Christy Harper

Are there Differences in Force Exposures and Typing Productivity between Touchscreen and Conventional Keyboard

As the use of tablets is becoming increasingly prevalent, it is important to understand how using a touchscreen (virtual) keyboard affects typing forces, productivity and comfort. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate whether there were differences in typing forces, typing productivity and users’ discomfort between virtual and conventional keyboards. A total of 19 subjects (10 males and 9 females) typed for 10 minutes on a virtual keyboard and two conventional keyboards. The results showed that virtual keyboard use resulted in lower typing forces (p < 0.0001), lower typing performance (p < 0.0001), and higher subjective discomfort at the hand/wrist and the neck/shoulder (p < 0.0001). The results indicate that using a virtual keyboard may not cause any detrimental effect on physical exposures, but may increase musculoskeletal discomfort on the upper extremities and neck/shoulder regions; therefore, appropriate interventions should be considered for the prolonged use of a virtual keyboard.

The effects of touch screen virtual keyboard key sizes on typing performance, typing biomechanics and muscle activity

The goal of the present study was to determine whether different touch screen virtual keyboard key sizes affected typing productivity, typing forces, and muscle activity. In a repeated-measures laboratory experiment with 21 subjects, typing speed, accuracy, muscle activity, and typing forces were measured and compared between four different key sizes: 13x13, 16x16, 19x19, and 22x22 mm. The results showed that 13 mm keyboard had a 15% slower typing speed (p < 0.0001) and slightly higher static (10th %tile) shoulder muscle activity (2%, p = 0.01) as compared to the other keyboards with larger keys. The slower typing speed and slightly higher shoulder muscle activity indicated that 13 mm keyboard may be less optimal for touch typing compared to the larger key sizes.

Low Profile Keyboard Design The Effect of Physical Key Characteristics On Typing Productivity and User Preference

The growing usage of tablets and the introduction of ultrabooks have increased consumer demands for smaller, lighter, sleeker, and more mobile devices. With computing technologies gravitating towards thinner designs, there is increased pressure to reduce key travel in order to accommodate the reduced thickness. It is important to understand how reductions in key travel may affect users’ performance and preferences. The main goal of this study was to examine how physical key characteristics affect user performance and preference on various computer keyboards. Four keyboards varying in key travel distances from 0.0 mm to 2.0 mm were compared. Participants completed a 7-minute typing task on each of the four keyboards. Typing performance (speed and accuracy) was collected for each of the keyboards. The results showed that words per minute were higher with the 1.6 mm and 2.0 mm keyboards and lower with the 0.4 mm and 0.0 mm keyboards. The 0.0 mm keyboard had a lower accuracy than the other three keyboards. Performance and usability ratings were significantly lower for the 0.0 mm keyboard compared with the other keyboards. Overall, both subjective and objective measures of performance and usability showed that the1.6 mm keyboard was preferred.

How Well Do People Rate Their Performance With Different Cursor Settings

Users have many different reasons to choose one product over another and may not be fully aware of why. Understanding these reasons could help Human Factors professionals enhance the user experience by influencing design. In this study, we compared users’ subjective ratings of their performances to their actual performances to examine their ability to evaluate their performance during a point and click task using a clickpad. We used seven notebook computers and adjusted the cursor speeds in the control panel. The experimental design is within subjects with two within-group cursor speed conditions, slow and fast. Results indicate that participants are not able to accurately rank their performance on this task.

Examining 3-D Technologies in Laptop Displays

As 3-D content migrates to the laptop, it is important to understand if customers can perceive quality differences between the 3-D technologies and to know if they feel any discomfort with close-up viewing of 3-D displays. In this study, we compared the quality and viewing comfort of active, passive, and autostereoscopic (glasses-free) 3-D displays. We found that participants were able to discern differences in 3-D quality and comfort on laptop computer displays in realistic viewing conditions within a short period. Although the active and passive displays were comparable, the autostereoscopic display was rated lower in quality and viewing comfort.

Designing Wayfinding Systems for Hospitals

Wayfinding can be defined as the process of understanding where you are, determining where you need to go, understanding your optimal route and recognizing when you have arrived (Carpman & Grant, 1993). Wayfinding aids in complex environments, like medical-care facilities, are necessary for patients and visitors to find their destinations in a quick and efficient manner. Wayfinding in complex environments has been shown to cause stress for newcomers, even with the assistance of aids (Passini, 1992). Wayfinding aids have evolved from the use of signs and environmental cues to now include the use of technology such as interactive touchscreen displays and kiosks (Tuzun, Telli & Allir, 2016). The purpose of these interactive wayfinding displays is to simplify the process of wayfinding however, as with any technology if an aid does not provide the support expected users will abandon the technology (Reimer-Reiss & Wacker, 2000). Hospitals are now investing in facility-wide interactive navigation systems to complement traditional wayfinding aids. If patients and visitors do not find a system effective for their intended purpose, this creates an economic loss for the medical-care facilities who invest in an ultimately rejected technology (Johnson, Johnson, & Zhang, 2005). This research began with an examination of the usability and effectiveness of three large hospitals’ interactive, touchscreen, wayfinding interfaces. Participants were recruited onsite from each of three major hospitals and completed various tasks using the wayfinding display in their hospital. The researchers visited the hospital beforehand to review the system, and later developed 5 tasks to be performed on each system. The tasks included, basic navigation to destinations within the hospital, comprehension of orientation in the environment, accessing help, locating relevant information, utilizing the search function and navigating through the hospital based on the route and directions provided. Errors and issues consistently observed were organized and developed into insights and recommendations to aid in future design. Following the tasks, participants were administered the Systems Usability Scale (Brooke, 1996), as well as a survey assessing general demographic information. Many usability issues were discovered and the SUS scores reflected that. The SUS scores were normalized to create letter grades (Bangor, Kortum and Miller.2008). Hospitals received scores of 57.1(D), 56.7 (D), and 35.4 (F). We found basic heuristics were often overlooked, such as classifying information according to user expectations, including a universal search, minimizing unnecessary on-screen information, adhering to platform standards, presenting visual aids effectively, and orienting navigation information effectively. The wayfinding systems should not be an afterthought in the design process of multi-building environments. Incorporation of user centered design principles and requiring the evaluations of users in the development of wayfinding systems are needed. Beyond usability, the key learning is that the wayfinding systems cannot be created in a vacuum, rather the interface, the placement of the wayfinding system and the environment of the hospital must be considered. The wayfinding information should complement the environmental information such as color coding, landmarks, room and elevator labeling and signage.

I’m Lost: An Evaluation of an Interactive Wayfinding System

The integration of interactive wayfinding systems, alongside traditional signage and static map displays, has become an increasing trend in hospitals. These systems are aimed at increasing convenience for visitors while lessening the burden on employees often tasked with helping visitors get to their destination. However, in order for an interactive system to be useful, it should first be usable, with a design tailored to the users’ needs, expectations and cognitive abilities. Previous research has consistently demonstrated the difficulty users often experience with these systems, hindering rather than enhancing their ability to get where they need to go.

Exploring the Optimal Number of Trials and Participants for Touchpad Testing Using Fitts-based Tasks

With touchpads being the primary input device for many laptop users, the importance of ensuring that laptops have the most functional touchpad has continued to grow. Human Factors practitioners are often tasked with ensuring that touchpads are accurate and efficient input devices. Tasks based on Fitts law to assess point and click performance are commonly used for testing touchpads, however there does not seem to be a widely used standard regarding the number of trials and participants. Testing with more trials and participants than necessary can be time consuming and costly for industry practitioners. This research explored varied numbers of participants and Fitts task trials with the goal of determining the optimal practices to maximize efficiency. Preliminary results indicate that when testing performance with a multidirectional Fitts test, twelve participants is acceptable for device comparison with at least 48 trials. For a sample size of 24 participants, there is evidence to support reducing the number of trials to 24. Implications for examining other testing scenarios for optimal sample size and trial number with the prescribed methodology are discussed.

Fork in the Road Deciding Between Academia and Industry

The most daunting question of any graduate student may be the decision to pursue an academic or industry career path. Considering the capabilities of a HF/E graduates, both options can provide a very fulfilling career. However, making this decision can have lifelong ramifications resulting in potential anxiety. This discussion panel is aimed at assisting those currently embedded in this decision. Interactive discussions will include what is expected of recent graduates in these careers paths, how one tailors their graduate careers, and how one might determine best career fit.

Arrow Key Configurations on Laptop Keyboards: Performance and User Preference of the Inverted-T and Modified-T Layout

Over the years, many configurations of the navigation arrow keys have been developed and implemented. As laptops have become smaller, keyboard sizes have followed suit. Consequently, arrow key configurations have been looked at to help free up real estate on the keyboard. The most common configuration currently is the inverted-T; however, the modified-T is being investigated as a possible solution to provide more space on laptop keyboards. This study sought to understand how the inverted-T and the modified-T compare in terms of performance and user preference. Performance was defined by accuracy and speed of use on a series of tasks, where accuracy was measured by number of errors and speed was measured by task completion time. User preference was evaluated using the System Usability Scale. Results showed that user performance and preference did not differ significantly between the two keyboard designs. This has practical implications for laptop keyboard design.