One of the most interesting/unique user interfaces for a train ticket machine I have used in a long time are ones you still occasionally see in French train stations [1].
Rather than a touch screen or buttons, you use a wheel much like the original ipod. To select an item you rotate the wheel, and then to confirm that selection you press the center button.
After a few times using it, I actually came to love its simplicity, you could scrub through train stations incredibly quickly, and with just those buttons (and a cancel button) you could complete the whole process of buying a ticket in less than 30 seconds.
In Paris, they had machines with a large vertical bar that you could roll to make a selection[1]. I found them much more comfortable to use than the newer(?) machines with a touch screen.
Rather than a touch screen or buttons, you use a wheel much like the original ipod. To select an item you rotate the wheel, and then to confirm that selection you press the center button.
After a few times using it, I actually came to love its simplicity, you could scrub through train stations incredibly quickly, and with just those buttons (and a cancel button) you could complete the whole process of buying a ticket in less than 30 seconds.
Sadly, I think these machines are on the way out.
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdjdsD1lWS8