Affiliations: Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA | 56seven8 design, Seattle, WA, USA | University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Hugh McLoone, Akamai Insights, LLC,
Bellevue, WA 98008, USA. Tel.: +425 681 0978; E-mail: hughmcloone4@gmail.com or
hugh@akamaiinsight.com
Abstract: Objective: Research has shown that fixed-split, ergonomic keyboards
lessen the pain and functional status in symptomatic individuals as well as
reduce the likelihood of developing musculoskeletal disorders in asymptomatic
typists over extended use. The goal of this study was to evaluate design
features to determine whether the current fixed-split ergonomic keyboard design
could be improved. Participants: Thirty-nine, adult-aged, fixed-split
ergonomic keyboard users were recruited to participate in one of three studies. Methods: First utilizing non-functional models and later a functional
prototype, three studies evaluated keyboard design features including: 1)
keyboard lateral inclination, 2) wrist rest height, 3) keyboard slope, and 4)
curved "gull-wing" key layouts. Results: The findings indicated that
keyboard lateral inclination could be increased from 8° to 14°;
wrist rest height could be increased up to 10 mm from current setting;
positive, flat, and negative slope settings were equally preferred and
facilitated greater postural variation; and participants preferred a new
gull-wing key layout. The design changes reduced forearm pronation and wrist
extension while not adversely affecting typing performance. Conclusions: This research demonstrated how iterative-evaluative, user-centered research
methods can be utilized to improve a product's design such as a fixed-split
ergonomic keyboard.
