Kiosk mode
Kiosk mode is a time-tracking configuration in which a single device (usually a tablet) shows a list of worker names; any worker can tap their own name to clock in or out. It lets multiple people share one device without each needing an account or login.
Kiosk mode solves a specific problem: how do you collect clock-in events from a team of 10–50 people without forcing every one of them to install an app or remember a password? The shared-device kiosk pattern shows everyone's name on the screen, and any worker can tap their own name to log a punch.
Common kiosk-mode placements:
- Counter tablet at a restaurant front-of-house
- Wall-mounted tablet near the back-of-house entrance
- Front-desk tablet at a tutoring center
- Roving tablet at a volunteer event check-in table
Most kiosk implementations offer optional verification, usually a 4-6 digit PIN the worker enters after tapping their name, to prevent one worker from accidentally or intentionally punching in for another. More aggressive verification (facial recognition, GPS, photo capture) is offered by some tools but is wrong-shaped for trust-based contexts like volunteer programs.
See also
Related terms