Ergonomic Keyboard Layout Designed for the Filipino Language

Abstract

The Philippines is a developing country and computers have become an essential component in everyday activities. However, prolonged exposure to keyboard typing may result to Repetitive Strain Injury. In this study, a keyboard layout was designed and generated specifically for the Filipino language using Carpalx. Applying its typing effort model, the model parameters were determined by acquiring language data from a Filipino corpus of 10 million words and by gathering finger strength. Quantitative comparative analyses were performed to assess the efficiency of the generated layouts in comparison with other existing keyboards. Results showed a decrease in total typing effort and suggest that a layout designed for the Filipino language may be developed that will be more fitting than the existing QWERTY. Usability testing may be performed to further justify the results of this study.

Appendices

Appendix A: Definition of Terminologies

1.1 A. 1 Conventional Typing Technique and Hand Placement

(see Fig. 4)

Fig. 4

The figure illustrates the conventional typing technique and hand placement

Appendix B: Keyboard Layouts

B.1

(see Fig. 5)

Fig. 5

Heuristic keyboard layout

B.2

(see Fig. 6)

Fig. 6

Heuristic—ZXCV keyboard layout

B.3

(see Fig. 7)

Fig. 7

Optimized QWERTY keyboard layout

B.4

(see Fig. 8)

Fig. 8

Optimized QWERTY—ZXCV keyboard layout

B.5

(see Fig. 9)

Fig. 9

Optimized Heuristic keyboard layout

B.6

(see Fig. 10).

Fig. 10

Optimized Heuristic—ZXCV keyboard layout