Effect of dynamic keyboard and word-prediction systems on text inputspeed in persons with functional tetraplegia

摘要

Information technology plays a very important rolein society. People with disabilities are often limited by slowtext input speed despite the use of assistive devices. This studyaimed to evaluate the effect of a dynamic onscreen keyboard(Custom Virtual Keyboard) and a wordprediction system (Sibylle)on text input speed in participants with functional tetraplegia.Ten participants tested four modes at home (static onscreenkeyboard with and without word prediction anddynamic onscreen keyboard with and without word prediction)for 1 mo before choosing one mode and then using it foranother month. Initial mean text input speed was around23 words per minute with the static keyboard and 12 words perminute with the dynamic keyboard. The results showed that thedynamic keyboard reduced text input speed by 37% comparedwith the standard keyboard and that the addition of word predictionhad no effect on text input speed. We suggest that currentforms of dynamic keyboards and word prediction may notbe suitable for increasing text input speed, particularly for subjectswho use pointing devices. Future studies should evaluatethe optimal ergonomic design of dynamic keyboards and thenumber and position of words that should be predicted.