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Keyboard and mouse errors due to motor disabilities

Published: 01 February 1999 Publication History

Abstract

There are many people who find the standard computer input devices the keyboard and mouse difficult to use due to a motor disability. A number of keyboard and mouse configuration options designed to overcome physical difficulties exist. However, formal empirical evaluation of such facilities is rare. There is, in fact, little data available on the precise nature of physical difficulties with input devices. Hence, it is difficult to gauge the adequacy of existing access provision. This paper presents an empirical study of the keyboard and mouse errors encountered in a sample of 20 computer users with motor disabilities, and six without disabilities. Six important classes of keyboard difficulty are identified, involving significant correction time for participants with disabilities. Difficulties with all aspects of mouse usage were observed, particularly pointing and dragging. Many of the difficulties observed would be amenable to automatic detection. It is hoped that these results will help to inform the development of more accessible software and hardware.

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      Published In

      cover image International Journal of Human-Computer Studies
      International Journal of Human-Computer Studies  Volume 50, Issue 2
      Feb. 1999
      104 pages
      ISSN:1071-5819
      Issue’s Table of Contents

      Publisher

      Academic Press, Inc.

      United States

      Publication History

      Published: 01 February 1999

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      • (2017)A Personalized Interaction ApproachAdjunct Publication of the 25th Conference on User Modeling, Adaptation and Personalization10.1145/3099023.3099051(221-226)Online publication date: 9-Jul-2017
      • (2017)Measuring acceptable inputUniversal Access in the Information Society10.1007/s10209-016-0498-416:3(713-723)Online publication date: 1-Aug-2017
      • (2016)Virtual cursors to enhance web accessibility for people with limited dexterityACM SIGACCESS Accessibility and Computing10.1145/2961108.2961109(3-11)Online publication date: 21-Jun-2016
      • (2016)A usability evaluation of two virtual aids to enhance cursor accessibility for people with motor impairmentsProceedings of the 13th International Web for All Conference10.1145/2899475.2899489(1-4)Online publication date: 11-Apr-2016
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