An information kiosk needs to fit in with the surroundings so it doesn't look oddly out of place. It also needs to be the perfect fit for the intended purpose and communication format-providing maps, brochures, info at trail-heads and parks, displaying public notices and zoning violations, housing electronics and videos at shopping centers and downtown tourist areas. Cheap foam and board kiosks won't compliment the theme in those settings and just won't last.

An information system is a combination of hardware, software, and telecommunication networks that are built to collect, create and distribute useful data towards another organizational setting. While that definition might sound very technical, in short, it means that an information system is a system that effectively gathers information and redistributes it.
Information kiosks are an embodiment of that concept, acting as an intermediary by gathering data on relevant information and presenting it in a more digestible format for the consumer. This data is then taken so it can be analyzed to assist consumers and individuals with products and services that are more relevant to their specific needs, helping to streamline more monotonous tasks in their lives.

Health-Healthcare uses information kiosks to assist with patient check-in, to track patient health records and in other cases, to handle payments. This frees up the staff to assist with more urgent matters.

Hospitality-Hospitality utilizes information kiosks to present services or nearby attractions to their guests. They are also used to book rooms or reservations for services like the spa or gym.  

Education/Schools-Information kiosks at schools are used for scheduling, WAYFINDING and for cataloging pertinent information such as school transfers or application assistance.

Government-Government services such as the DMV or Post Office employ information kiosks to help with scheduling needs and for tracking packages. 

Retail-Information kiosks are utilized by retail to advertise currently trending products to draw more attention towards said product. They are also employed to allow consumers the ability to check the availability of an individual product on their own without asking an employee.

Fast Food-Fast food or Quick service restaurants utilize information kiosks to advertise trending products as well as allow an individual to place an order on their own so that it is ready for them by the time they finish queuing from the line.

Corporate-Corporate companies use information kiosks to assist their employees and other service workers with way-finding in their large corporate offices. Since many of these campuses are so large, it is quite easy to get lost, hence why kiosks are placed to ensure no one is lost. They are also useful for allowing contractors to sign in without the need for a secretary.