Ergonomics of Design

The keyboard is not something I often associate with design, but it is just that. A good design should be seamless. A good design should not even feel like it is designed, and that's what the keyboard feels like to me. The basis of any design should look at the ergonomics of the product. The research process should include: safety, comfort, ease of use, performance, and aesthetics.

 The use of the keyboard is relatively safe, you can't really hurt yourself too bad unless you are using it wrong. The keyboard has in some cases caused carpal tunnel syndrome. Having your hands in the wrong position makes you at risk of getting the disease or at least an uncomfortable pain in your wrists. Keyboard companies do make models that focus more on the ergonomic qualities than some other companies. These keyboards are sometimes split so that you can type at a different angle than regular straight keyboards, and others focus on minimizing muscle strain by elevating the keyboard and maximizing comfort.

All of the letters, symbols, and numbers are arranged strategically on the keyboard. The design plan is for a specific purpose, which is efficiency and ease of use. Having the alphabet laid out in the "QWERTY"way, doesn't necessarily make sense right away. If I were to make a keyboard I would probably just put the alphabet on their how its written; A B C D and so on. Having the unique layout of the keys produces efficiency. The keys are placed in the optimum position according to the letters we use the most often in the English language. Careful thought was put into the placing of the keys which created an easy tool in order to navigate the internet.

Various forms of the keyboard are used for every computer in the world. The keyboard is the easiest way to navigate in the virtual world along with a mouse. The keyboard is easy to use, and simple to learn. Form follows function really well in this case. The alphabet is arranged perfectly in order to type quickly. The productivity of a keyboard versus something that is hand written is phenomenal. The keyboard allows us to quickly fix mistakes and continue on with the process speedily. If the keyboard wasn't as well designed it wouldn't be as well received and wide spread.

Finally we come to the last part of the design process, aesthetics. The modern keyboard is not the nicest thing to look at. The keyboard on the typewriter was another sight to see though. The typewriter is a piece of nostalgia. Everything about it seemed beautiful and hand crafted. Now, keyboards are more for practical use and not so much for aesthetics. Typewriters in the past were worth keeping and displaying in your office. Nowadays, keyboards are stashed under your computer desk in a drawer that can be neatly concealed. No longer is the keyboard in a place of prominence.

Keyboards are a great design overall. They are proficient for the task that the consumer asks them to do. Keyboards provide an ease of use that virtually anyone can learn. The only thing they don't hit home on is the aesthetic appeal. A pop of color, a funky type face, something would give it what this world of design so desperately needs. Black, white, and silver just don't cut it anymore.