Keyboard Design Variables Evaluated during Dual-Task Mode Selection

Abstract

Research was performed to determine the optimal and desirable qualities of a keyboard interfaced with a remote display. The keyboards were two 3 − 3 keyboards, one with buttons 5.16 mm in diameter and the other 12.7 mm square. The experimental task involved subjects centering a set of crosshairs on a cursor on a CRT (with their right hand), while simultaneously selecting modes (with their left hand) on the keyboards without observing the keyboards. The experimental design was as follows: (1) two keyboards; (2) three orientations of the keyboard (0, 15 and 35 degrees) from the horizontal and (3) with and without gloves (approved Air Force flight gloves). This design was conducted as a 3 − 2 − 2 repeated measures factorial design. Performance measures were response time on the keyboards, selection errors on the keyboard and tracking scores.

Results of this study indicate that mean response time was found to be significantly lower on the large keyboard when examining both keyboards as a whole and with and without gloves. However, error rate was not found to be a significant factor across conditions. In addition, tracking scores were found to be significant; the tracking only versus the combined task condition. No specific angle was found to be significant, but pilots had a preference for the 15 degree (75%) over the other two keyboards. Thus the results of this study indicate the use of the enlarged keyboard in the 15 degree orientation when using gloves.