The diversity of users’ cognitive skills remains the challenge of public information system interface design. In this paper, we focus on the universal interaction design method for public information systems like kiosks. We have developed a method with six steps based on the resources model. The method we proposed aims at reducing users’ cognitive load and enabling designers to optimize interface information. To validate this method, two prototypes were designed based on the method and a usability test was conducted to compare users’ cognitive load, performance and satisfaction between the designed prototypes and the current referencing system. Results show that, in contrast with the current reference system, prototypes we designed based on the proposed method can reduce user’s cognitive load, and enhance user’s performance and satisfaction.