Guidelines for the design of input devices. Xxxx et al. (2004) enumerate the following guidelines for input devices designers: Select good default values or develop profiles that could be selected based on different age groups (children, adults, seniors). Do not assume that flexible interfaces will result in optimal choice of parameters by users. Match the input device with the task demands. Prefer trackball to mouse for novices if the interface requires double-clicking; consider default interfaces that do not require double-clicking.
Guidelines for the design of input devices. Xxxx et al. (2004) enumerate the following guidelines for input devices designers: Select good default values or develop profiles that could be selected based on different age groups (children, adults, seniors). Do not assume that flexible interfaces will result in optimal choice of parameters by users. Match the input device with the task demands. Prefer trackball to mouse for novices if the interface requires double-clicking; consider default interfaces that do not require double-clicking. Prefer direct (light pen, touch screen) to indirect (mouse, trackball, joystick) positioning devices for pure pointing and clicking tasks, particularly when the input device is not large (e.g., hand-held computer). Prefer indirect devices if users are experienced and the task requires combined keyboard entry and device use, the extent of movement for a direct device is large (e.g., 19 inch monitor), or the task requires precise selection. Prefer speech recognition control and input when individuals are very restricted in manual dexterity and the ambient noise level in the environment is low. Prefer CRT to LCD displays when precise colour matching is needed. For keypad input, use large keys with clear markings (adequate contrast for text or symbol to background) and appropriate inter-key spacing. Provide for the possibility of both tactile and auditory feedback with keypads. This situation occurs with many microwave ovens that emit beeps on key press and can be coded in software for computer keyboards. Permit alternatives for navigation with a visual cursor for those with moderate tremor, such as arrow key movement.
