title: User-centered design and evaluation of a next generation fixed-split ergonomic keyboard.
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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA. hughmcloone4@gmail.com
authors.forename: Hugh E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: McLoone
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jacobson
authors.forename: Chau
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hegg
authors.forename: Peter W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D016288:Computer Terminals; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000379:methods*; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011187:Posture; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D055815:Young Adult