parent
9ee21ddc5d
commit
a2aaad9924
@ -1,212 +0,0 @@
|
||||
% Chapter 0 - Proposal
|
||||
% Section 1 - Motivation, problem statement and thesis objectives
|
||||
\section{Bachelor Thesis Proposal - Philip Gaber}
|
||||
{\huge Impact of adjusted, per key, actuation force on efficiency and satisfaction while using mechanical keyboards}
|
||||
\subsection{Motivation}
|
||||
In recent years, computers are used to some extend in almost every industry in
|
||||
Europe \cite{eurostat_ent_w_comp} and China \cite{iresearch_ent_w_comp}. This
|
||||
leads to the conclusion, that also other countries must have a high usage of
|
||||
computers in corporations. Furthermore, according to a statistic published by
|
||||
\citeauthor{itu_hh_w_comp} in 2019, nearly half of the worldwide households have
|
||||
access to at least one computer \cite{itu_hh_w_comp}. One of the most used
|
||||
devices for data input while operating a computer is the keyboard
|
||||
\parencite[22]{handbook_chi}. Therefore, people who use a computer, either at
|
||||
home or to fulfill certain tasks at work, are also likely to use a keyboard. An
|
||||
important part of a keyboard is the keyswitch also called keyboard key or
|
||||
key. Those keyswitches use, depending on the manufacturer or keyboard type,
|
||||
different mechanisms to actuate a keypress. More commonly used mechanism to date
|
||||
are scissor switches, mostly used in laptop keyboards, dome/membrane switches,
|
||||
often used in low- to mid-priced keyboards, and mechanical switches which are
|
||||
the main switch type for high-priced and gaming keyboards
|
||||
\cite{ergopedia_keyswitch}. Depending on the mechanism and type of key used, it
|
||||
is possible that different force has to be applied to the key to activate
|
||||
it. Normally, the force required to activate a key is identical for each key
|
||||
across the keyboard. However, previous research has shown, that there is a
|
||||
disparity in force generated by different fingers
|
||||
\cite{bretz_finger_force}. This raises the question, why there are no keyboards
|
||||
for personal or work related use cases with adjusted actuation forces per finger
|
||||
or even customizable keyboards, where an individual can select the actuation
|
||||
force for each keyswitch individually.
|
||||
|
||||
\subsection{Proposed Objective, Research Question and Hypothesis}
|
||||
|
||||
% This thesis is intended to provide an overview of already conducted research in
|
||||
% the domain of keyboards, especially in connection with actuation force and the
|
||||
% impact of different keyswitches on keyboard users.
|
||||
|
||||
% Because there is no previous research in the particular field of per finger/key
|
||||
% actuation force for (mechanical) keyboards and the impact of such customization
|
||||
% on efficiency and comfort, this thesis is also intended to research if this is a
|
||||
% viable option in comparison to the classic keyboard with uniform actuation
|
||||
% force. Therefore the author proposes to answer the question:
|
||||
|
||||
This thesis is intended to research if a keyboard with zones of keys, which have
|
||||
adjusted actuation force depending on the assigned finger for that zone and the
|
||||
position on the keyboard, is a viable option compared to the standard keyboard
|
||||
with uniform actuation force across all keyswitches.
|
||||
|
||||
\begin{tabular}{p{0.3cm} p{0.5cm} p{13cm} p{0.5cm}}
|
||||
& \textbf{\large RQ} & {\Large Does an adjusted actuation force per key have a positive impact on efficiency and overall satisfaction while using a mechanical keyboard?} & \\
|
||||
\end{tabular}
|
||||
\vspace{1em}
|
||||
|
||||
% TODO: Dissatisfied statt comfort da hohe error rate und dadurch frustriert
|
||||
% TODO: Bei hypothesen noch error rate bei geschwindigkeit mit einbeziehen
|
||||
% ASK: Doch noch comfort mit einbeziehen?
|
||||
\begin{longtable}{p{0.3cm} p{0.5cm} p{13cm} p{0.5cm}}
|
||||
& \textbf{H1} & Lower key actuation force improves typing speed over higher key actuation force (efficiency - speed). & \\
|
||||
& & & \\
|
||||
& \textbf{H2} & Higher key actuation force decreases typing errors compared to lower key actuation force (efficiency - error rate). & \\
|
||||
& & & \\
|
||||
& \textbf{H3} & Keys with lower actuation force are perceived as more satisfactory to write with than keys with higher actuation force. & \\
|
||||
& & & \\
|
||||
& \textbf{H4} & Users perform better and feel more satisfied while using Keyboards with adjusted key actuation force than without the adjustment. & \\
|
||||
\end{longtable}
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
\section{Proposed Method}
|
||||
|
||||
\subsection{Subjects}
|
||||
|
||||
It is planned to recruit 20 participants in total. Main target group to recruit
|
||||
participants for the research study from are personal contacts and fellow
|
||||
students. Participants are required to type with more than just one finger per
|
||||
hand. Thus, touch typing is not a mandatory but helpful skill to
|
||||
participate. The age distribution for the subjects is estimated to be between 18
|
||||
and 56 years. The average typing speed should be known prior to the main
|
||||
experiment. Therefore, a typing speed test should be performed on the subject's
|
||||
own keyboard in beginning of the experiment. This typing test has to be
|
||||
performed within the standardized test environment consisting of an adjustable
|
||||
chair, desk, monitor and the typing test software used within the main
|
||||
experiment. Also, all subjects have to give their written consent to
|
||||
participate in the study.
|
||||
|
||||
\subsection{Study design}
|
||||
|
||||
Participants must complete several typing tests using four different keyboards.
|
||||
|
||||
The experiment should consist of a experimental group and a control group. The
|
||||
control group will perform all typing tests with the same keyboard. The text
|
||||
used for the typing test should be easily understandable. Therefore, the text
|
||||
has to be evaluated with the help of a \gls{FRE} \cite{flesch_fre}
|
||||
adjusted for German language \cite{immel_fre}.
|
||||
|
||||
\begin{equation}\label{fre_german}
|
||||
FRE_{deutsch} = 180 - \underbrace{ASL}_{\mathclap{\text{Average Sentence Length}}} - (58,5 * \overbrace{ASW}^{\mathclap{\text{Average Syllables per Word}}})
|
||||
\end{equation}
|
||||
|
||||
The adjusted formula (\ref{fre_german}) to estimate the understandability of the
|
||||
texts used in this experiment usually yields a number in the range of
|
||||
\([0;100]\) called the \gls{FRE}. Higher \gls{FRE}s refer to better
|
||||
understandability and thus the texts used in this experiment all have to fulfill
|
||||
the requirement of a \gls{FRE} \(> 70\), which represents a fairly easy text
|
||||
\cite{immel_fre} and \cite{flesch_fre}.
|
||||
|
||||
One typing test will consist of several smaller, randomly chosen, texts
|
||||
snippets. The length of the snippets has to be between 100 and 400 characters
|
||||
and a snippet has to meet the \gls{FRE} requirement. The snippets are generated by
|
||||
volunteers via the web interface of the platform used in this experiment which
|
||||
can be seen in appendix \ref{app:gott}.
|
||||
|
||||
% ASK: Should there be a control group at all, if so should they use their own keyboard or always the same random keyboard while they think they are testing different keyswitches?
|
||||
After each typing test, the participant has to fill out an adjusted CEN ISO/TS
|
||||
9241-411:2014 keyboard comfort questionnaire \cite{iso9241-411}. One additional
|
||||
question was added to this questionnaire: ``How satisfied have you been with
|
||||
this keyboard?'' The answer for this question can be selected with the help of a
|
||||
\gls{VAS} ranging from 0 to 100 \cite{lewis_vas}.
|
||||
|
||||
\textbf{Planned experiment procedure: (Total time requirement: 120 min)}
|
||||
|
||||
\begin{enumerate}
|
||||
\item Pre-Test questionnaire to gather demographic and other relevant
|
||||
information e.g., touch typist, average \gls{KB} usage per day, predominantly
|
||||
used keyboard type, previous medical conditions affecting the result of the
|
||||
study e.g., \gls{RSI}, \gls{CTS}, etc. The full questionnaire can be observed
|
||||
in the appendix \ref{app:gott}. (5 min)
|
||||
|
||||
\item Adjustment of the test environment (Chair height, monitor height, etc.) (2 min)
|
||||
\item Prepare subject for \gls{EMG} measurements: Electrodes are placed on the
|
||||
\gls{FDS}/\gls{FDP} and \gls{ED} of both forearms. The main function of the
|
||||
\gls{FDS} and \gls{FDP} is the flexion of the medial four digits, while the
|
||||
\gls{ED} mainly extends the medial four digits. Therefore, these muscles are
|
||||
primarily involved in the finger movements required for typing on a keyboard
|
||||
\cite{netter_anatomy}. (8 min)
|
||||
\item Familiarization with the typing test and keyboard model used in the experiment. All participants use the same keyboard with 50g actuation force for this step. (5 min)
|
||||
\item Initial typing test with own keyboard. (5 min) \\
|
||||
Adjusted follow-up ISO keyboard comfort questionnaire. (2 min) \\
|
||||
Pause with light stretching exercises. (3 min)
|
||||
% SUBTOTAL: 30 min
|
||||
|
||||
\item \textbf{Main Test (H1-H4):} In this part the subject has to
|
||||
take two, 5 minute, typing tests per keyboard, with a total of 4
|
||||
keyboards (\gls{KB} A, \gls{KB} B, \gls{KB} C, \gls{KB} D). After each
|
||||
typing test, the subject has to fill out the post typing test keyboard
|
||||
comfort questionnaire. Keyboards A, B and C are equipped with one set of
|
||||
keyswitches and therefore each of the keyboards provides one of the
|
||||
following, uniform, actuation forces across all keyswitches: 35 \gls{g},
|
||||
50 \gls{g} or 80 \gls{g}. These specific values are the results of a
|
||||
self conducted comparison between the product lines of most major
|
||||
keyswitch manufacturers. The results shown in appendix
|
||||
\ref{app:keyswitch} yield, that the lowest broadly available force for
|
||||
keyswitches is 35 \gls{g}, the highest broadly available force is 80
|
||||
\gls{g}, and the most common offered force is 50 \gls{g}. Keyboard D is
|
||||
equipped with different zones of keyswitches that use appropriate
|
||||
actuation forces according to finger strength differences and key
|
||||
position. The keyboards used in this experiment are visually identical,
|
||||
ISO/IEC 9995-1 conform \cite{iso9995-1} and provide a \gls{QWERTZ}
|
||||
layout to resemble the subjects day-to-day layout and keyboard format as
|
||||
close as possible. All keyboards are equipped with linear mechanical
|
||||
keyswitches from one manufacturer to minimize differences in haptic and
|
||||
sound while typing. To mitigate order effects, the order of the
|
||||
keyboards is counterbalanced with the help of the latin square method
|
||||
and the text snippets for the individual tests are randomized
|
||||
\cite{statist_counterbalancing}. \textbf{(total: 80 min)}
|
||||
|
||||
\begin{enumerate}
|
||||
\item \textbf{\gls{KB} A, Part 1:} Typing test. (5min) \\
|
||||
Adjusted follow-up ISO keyboard comfort questionnaire. (2 min) \\
|
||||
Pause with light stretching exercises. (3 min)
|
||||
\item \textbf{\gls{KB} A, Part 2:} Typing test. (5min) \\
|
||||
Adjusted follow-up ISO keyboard comfort questionnaire. (2 min) \\
|
||||
Pause with light stretching exercises. (3 min)
|
||||
\item \textbf{\gls{KB} C, Part 1:} Typing test. (5min) \\
|
||||
Adjusted follow-up ISO keyboard comfort questionnaire. (2 min) \\
|
||||
Pause with light stretching exercises. (3 min)
|
||||
\item \textbf{\gls{KB} C, Part 2:} Typing test. (5min) \\
|
||||
Adjusted follow-up ISO keyboard comfort questionnaire. (2 min) \\
|
||||
Pause with light stretching exercises. (3 min)
|
||||
\item \textbf{\gls{KB} B, Part 1:} Typing test. (5min) \\
|
||||
Adjusted follow-up ISO keyboard comfort questionnaire. (2 min) \\
|
||||
Pause with light stretching exercises. (3 min)
|
||||
\item \textbf{\gls{KB} B, Part 2:} Typing test. (5min) \\
|
||||
Adjusted follow-up ISO keyboard comfort questionnaire. (2 min) \\
|
||||
Pause with light stretching exercises. (3 min)
|
||||
\item \textbf{\gls{KB} D, Part 1:} Typing test. (5min) \\
|
||||
Adjusted follow-up ISO keyboard comfort questionnaire. (2 min) \\
|
||||
Pause with light stretching exercises. (3 min)
|
||||
\item \textbf{\gls{KB} D, Part 2:} Typing test. (5min) \\
|
||||
Adjusted follow-up ISO keyboard comfort questionnaire. (2 min) \\
|
||||
Pause with light stretching exercises. (3 min)
|
||||
\end{enumerate}
|
||||
|
||||
\item Post-Test semi-structured interview: The participant has to draw three
|
||||
different UX curves \cite{kujala_ux_curve} to evaluate how fatigue,
|
||||
performance and overall usability of the individual keyboards were perceived
|
||||
during the experiment. While drawing the UX curve, participants should
|
||||
describe their thought process. To reduce errors in the later evaluation of
|
||||
the UX curves, the entire interview is recorded. (10 min)
|
||||
|
||||
\end{enumerate}
|
||||
|
||||
The \gls{EMG} data for all muscles is captured using the Flexvolt Chrome app and Flexvolt 8-Channel
|
||||
biosensor device in combination with TIGA-MED ECD-Electrodes. The captured data is then processed and
|
||||
plotted using Python. Hardware and plots can be observed in Figure \ref{fig:emg_setup}.
|
||||
|
||||
\begin{figure}[h]
|
||||
\centering
|
||||
\includegraphics[width=1.0\textwidth]{images/emg_setup.jpg}
|
||||
\caption{Flexvolt 8-Channel Biosensor and example plots of \gls{EMG} data}
|
||||
\label{fig:emg_setup}
|
||||
\end{figure}
|
||||
|
||||
This test scenario is inspired by the tests conducted in \cite{kim_typingforces}.
|
After Width: | Height: | Size: 71 KiB |
After Width: | Height: | Size: 59 KiB |
Before Width: | Height: | Size: 33 KiB After Width: | Height: | Size: 33 KiB |
Before Width: | Height: | Size: 280 KiB After Width: | Height: | Size: 208 KiB |
Loading…
Reference in new issue