Kiosks throughout Detroit serve as information hubs that offer events, games

You might have seen people huddling around giant kiosks around the city, playing games, checking transit options, or even posing for selfies. They are touchscreen, interactive and made to connect users to important information.

Through a partnership between IKE Smart City and the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), the interactive Digital Wayfinding Kiosks — also called Digital Information Kiosks and Technology Hubs — are located in downtown Detroit and across the entire city.

What are the features?

The technology hubs connect people to the area they're standing in, and have multiple features available for Detroiters and tourists alike.

Features include a directory of surrounding businesses, a local community event wall, social services information, an emergency call system to the Detroit Police Department, a giant selfie camera and more.

"Everyone loves the selfies," said Gina Cavaliere, the Chief Community Impact Officer at DDP.

The technology hubs, according to Cavaliere, are meant to encourage exploration of the part of Detroit you are in. She added that they're great for visitors, but they are meant to be helpful for residents as well.

"For example, the 7 Mile and Van Dyke kiosk in District 3 is right by a bus stop. The highest used feature for that kiosk are the social service and employment portals," Cavaliere said. "It varies by location. Downtown is a little more touristy, but in (rest of) the city, people use other features."

Are they free for residents? What about advertising?

The Digital Wayfinding Kiosks operate at no cost to residents. IKE Smart City fronts all operational costs, and manages installation and maintenance.

Advertising operates in two parts: paid and unpaid ads.

"The City of Detroit and DDP can post local content. It must be something that is not business-related," Cavaliere said.

"When you see a Detroit at Work ad, that's something that we have ability to post ... at no charge. Special rates are also given to local small businesses."

She added a portion of the kiosks' paid ad revenue goes to DDP and the City of Detroit.

Privacy concerns

When the kiosks first emerged, some features were challenged by residents concerned about privacy, according to the Detroit News .

That included a feature linking the kiosks' security cameras directly to the Detroit Police Department.

Cavaliere told the Free Press that the selfie cameras used currently are different from the security cameras residents were worried about.

"We decided before that it was not the right time to put cameras on the kiosks ... If at some point the city decides the tech has advanced and Detroiters are comfortable with it, that's something City Council and the mayor can decide."

How many kiosks are in the city?

There are 28 kiosks are currently installed and fully operational throughout downtown and other areas in the city.

How does DDP decide where to place them?

Factors including foot traffic, visibility from cars, underground infrastructure and access to power are all consideration, Cavaliere said.

The IKE kiosks first launched in Denver and are in cities all over the country, including Atlanta, St Louis, Tampa and Houston.

As interest increases for the kiosks, DDP told the Free Press they are open to adding more, with a possible new feature that allows users to explore historical locations in the city.

You can find a map of all kiosk locations throughout the city on the DDP's website .

Jalen Williams is an intern at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com .

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Kiosks throughout Detroit serve as information hubs that offer events, games