to provide a natural interface between the user and the computer through the use of simple and natural dialogs.
Information technology has the potential to improve information and services for the general public.
However, often such services fail to realize their potential and are frequently under-used. The problems with public service provision are exemplified in the kiosks currently available for rail travellers to obtain information about train services and local facilities, and to purchase tickets. The average transaction time at such kiosks is four times as long as with service staff. As a consequence, the kiosks are under-utilised, being used primarily at night when no agent is present, or when there are long lines for human service. Evidently the technology being used does not meet the particular needs of intended users in the context of the tasks they want to perform.