An Ergonomic Computer Keyboard for Conventional, Straight Keyboard Users: Ergonomic Research in Generative Product Design

2005 ◽  
Vol 49 (18) ◽  
pp. 1682-1685
Author(s):  
Hugh E. McLoone ◽  
Melissa Jacobson ◽  
Peter Clark ◽  
Ryan Opina
Keyword(s):  
Product Design ◽  
Personal Computer ◽  
Retail Sales ◽  
Ulnar Deviation ◽  
Computer Keyboard ◽  
The Masses

Straight, conventional keyboards are still the most popular design among those shipped with new personal computer sales and standalone keyboard retail sales. Many keyboard users are reluctant to switch to a more ergonomic keyboard – designs that reduce awkward wrist postures. Ergonomic research led to a design of a new keyboard providing more ergonomic benefit to the masses of conventional, straight keyboard users while being equally or even more preferred. The result was a keyboard: Microsoft Comfort Curve ® Keyboard, designed with a subtle split angle of 12° (instead of 24° of traditional ergonomic keyboards), extending the keys' sizes within this split. The design goals were to reduce ulnar deviation and to maintain approachability and typing performance.

Effects of Computer Keyboard Setup Parameters and User's Anthropometric Characteristics on Wrist Deviation and Typing Efficiency

1998 ◽  
Vol 42 (12) ◽  
pp. 876-880 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard W. Marklin ◽  
Guy G. Simoneau ◽  
David Hoffman
Keyword(s):  
Separation Distance ◽  
Opening Angle ◽  
Ulnar Deviation ◽  
Left Wrist ◽  
Anthropometric Characteristics ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Computer Keyboard ◽  
The Right ◽  
Neutral Posture ◽  
Speed And Accuracy

Two questions that computer keyboard operators face when using keyboards that can be separated into halves (split keyboards) are at what angle should the keyboard halves be opened and at what distance should the keyboard halves be placed apart. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the opening angle and separation distance between halves of a split keyboard on wrist radial/ulnar deviation and typing efficiency. Eleven experienced typists participated in this study and typed on a split keyboard configured in the following four arrangements. 1. The keyboard halves were setup the same way as a conventional keyboard. 2. The keyboard halves were contiguous but angled, based on the user's anthropometry, to maintain a theoretical neutral posture of the user's wrists in the radial/ulnar plane. 3. The keyboard halves were separated at a fixed distance of 20 cm, and the halves were angled to maintain a theoretical neutral posture of the user's wrists in the radial/ulnar plane. 4. The keyboard halves were separated at a distance equal to the user's shoulder width, and the halves were parallel to each other, resulting in a theoretical neutral posture of the user's wrists in the radial/ulnar plane. The findings from testing these four keyboard configurations are the following: 1. The mean ulnar deviations from the alternative configurations of the split keyboard (configurations 2, 3, and 4 above) ranged from 7.0 to 8.4 for the left wrist and 2.7 to 5 deg. for the right wrist. There were no significant differences in ulnar deviations among the three alternative configurations. 2. The three alternative configurations resulted in ulnar deviation of both wrists that were significantly less than ulnar deviation from typing on the conventional setup (configuration 1 above). The mean ulnar deviations from the conventional setup were 18.9 deg. for the left wrist and 14.2 deg. for the right wrist. 3. There were no significant differences in typing speed and accuracy between the alternative and conventional configurations.

A Structure-Based Approach to Measuring Adaptability of Product Design

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. Y. Shao ◽  
Q. Cheng ◽  
G. J. Zhang ◽  
P. G. Li ◽  
P. H. Gu
Keyword(s):  
Product Design ◽  
Personal Computer ◽  
Quantitative Measurement ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
New Method ◽  
Design Reuse ◽  
Functional Modules ◽  
Innovative Design ◽  
Adaptable Design ◽  
Two Indices

Adaptable design aims to extend the utilities of designs and products. Adaptability is classified into product and design adaptabilities. Product adaptability indicates that functionality and life can be extended for both economical and environmental benefits. Design adaptability improves design reuse by using existing designs to develop new designs more efficiently. To evaluate adaptable design, it is necessary to develop a method for quantitative measurement of the adaptability of products. A new method has been developed that first analyzes the independencies of functions and functional modules and then evaluates the adaptability of interfaces with two indices, as well as the performances of adaptive requirements. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by an illustrative example of personal computer motherboards. The results show that the method can evaluate and reveal product adaptability for improving design and providing innovative design.

A Comparison of Three Pointing Devices: Mouse, Cursor Keys, and a Keyboard-Integrated Pushbutton

1992 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 303-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
David F. Loricchio
Keyword(s):  
Personal Computer ◽  
Computer Users ◽  
Mouse Cursor ◽  
Pointing Device ◽  
Computer Keyboard

The IBM Design Center in Boca Raton studied an integrated pointing device for a personal computer keyboard. The device, a pushbutton, is a flat, round button that tilts and moves the cursor in the direction of tilt. We wanted to know if this device would be acceptable to computer users. Twelve participants used the pushbutton, a mouse, and the cursor movement keys to select targets and edit text. Participants without previous mouse experience hit significantly more targets with the pushbutton than with the mouse. Participants with previous mouse experience performed significantly better on both tasks with the mouse, and preferred the mouse over the pushbutton and the cursor keys. Several participants said that the pushbutton was too sensitive and difficult to control. The results suggest: 1. The pushbutton tested in this study would not be acceptable to users; 2. The pushbutton operation could be more accurate if the force-to-motion mapping were improved.

scholarly journals Effect of Setup Configurations of Split Computer Keyboards on Wrist Angle

2001 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 1038-1048 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard W Marklin ◽  
Guy G Simoneau
Keyword(s):  
Physical Therapists ◽  
Separation Distance ◽  
Opening Angle ◽  
Upper Limbs ◽  
Ulnar Deviation ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Computer Keyboard ◽  
Set Up

Abstract Background and Purpose. Alternative computer keyboards whose halves can be slanted toward each other can reduce a risk factor (ulnar deviation) for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) affecting the upper limbs. Two questions that computer keyboard operators face when using keyboards that can be separated into halves (split keyboards) are: (1) At what angle should the keyboard halves be opened? and (2) At what distance apart should the keyboard halves be placed? The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the opening angle and separation distance between halves of a split keyboard on wrist ulnar deviation and typing efficiency. Methods. Eleven experienced computer keyboard operators participated in this study and used a split keyboard that was set up in a conventional (nonsplit) format and also in 3 alternative configurations: (1) centers of keyboard halves were separated at 20-cm distance, (2) keyboard halves were separated half of the distance of shoulder width, and (3) keyboard halves were separated at shoulder width distance. Results. The 3 alternative configurations resulted in ulnar deviation of both wrists that were less than ulnar deviation from typing on a conventional setup. There were no differences in ulnar deviations among the 3 alternative configurations. Discussion and Conclusion. The results of this research provide physical therapists and ergonomists with a set of configurations of a split keyboard that they can recommend to their patients or clients. All of the alternative configurations of the split keyboard are beneficial in promoting a neutral wrist position, which theoretically would decrease exposure to WMSDs such as tenosynovitis in the wrist and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Effect of Split and Vertically-Inclined Computer Keyboards on Wrist and Forearm Posture

1997 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 642-646 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard W. Marklin ◽  
Guy G. Simoneau ◽  
John F. Monroe
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Neutral Position ◽  
Ulnar Deviation ◽  
Occupational Risk Factor ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Computer Keyboard ◽  
The Right ◽  
Neutral Posture

The significant findings from this study of 90 clerical subjects, whose forearm and wrist posture were measured while they typed on three alternative QWERTY computer keyboard designs, are the following: 1) when setup correctly, commercially-available split QWERTY keyboards reduced mean ulnar deviation of the right and left wrists from approximately 12 deg. to within 5 deg. of a neutral position compared to a conventional QWERTY keyboard. 2) with at least a 30 deg. tilt of the keyboard halves, a commercially-available vertically-inclined QWERTY keyboard reduced mean pronation of the forearm by approximately 20 deg. compared to a conventional QWERTY computer keyboard (60 to 40 deg.) The finding that split keyboards place the wrist closer to a neutral posture in the radial/ulnar plane substantially reduces one occupational risk factor of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), namely ulnar deviation of the wrist. The finding that vertically-inclined keyboards reduce forearm pronation substantially is advantageous, at least theoretically, to the keyboard user. However, since the origins of WMSDs, which include carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and tenosynovitis, tend to be multifactorial, the extent to which split keyboards or vertically-inclined keyboards could reduce the frequency or severity of WMSDs is unknown.

Exploration of the Hakka Traditional Ware Design From Product View

2013 ◽  
Vol 651 ◽  
pp. 553-558
Author(s):  
Jin Fa Huang ◽  
Yang Jiang ◽  
Jin Xia Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Product Design ◽  
Traditional Culture ◽  
Regional Culture ◽  
Modern Design ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
Traditional Conception ◽  
Traditional Design ◽  
Design Activities ◽  
National Characteristic ◽  
The Masses

The culture included in Hakka traditional ware with theoretical and practical value for application was generalized on the basis of analyzing the traditional Hakka culture. The breakthrough point between traditional quintessential culture and modern design was explored from the angle of design. Varieties of Hakka shaping elements with vivid characteristics were found through Hakka traditional design elements, and incorporated into modern design to be a means to serve regional culture and economy. Meanwhile, we further analyzed the traditional conception of making wares for Hakka, and clarified its beneficial influence on developing spiritual and material civilization of Hakka. The development of modern product design and the association between the design elements of traditional Hakka wares and conception of making wares were pointed out to be not only the case of individual designers, but also involved the cooperation between designers and the masses. The Hakka traditional culture of ware design has important influence on promoting modern product design. To protect excellent traditional culture, propagandize and develop national characteristic culture, idiographic design activities must be done.

Automated Data Collection

1983 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 546-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J. Kennedy ◽  
James R. Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Human Factors ◽  
Product Design ◽  
Personal Computer ◽  
Current Literature ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Performance Data ◽  
Design Team ◽  
Automated Data Collection ◽  
Operator Performance

Human factors organizations frequently are requested to provide recommendations about design choices to a product design team. These recommendations should be based on operator performance data. However, in many cases the required information may not be present in the current literature and time and personnel resources may be limited. This paper describes how this problem has been solved by the Human Factors group in IBM at Boca Raton. We are using the IBM Personal Computer as a process controller for studies in our lab. This low cost tool facilitates the automation of studies which require the recording of data for subsequent analysis. The Personal Computer has also been used to analyze the data.

In situ irradiation effects studies in medium- and high-voltage TEM

1995 ◽  
Vol 53 ◽  
pp. 234-235
Author(s):  
Charles W. Allen
Keyword(s):  
Cross Section ◽  
Particle Flux ◽  
Threshold Value ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Irradiation Damage ◽  
Defect Complexes ◽  
Lattice Position ◽  
Electrons And Ions ◽  
The Masses

With respect to structural consequences within a material, energetic electrons, above a threshold value of energy characteristic of a particular material, produce vacancy-interstial pairs (Frenkel pairs) by displacement of individual atoms, as illustrated for several materials in Table 1. Ion projectiles produce cascades of Frenkel pairs. Such displacement cascades result from high energy primary knock-on atoms which produce many secondary defects. These defects rearrange to form a variety of defect complexes on the time scale of tens of picoseconds following the primary displacement. A convenient measure of the extent of irradiation damage, both for electrons and ions, is the number of displacements per atom (dpa). 1 dpa means, on average, each atom in the irradiated region of material has been displaced once from its original lattice position. Displacement rate (dpa/s) is proportional to particle flux (cm-2s-1), the proportionality factor being the “displacement cross-section” σD (cm2). The cross-section σD depends mainly on the masses of target and projectile and on the kinetic energy of the projectile particle.

Quantitative parallel EELS spectrum imaging developed as a new tool in AEM

1992 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 1202-1203
Author(s):  
Gianluigi Botton ◽  
Gilles L'espérance
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Spatial Resolution ◽  
Personal Computer ◽  
Systematic Study ◽  
Present Author ◽  
Chemical Elements ◽  
Detection Limits ◽  
Research Groups ◽  
Quantitative Performance ◽  
Spectrum Imaging

As interest for parallel EELS spectrum imaging grows in laboratories equipped with commercial spectrometers, different approaches were used in recent years by a few research groups in the development of the technique of spectrum imaging as reported in the literature. Either by controlling, with a personal computer both the microsope and the spectrometer or using more powerful workstations interfaced to conventional multichannel analysers with commercially available programs to control the microscope and the spectrometer, spectrum images can now be obtained. Work on the limits of the technique, in terms of the quantitative performance was reported, however, by the present author where a systematic study of artifacts detection limits, statistical errors as a function of desired spatial resolution and range of chemical elements to be studied in a map was carried out The aim of the present paper is to show an application of quantitative parallel EELS spectrum imaging where statistical analysis is performed at each pixel and interpretation is carried out using criteria established from the statistical analysis and variations in composition are analyzed with the help of information retreived from t/γ maps so that artifacts are avoided.

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