Musings From Input Device Expert Bill Buxton

"I have no argument with the idea of separating the pointing and button functions across separate limbs. To the contrary. For many people with certain disabilities it causes real issues, and with certain input devices, click-and-hold-while pointing/dragging is difficult, and performance is negatively affected compared to pointing alone. Then the question is, what limb? What device? And, one also has to be aware that the potential for synchronization errors (getting the click at the right time/position) will grow with the split – but our findings say that this coordination is not a big deal, at least for so-called able-bodied users."

http://www.billbuxton.com/touch.html

http://www.billbuxton.com/windows.html

http://www.billbuxton.com/flipKbd.html

http://www.billbuxton.com/2Hnavigation.html

http://www.billbuxton.com/2hands.html

"Finally, I want to repeat my most valuable piece of advice for anyone who is getting RSI symptoms: Remember, the operative word here is REPETATIVE”. Stop repeating things, i.e., stop using the same digit/limb to do the same thing the same way. Spread things around. Use different limbs/digits/devices. Switch your mouse from hand to hand on alternate days. Switch mice each week. Switch from mouse to trackball or touch pad. Don’t use a trackpoint daily, and really don’t always use it with only the index finger of your dominant hand. When you buy a laptop, get one with both a touch pad and a trackpoint, not a trackpoint alone. By mixing things up, you never over-use any particular joint/digit/limb, and you will notice a big change. Especially if you swap hands. And, for those right-handers of the world, using the mouse in the left-hand will be an eye-opener, and will be good for your soul."

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