Login with your phone and a code?

I hear you saying you want to run headless… and this is way out of WordPress support but…

As an alternative have you thought about using a touch screen with the touch screens ‘keyboard’ remapped to just the navigation buttons? That’s sort of the way touch screen is done on an ATM or Kiosk.

Or a mechanically ‘sabotaged’ keyboard with just certain buttons bought out to the front? Or even a button set from an ATM through an I/O board to wake that up and then deal with navigation. Maybe spend some time looking through a Digikey catalog or something for a self-stick button set or mini keyboard.

I used to know of a freelancer who created mobile APPs at a decent price. You might find someone like that elsewhere and talk with him about your idea. Keep in mind these are computers running this stuff. Highly programmable. Most anything can be done if you’re willing to spend some time thinking ‘out of the box’ and maybe some money.

As a second aside here. Most modern ATMS have dual screens and monitors… some of those run on KDM extenders off in other rooms and such. Take advantage of those products if they might help you.

And a third aside… most of that ‘public’ facing UI equipment is pricy but hardened to tolerate much abuse if that’s your intent.