A Performance Based Evaluation of Keying Logics for Alphanumeric Keyboards

Abstract : Four keying Logics for the entry of alphanumeric characters were evaluated. The Logics were selected based on their compatibility with current keyboard designs being used for the pilot-aircraft interface involving communications, navigation, and other aircraft subsystems. Each of four groups of seven subjects learned one of the Logics and their performance was recorded on an alphanumeric keying task. Performance measures were keying speed and keying accuracy for alphabetic characters, numeric characters, character strings, and total list. A keying Logic utilizing individual keys (36) for each alphabetic and numeric character was significantly superior to other Logics which used push-button telephone type keyboards, with regard to keying time. With regard to keying accuracy, all Logics performed equally well, with an error rate of approximately 0.5 percent. Significant performance differences among the three matrix keyboard Logics were inconsistent. Of these, one utilizing the telephone arrangement was most accurate. Research is recommended to further examine keying performance in the learned state, as well as under more realistic conditions. (Author)