Touch screens emulate a mouse, so any application that works with a mouse will work with the touchscreen. But since the touchscreen is used by the general public, Palas, from its experience in India, has evolved some guidelines for Kiosk software:

• Keep it simple enough for your Grandmother
• Single click's only
• Turn the cursor off
• Avoid "ENTER" and other computer language
• No Scroll bars
• No more than six choices to a screen for general public
• Don't make them drill down too far
• Give fast response times
• Give instant feedback to the user
• If they must wait, show them a progress bar
• Use big buttons - not less than 25mm x 25mm
• Position the buttons in the middle of the screen
• Use audio - but not in the attract loop
• Plan timed auto shut-downs and starts
• Have no exit buttons - program shutdowns only thru keyboard
• No access to system files
• Everything changes - so should your kiosk
• Plan regular software updates
• Clean the kiosk and screen regularly
• Anti-microbial coating on the touchscreen is needed.

An example of how buttons are placed on a typical touchscreen: