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I am in contact with a keyboard manufacturer and discussing the value of
the integrated numeric keypad. I would like to collect as many thoughts
and opinions as possible on this matter (see below). Would you please
help by responding directly to me (and not to the mailing list that might
be being used). I will post summary results to the lists.
Thanks in Advance,
Scott
Scott Wright, MS Human Factors & Ergonomics
CTD Resource Network - http://www.tifaq.com/ctdrn
ctdrn@@tifaq.com or ergo@inreach.com
***********************************************************
Background:
My Masters Thesis showed the numeric keypad is only used about 4% of the
time (as I best remember). Short keyboards exist without keypads (or
optional, separate unit), and other keyboards imbed the keypad into the
right-hand key section. It is assumed that part of the problem with
pointing devices is the long reach to them and that elimination of the
numeric keypad would allow pointing devices to be placed closer, and
thus be less stressful to use. Mice "Bridges" are even available that
fit over the keypad to mouse on.
Question:
The general questions of interest are:
Does the current level of numeric keypad use justify its integration
into the keyboard?
Would having a separate, optional numeric keypad be acceptable or better
than an integrated one?
Would having the numeric keypad imbedded in the right hand key section
be an acceptable compromise?
Any other thoughts on the topic?
Thanks - KSW
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