Authoring system for computer-based

In a kiosk system having a plurality of kiosks for displaying information from a database of information provided by a plurality of information providers, wherein each kiosk includes a display monitor for the display of information to a user and an associated microprocessor for controlling the retrieval and display of information, a method for defining custom interface screens for an individual kiosk comprising the steps of:

• providing a plurality of pre-defined element types, each element type defining a form of element available for presentation on said custom interface screen and each element type having a plurality of attributes associated therewith wherein each said attribute may be assigned a value in a pre-defined attribute range;
• selecting a plurality of elements to be displayed on said custom interface screen, said plurality of elements being selected from said plurality of predefined elements types, said predefined plurality of elements including at least one activation type;
• assigning values to the attributes associated with each of said selected elements, said attributes values being assigned within said predefined attribute ranges,
• wherein said selected elements on said display screen are subject to a predefined set of constraints determined by said pre-defined element types and said associated attribute values and attribue ranges, whereby the aggregate layout of said plurality of selected elements on said display screen will be aesthetically pleasing and functionally operable for effective delivery of information to a kiosk user;
• associating content bearing data with each of said selected elements, wherein said content bearing data associated with at least a portion of said selected elements is derived from said information providers;
• and
• linking said at least one selected activation type to an action.