Development of non-keyboard input device checklists through assessments.
An assessment of non-keyboard input devices (NKID) was conducted to identify factors for good design in relation to operation, performance and comfort. Twenty-seven NKID users, working in health and safety, evaluated eight devices that included mice, trackballs and a joystick mouse. The factors considered important for good design were: (1) comfortable hand and finger position, (2) adequate control, (3) intuitive and easy to use, (4) ease of device, button and trackball movement, (5) good interaction with software, (6) provision of suitable accessories. Mice were rated more favourably than trackballs or the joystick mouse. The design of the standard 2-button mouse (D4) was considered most desirable to use; the 3-button mouse (D1) and 3-button curved mouse (D8) were also favoured. Assessment data and comments were drawn together with previously published research to produce useful tools for NKID purchasing (i.e. Device Purchasing Checklist) and assessment (i.e. Device Assessment Checklist).
Woods
Valerie
V
Robens Centre for Health Ergonomics, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7TE, UK. v.woods@surrey.ac.uk
Hastings
Sarah
S
Buckle
Peter
P
Haslam
Roger
R
D000328:Adult; D016287:Computer Peripherals; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D004867:Equipment Design; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires