Abstract
This study designed an alternative Chinese keyboard layout for single-digit typists and evaluated the efficacy of this innovative layout design. The new eight row by five column keyboard layout was designed based on the principles of alternative keyboard design. Eight college students with proficient keyboarding were involved in this study. The repeated measurement experimental design was used to compare the speed and accuracy of keystroke among the four different keyboard patterns: QWERTY, Alternative, Revised-QWERTY, and Random-Alternative. The experimental results indicated that the subjects’ typing speed is fastest when utilizing the QWERTY layout (63.86 symbols/minute), followed by the Alternative (56.02 symbols/minute), Revised QWERTY (53.39 symbols/minute) and the Random-Alternative keyboard (49.94 symbols/minute). There is no significant difference among QWERTY, Alternative, Revised-QWERTY, and Random-Alternative layouts on the subjects’ typing accuracy. The possible causes of the unpredicted results and suggestions for further studies were discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Anson, D., George, S., Gallup, R., Shea, B., Vetter, R.: Efficiency of the Chubon versus the QWERTY keyboard. Journal of Assistive Technology 13, 40–45 (2001)
Chen, M.C.: The study of teaching individuals with mental retardation to learn Da-Yi input method. Bulletin of Special Education 19, 195–214 (2000)
Chen, M.C., Wang, H.P., Wang-Chen, L.C.: Research on teaching Da-Yi Chinese keyboarding by using adaptive input interface. In: Proceedings of International Conference on Computers in Education, Taipei, vol. 8, pp. 535–541 (2000)
Chubon, R.A., Hester, M.R.: An enhanced standard computer keyboard system for single-finger and typing-stick typing. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development 25(4), 17–24 (1988)
Cook, A.M., Hussey, S.M. (eds.): Assistive technology: Principles and practice, 2nd edn. Mosby, Baltimore (2002)
Hurlburt, M., Ottenbacher, K.J.: An examination of direct selection typing rate and accuracy for persons with high spinal cord injury using QWERTY and default on-screen keyboards. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development 29(4), 54–63 (1992)
Hsieh, M.C., Luo, C.H.: Morse code text typing training of a teenager with cerebral palsy using a six-switch Morse keyboard. Technology and Disability 10(3), 169–173 (1999)
Kroemer, K.H.E.: Keyboards and keying: An annotated bibliography of the literature from 1878 to 1999. Universal Access in the Information Society 1, 99–160 (2001)
Shih, K.K., Lin, C.C.: A quantitative model for designing keyboard layout. Perceptual and Motor Skill 88, 113–125 (1999)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2006 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this paper
Cite this paper
Chen, MC., Wu, TF. (2006). An Alternative Chinese Keyboard Layout Design for Single-Digit Typists. In: Miesenberger, K., Klaus, J., Zagler, W.L., Karshmer, A.I. (eds) Computers Helping People with Special Needs. ICCHP 2006. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 4061. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/11788713_134
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/11788713_134
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-36020-9
Online ISBN: 978-3-540-36021-6
eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)