Comments
Reference
Performance optimizations of virtual keyboards for stroke-based text entry on a touch-based tabletop
Jochen Rick, The Open University
UIST 2010 - New York
Summary
Entering text into devices without physical keyboards can be difficult. A common method for text entry is the use of shape writing, where the user strokes through the letters of the word without lifting their finger, in order to input text into a device. This paper investigated the keyboard layouts which would be optimal for text entry using the shape writing method. A large review of keyboard history and various types of keyboard was given. Additionally, the author performed two user studies to determine the optimal keyboard design. Based on Fitt’s law the author constructed a model of stroking through multiple points. This model was later used to evaluate the effectiveness of various keyboard designs. The results indicate that the typical QWERTY keyboard gives a 17.3% increase in speed, while the OPTI II gives 29.5%. The author concludes by saying it is unlikely this keyboard will gain widespread acceptance.
Analysis
This paper was a great survey of keyboard technology and an interesting study of new shape writing methods. The author performed his analysis thoroughly and fully. While, I don’t see this new keyboard design becoming used by mainstream users, I think having it as an option would be nice. I also appreciate the author’s concession that most people will continue to use the QWERTY keyboard despite it not being the most efficient. I do share the optimism that since we are using more and more software keyboards it may become easier for users to try out a new keyboard and eventually switch to it.
I do like the idea of having more efficient keyboard designs available, but I agree that most people will keep using QWERTY, since the overhead for learning a new keyboard layout makes it seem harder to use.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this would have trouble getting into the mainstream of users
ReplyDeleteI'd agree with you Shena. Look at DOVARK, it's been around for a while and has been proven to bring an increase in speed. However QWERTY is still around since no one wants to manufacture new keywords or learn a new keyboard layout.
ReplyDeleteI think making people learn a new keyboard will never happen. Many things in technology become popular when people find it out by themselves and then realize it is useful. getting something like this for mainstream is almost impossible.
ReplyDeleteThe thing with "better" keyboard layouts than QWERTY is they can only help you when you are thinking faster than you can type. That doesn't apply as broadly as it might seem to.
ReplyDelete