Overview

The HUB, an iconic kiosk creation proudly introduced by K4B, is probably the most unusual kiosk we have created for a customer.  Crafted from a metal chassis but clad with moulded Corian as a body, the HUB was a two part conical design. The conical design concept was conceived  by the Whitbread team who own the HUB hotel chain. It had to appeal to the young and technically savvy and look ultra cool. The K4B design team had to bring it alive nd be able to integrate all components (printer, room key encoder, chip & pin ped, RGB lighting to indicate kiosk status) into the two piece shape.

Key Objectives

In response to our clients' desire for the seamless integration of unparalleled functionality and captivating aesthetics, we set out on a visionary quest to redefine the boundaries of our kiosks. Enter HUB, it shows our ability to transcend ordinairy expectations into a more visually arresting design. Unlike any other kiosk, the HUB is a sophisticated kiosk design made to harmonize with interior spaces, marrying functionality with the nature of more unusual materials.

The check-in process had to be a versatile system capable of handling check-in and check-out, key cutting and payment operations seamlessly.

The design had to completely integrate and hice essential peripherals, including a card-encoding device, QR scanner, payment PED, and a receipt printer with disguised paper exit. And finally, user prompt lighting to guide the user as to what action they have to take next.

The

Hub Solution

HUB marries our distinctive hotel check-in technology with interior design ending with a masterpiece of technology with style. Picture an environment where marble-inspired finishes, organic textures, and earthy elements converge to create an atmosphere of refined luxury. HUB is not just a kiosk product for auto check-in; it's a complete design element of sophistication, blending seamlessly with its surroundings.

Every detail of HUB is meticulously crafted to strike the perfect balance between maximum functionality and the striking aesthetics demanded by our client. With a focus on moulded materials intended for top end kitchen worktops, smooth lines and interactive lighting the HUB comes alive as a piece to be talked about as well as be used for seamless auto check in.

Key Features

Concept Design: HUB was inspired by architectural cues , no sharp corners and staring with a conical shape - like a column. To replicate a marble look Corian has been extensively used to form the shape and provide the marble aesthetic.

Action Lighting: Lighting gestures were intorduced to the HUB to guide the user as to what action the user has to take next. Additionally, the floating base has RGD lighting to show whether the kiosk is in use or not.

Multi-Functionality: Whilst HUB looks like a marble cone sculpture it incorporates all components to enable it to be a fully functioning check-in / out kiosk

Floor Standing: Hub is a floor mounted cone shaped touchscreen kiosk that looks like it should not be freestanding but is due to its mounting method. There are no cables visible running to / from the HUB.

Display pod: The HUB had an edge-to-edge display pod – one of the earliest available that was visually disconnected to the marble conical base.

Novel design: In every way, the HUB defied conventional design and styling of how most people saw a touchscreen kiosk. For many years the HUB was the definition of a kiosk that many aspired to. The E-type Jag of the kiosk world.

Conclusion

The HUB has a remarkable history in its styling and how it was designed. It has been sought after for high-end locations where it garnered acclaim from all who encountered it. Its iconic design and unwavering commitment to quality have left a lasting mark.

In fact the HUB mkII was designed to reflect the same styling at a much lower end cost and far easier to make.

We await the customer to put the IONIC into their environment!