A proposal to bring 30 interactive digital kiosks to downtown Seattle has raised questions and concerns around their potential impact on the city’s landscape. The kiosks, called IKE Smart City, are intended to enhance public safety, wayfinding, and Wi-Fi access. The project is a partnership between Orange Barrel Media and the Downtown Seattle Association, with no cost to the city for installation or upkeep. The kiosks would generate revenue through advertising, which would be reinvested back into the downtown area, and the city would share in any additional revenue beyond a threshold.
Supporters of the kiosks argue that they offer benefits to public safety and community engagement, including the ability to call 911 and broadcast emergency warnings. The goal is to use the kiosks to connect people to various options in the city, such as dining, transportation, entertainment, and social services. The plan is to have the kiosks share a design aesthetic with the city’s pedestrian wayfinding program. Despite initial concerns about privacy and data collection, IKE Smart City has clarified that the kiosks in Seattle will not include security cameras and will only collect usage analytics data.
While some members of the Design Commission have raised concerns about visual clutter and potential distractions caused by the kiosks, proponents of the project argue that with only 30 kiosks spread across a large area, clutter will not be a significant issue. Despite concerns about the potential for the kiosks to become advertising vehicles, DSA President Jon Scholes views the partnership with IKE as a beneficial opportunity for the city. The proposal also includes plans for potential expansion to other neighborhoods and districts in Seattle.
The timeline for the proposal includes further meetings with the Design Committee and eventual consideration by the City Council. The project aims to provide public input through a survey on the proposed project website. While some members of the public and the Design Commission have expressed reservations about the potential impact of the kiosks, supporters believe they have the potential to enhance public safety, engagement, and digital equity in the city. IKE Smart City’s proposal aligns with the city’s efforts to revitalize downtown post-pandemic and offers an opportunity to connect residents and visitors with local businesses, services, and events.
