Studies on hand-held visual communication device for the deaf and speech-impaired 2. Keyboard design

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Ergonomics
• Assistive Technology

Background:

• Traditional keyboard layouts may not be optimal for all users.
• Visual search performance is influenced by letter sequencing.
• Ergonomic considerations impact device operation efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate optimal keyboard letter arrangements for rapid visual search.
• To evaluate the efficiency of word-based letter arrangements.
• To determine the impact of key (space, shift) placement on operation speed.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of visual search performance with different letter sequences.
• Evaluation of keyboard operation efficiency based on key placement.
• Consideration of specialized needs for deaf-blind users.

Main Results:

• Alphabetic letter sequences of 4-5 letters in a row optimize visual search.
• Word-based arrangements offer memorization benefits and reduce interletter distances.
• Left-hand operation of space/shift keys is faster than right-hand operation.

Conclusions:

• Keyboard design can significantly enhance user performance.
• Optimized letter arrangements and ergonomic key placement are crucial.
• Tailored solutions, including tactual codes, can address specific user needs, such as those of the deaf-blind.