Analysis of alternative keyboards using learning curves.

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Ergonomics
• Usability Engineering

Background:

• Alternative keyboards offer ergonomic advantages over traditional QWERTY designs.
• Productivity challenges may limit the adoption of alternative keyboards.
• Understanding learning curves is crucial for evaluating ergonomic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify learning percentages for four alternative keyboards: chord, contoured split, Dvorak, and split fixed-angle.
• To assess the impact of physical, cognitive, and perceptual demands on keyboard learning.
• To compare the learning efficiency of alternative keyboards against conventional designs.

Main Methods:

• Sixteen participants repeatedly typed a standard text passage on each alternative keyboard.
• Task completion times were recorded to calculate learning percentages.
• Subjective ratings of physical, cognitive, and perceptual demands were collected and correlated with learning outcomes.

Main Results:

• The split fixed-angle keyboard demonstrated a significantly higher learning percentage (90.4%) than chord (77.3%), contoured split (76.9%), and Dvorak (79.1%) keyboards.
• Initial task completion times on alternative keyboards were substantially longer than the conventional QWERTY keyboard (40s).
• The split fixed-angle keyboard required primarily physical learning, while others involved a mix of physical and cognitive learning.

Conclusions:

• Productivity decrements are overcome more rapidly with split fixed-angle and contoured split keyboards.
• Dvorak and chord keyboards require longer adaptation periods for users to regain productivity.
• Learning dynamics, including physical and cognitive components, are key factors in alternative keyboard usability and adoption.