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Hershey Museum's 'one-of-a-kind' kiosk combines high-tech with steampunk

July 19, 2013

The Hershey Story Museum today unveiled an interactive kiosk designed to personalize the experience for visitors.

But instead of the basic computer-in-a-box or touchscreen enclosure, the Xplor-O-Scope is a twisting 10-foot-tall behemoth, with gears and tubing and five screens for interaction. It prompts guests to answer various questions about how they are like Milton Hershey and then issues them a photo passport with suggestions on what exhibits might interest them the most.

Hershey Story Museum Director Amy Bischof said the machine is "a truly one-of-a-kind mechanical wonder that will have visitors turning valves and pulling levers to create a personalized adventure that will add new meaning to their Hershey Story visit."

The kiosk was designed by Hummelstown, Pa., native Kurt Stoner and his firm Stoner Graphics. Stoner said the challenge with the kiosk was making sure the mechanics interacted properly with the software, which was designed by BPI in Boston.

"We've had our share of challenging design assignments over the years, but never anything quite like the Xplor-O-Scope," Stoner said. "Milton Hershey himself was the inspiration while developing the design. He was always innovating and creating unique mechanical devices for his chocolate company."

Read more about custom kiosks.