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Design and evaluation of a curved computer keyboard

2009; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 52; Issue: 12 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/00140130903215321

1366-5847

Hugh McLoone, Melissa Jacobson, Peter Clark, Ryan Opina, Chau Hegg, Peter W. Johnson,

Effects of Vibration on Health

Abstract Conventional, straight keyboards remain the most popular design among keyboards sold and used with personal computers despite the biomechanical benefits offered by alternative keyboard designs. Some typists indicate that the daunting medical device-like appearance of these alternative 'ergonomic' keyboards is the reason for not purchasing an alternative keyboard design. The purpose of this research was to create a new computer keyboard that promoted more neutral postures in the wrist while maintaining the approachability and typing performance of a straight keyboard. The design process created a curved alphanumeric keyboard, designed to reduce ulnar deviation, and a built-in, padded wrist-rest to reduce wrist extension. Typing performance, wrist postures and perceptions of fatigue when using the new curved keyboard were compared to those when using a straight keyboard design. The curved keyboard reduced ulnar deviation by 2.2° ± 0.7 (p < 0.01). Relative to the straight keyboard without a built-in wrist-rest, the prototype curved keyboard with the built-in padded wrist-rest reduced wrist extension by 6.3° ± 1.2 (p < 0.01). There were no differences in typing speed or accuracy between keyboards. Perceived fatigue ratings were significantly lower in the hands, forearms and shoulders with the curved keyboard. The new curved keyboard achieved its design goal of reducing discomfort and promoting more neutral wrist postures while not compromising users' preferences and typing performance. Keywords: wrist postureergonomicsperformancecomfortproductivity Acknowledgements Thanks to industrial designers, model makers and product planners: Greg Jones, Stiven Kerestegian, Dick Compton, Vince Jesus, Seiya Ohta and Abid Saifee. Hugh McLoone is presently at Akamai Insights. Peter Clark is presently at Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Ryan Opina is presently at Nokia, Richmond, BC, Canada. Experiment 3 was supported by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Educational Resource Centre Training Grant T42/CCT010418, the Washington State Medical Aid and Accident Fund administered by the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences at the University of Washington and Microsoft Corporation.