Digital kiosks are widely used in South Korean restaurants to save operating costs. The ordering machine with a large touchscreen display works similarly to a smartphone app but it is hard for people who are not familiar with digital devices. In a 2020 survey of 300 people aged 65 or older, conducted by the Korea Consumer Agency, 51.5 percent said they found it difficult to use kiosks because of the complex process. 49 percent experienced stress due to slow order-making and queues.
Seoul Digital Foundation (SDF) operated by the capital city government said in a statement it will provide certification marks for digital ordering platforms. The SDF will work with UX Korea, a non-profit organization responsible for user experience technologies. The two sides will review the usability quality based on seven criteria including efficiency and consistency. Applicants can obtain certification if their average score is 95 percent or higher.
SDF said it will promote applicants who meet the certification requirements through media coverage. Digital appliance developers are required to submit application documents by December 26. The foundation will also support one-third of the certification screening fee for the first five applicants.
