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It just occurred to me the other day that when you’re deaf or if you have a speech impediment, trying to order at a drive-through window can be a challenge.
Suppose a touch screen menu was added to all drive-through windows so people can enter their order on it and proceed to the cashier? I think that’s a good idea. This way, the restaurant’s drive-up time averages don’t get compromised by someone who can’t communicate into the drive-through window intercom and has to drive up to the cashier to place their order. The customer gets their order fast and without any errors due to miscommunications.
But will it catches on? That is the question. Why? In Denver area, Arby’s restaurants had touch screen menus for ordering food but after a few months, they stopped. Guess, it is too technologically advanced for many hearing people?
Hi,
I often have special orders like leave off the sour cream, extra ketchup, and so on. That wouldn’t work for a lot of people.
Also, your blog settings need work. I saw Billy Krahl’s e-mail address and his name as I went to post a comment. This is a serious concern for privacy. So I’m leaving a fake e-mail address to protect my privacy, but FYI…
I recalled that there were having one like that. I don’t know why it stopped somewhere. I remembered that there were a lawsuit so they made a deal to set up a touch screen menu. I forgot what name of fast food service. It was in 1990′s.
Dennis
I love the idea! It also would work for hearing people too. They get the wrong order even that they said clearly what they want. Both Deaf and hearing can take advantage of this touch screen menu for drive throughs.
I absolutely L O V E your idea! I think that would be a wonderful addition to drive up windows and I am sure hearing people would find it fun and interesting to use too! I think you should contact the proper people and put your idea into effect!
Good luck.
Lantana
Bingo, if they’re making mad cash contributing to America’s obesity dilemma– at least make it easier for us to pig out.
I’m with ya on this one, bro.
I had laryngitis last week and I had to write out my order at the drive-thru (I was in desperate need of a diet pepsi, and I got an order of fries, too. LOL) I’d have loved to been able to use a touchscreen… writing out the requests on a note, and passing it over to the second window wasn’t too complicated.
Wawa’s gas stations already do this for walk-ins for the general public (meaning it was for everyone, hearing or Deaf!). I’ve wondered why they never do this for drive-thrus as well. Hmm.
Billy Krahl: the point is that it be available for the deaf, not the hearing. They can integrate speakers in them for the hearing. Why not a 2-in-1 device? Touch screen + speaker. Best of both worlds!
cali: it’s a WordPress bug, I think. Sorry about that.
Dennis: Interesting.
Liz and Lantana: Exactly! I’ll pass the idea around.
Turevon: LOL
mischef: fast food restaurants have to meet certain drive-in window time rankings, so they don’t like it if customers spend more time at the window than need be as it lowers their time averages. With touch screen menus, deaf customers won’t back up the lines and increase the drive-in time clocks while they try to communicate their order.
Deaf258: Where is Wawa?
Hi! I totally agree with the idea of a touch-screen menu. But in the past when other states were using it for voting purposes, they came across several problems relating to it such as glitches in the program, frusteration in the user’s end trying to correct their mistake, more time spent trying to learn how to use it, etc.
I don’t mind walking inside the resturant and use it indoors.. yeah, it would take more time to park your car, walk in, order, pay, walk out and drive off instead of just driving through.
Also, the purchase would put a hurt on the resturant’s wallet. They are more willing to make more money (and keep it) instead of shelling out hundreds of dollars to install the machine.
Even hearing people run into many problems with the drive throughs. I heard stories where the speakers were broken, or the person behind the cashier had trouble, or they have an accent making it difficult to understand, wrong order due to misunderstandings, the list can go on.
It is a great idea but it will create new problems. Just like our hearing aid, it is a great idea but they do break, requires maintenances, batteries, and money for upkeeps.
-j-
Was just at trade show
It is comming
moves up down to match your car height
http://www.kioskmarketplace.com/article.php?id=15926
I never go through the drive thru for exactly this reason, and I’ve often found that at many fast food places, I can go inside and get my order to go faster than the cars can get through the drive thru!
Sick of going through drive thru’s when can’t hear stupid box and idiots in windows assume all people are hearies then mumble loud for kids to hear “next time stop at box and order” and kids get mad and tell stupid hearie “mom doesn’t hear duh” then idiot at Starbucks proceeds to be obnoxious. NOT EVERYONE CAN HEAR!!!!!!!!!!Get some sensitivity training!
From Kathryn:
Sensitivity training is definitely missing in a lot of people, sadly. I hate it when I speak and strangers stare at me with their mouths open, like I’m some alien. Grr.
it sounds great 2 me but nowadays ppl are so lazy so im not sure.they should try it out though.
I think this is a very good idea, I’ve even thought of it myself before. I don’t think its very expensive to install because networking tools are becoming cheaper these days and such a thing could probably run on a cheap minimal system. The only thing I’d figure is preventing vandalism to the system.
Touchscreen drive-through menus are a great idea but the technical problem currently is keeping the display alive through weather extremes (particularly heat) and, of course, vandals.
good idea but if the touch were to mess up then u could have a speaker to make sure the order is right or if the touch breaks down ull have the speaker to use . my family is in the restaurant business and has had expirience for over 15 years.
Brilliant idea! Of course I’mp probably saying that because I’ve been researching the concept myself. In this country we have 11 official languages ( yes, 11! ). Can you imagine how how much of a challenge communication is? Also, in some cultures here it is normal to speak extremely fast and it’s clear that inadequate training is given to the counter staff. Time and time again the order is wrong. Surly staff just put us off our meal altogether. Very irritating!
I think that a touch screen system is a big initial outlay but way cheaper than paying wages on an ongoing basis. I’d go to a place that had this, rather than the “mmmhf huh? you wanna m;dmdm with your msmdm blegbahh himmm huahh?” currently.