Think of them as the offspring of a touch-screen tablet and your favorite navigation app. Approved by the City Council in June 2023, these digital wayfinding kiosks reportedly come packed with features to promote local businesses, provide real-time transit options, and deliver public safety alerts - all at the touch of a finger. And yes, they’ll even show you how to get to the nearest taco shop (priorities, right?). 
These supersized phones also have a civic-minded side. They offer 24/7 access to resources like addiction recovery programs, shelters, food assistance, and the City's Get It Done app. Need someone to walk you to your car late at night? Hit the security call button, and you’ll be connected to the Downtown San Diego Partnership's Clean and Safe Team. It's like having a bodyguard and concierge in one convenient package.
"These interactive kiosks will help make Downtown San Diego more accessible and connected," said Mayor Todd Gloria. "From promoting local businesses to offering real-time transit options and public safety alerts, these kiosks are an innovative enhancement for residents and visitors alike."
"These interactive kiosks will help make Downtown San Diego more accessible and connected," said Mayor Todd Gloria. "From promoting local businesses to offering real-time transit options and public safety alerts, these kiosks are an innovative enhancement for residents and visitors alike."
Beyond acting as digital Yellow Pages, these kiosks will reportedly rake in some cash for the city and the Downtown San Diego Partnership. Advertising space on the kiosks is expected to generate $15 million for the City of San Diego and an additional $7 million for the Partnership. But how much do they cost? That information has not been revealed to the public.
The first IKE kiosk has been installed at Fourth Avenue and B Street, near the Downtown San Diego Partnership's office. Over the next two years, 50 more will be strategically placed across neighborhoods like the Columbia District, East Village, Marina District, Cortez, and the Convention Center District.
While the kiosks might seem like a tech-savvy upgrade to Downtown, let's be honest: they're essentially gigantic smart phones you can't put in your pocket. Whether you see them as a futuristic step forward or just the world's most overachieving GPS, they're here to stay - so why not swipe right on Downtown's newest (and largest) tech trend?
While the kiosks might seem like a tech-savvy upgrade to Downtown, let's be honest: they're essentially gigantic smart phones you can't put in your pocket. Whether you see them as a futuristic step forward or just the world's most overachieving GPS, they're here to stay - so why not swipe right on Downtown's newest (and largest) tech trend?
