Children and gender-differences in Exposure and How Anthropometric Differences Can be Incorporated into the Design of Computer Input Devices

Peter W Johnson ； Janet M Blackstone

《SJWEH Supplements》 3期 (2007/01) Pp. 26-32

並列摘要

Objectives This study attempted to determine whether the current ”one-size-fits-all” paradigm used for computer input devices meets the needs of the current computer-using population.
Methods Wrist posture and muscle activity in the flexor digitorum superficialis and extensor digitorum communis muscles were measured and compared between 14 children (ages 5 to 8 years) and their same-gender biological parents. The participants performed a standardized mousing task with a standard and child-proportional mouse. The literature on finger anthropometry was systematically reviewed to determine finger size variation as a function of age, size percentile (5th, 50th, 95th), and gender and its influence on the design of computer input devices.
Results With the standard mouse, the children used a greater [18.4 (SD 11.3) degrees] ulnar deviation and less [9.4 (SD 12.9) degrees] extension than their adult counterparts. With the child-proportional devices, their ulnar deviation [4.0 (SD 6.4) degrees, P=0.04] was significantly reduced, as was their forearm muscle activity (P＜0.01). Both the children (P＜0.01) and the adults (P=0.05) performed the standardized mousing task faster with the small mouse. The anthropometric data showed that finger anthropometry differed up to threefold between the children and the adults. They also indicated that the size of computer input devices is likely based on anthropometric clearance issues to accommodate the larger 50th to 95th percentile of male users.
Discussion This study indicates that the current ”one-size-fits-all” paradigm for computer input devices is unlikely to meet the needs of a large percentage of the computer using population. It is recommended that researchers and companies manufacturing computers and computer input devices work together to determine the appropriate range and size offerings of these devices.

並列關鍵字

anthropometry ； child ； computer ； computer keyboard ； computer mouse ； woman