The Ergonomics of Computer Pointing Devices

Abstract

This book provides an in-depth coverage of the ergonomics of computer pointing devices using psychomotor models to analyse human performance, and experimental data for evaluation. The full spectrum of pointing devices are discussed including mice, joysticks and trackballs. Human motor performance and its effect on the design of pointing devices is comprehensively covered with issues such as vision, touch, cognition and limb control addressed. A chapter is devoted to design and includes discussion of task-device compatibility, range of motion, adaptive software control and device operation, and user interface semantics. The final chapter, as well as addressing International standards (including ISO 9247 and the American National Standards Institute) also looks at future issues in the development of pointing devices including pointing and speech, distributed environments and virtual reality. Sarah Douglas and Anant Mithal have written a definitive text on this important area of computer science which will be welcomed by all those working in the field. 1. Introduction -- 1.1 Approach -- 1.2 The Organization of This Book -- 1.3 Importance and Future of Pointing Device Ergonomics -- 2. Human Motor Performance -- 2.1 Fitts' Law -- 2.2 Psychomotor Models -- 2.3 Other Aspects of Motor Behavior -- 2.4 Summary -- 2.5 Endnotes -- 3. Factors in Applying Psychomotor Studies to Pointing Devices -- 3.1 Devices: Operation, Features and Types -- 3.2 Limb Control -- 3.3 Tasks -- 3.4 Summary -- 4. A Survey of Ergonomic Studies -- 4.1 Studies by Device -- 4.2 Comparison Between Devices -- 4.3 Summary -- 4.4 Endnotes -- 5. Evaluating New Devices: A Case Study -- 5.1 Overview -- 5.2 Introduction -- 5.3 Previous Research -- 5.4 Method -- 5.5 Results -- 5.6 Discussion -- 5.7 Conclusions -- 5.8 Endnotes -- 6. Using the Microstructure of Movement to Understand Device Performance -- 6.1 Introduction -- 6.2 Research Questions -- 6.3 Method -- 6.4 Results -- 6.5 Discussion -- 6.6 Summary and Conclusions -- 6.7 Endnotes -- 7. Performance Models -- 7.1 Historical Background -- 7.2 GOMS -- 7.3 Keystroke Level Model -- 7.4 Stochastic Network Models -- 7.5 Extensions to the GOMS Model Research -- 7.6 Summary -- 7.7 Endnotes -- 8. Challenges of the Present and Future -- 8.1 Review of Pointing Device Research Findings -- 8.2 Integrating Ergonomics Research into Design -- 8.3 Innovations in Pointing Device Technology and Interfaces -- 8.4 Future Research Directions -- 8.5 Conclusions -- 8.6 Endnotes -- 9. Bibliography.