Human Factors Criteria for the Design and Acquisition of ... - FAA

Keyboards June 2004CursorCursor keysDedicatedformatting keysDished profileThe visual indicator of input focus on a computer screen.see Arrow keysKeys for text formatting operations such as a Space bar, aTab key, and a Return or Enter key.A concave arrangement of keys.Dvorak keyboard An alternative keyboard layout to the QWERTY, theDvorak was purposely designed to decrease awkwardfinger movements and distribute the finger movementworkload by skill and strength.Elastomer Action Movement of a key that produces an intermediate amountof key actuation feedback.ExtensionF keysFlat profileFlexionFunction keysHome rowA movement in the opposite direction of flexion whichcauses an increase in the angle at the joint, such asstraightening the wrist or raising the hand at the wrist joint.Also called function keys. Special keys on the keyboardthat have different functions depending on the program thatis currently running. They are generally labeled F1through F10, F12 or F15 and are generally located acrossthe top of the keyboard. Advantages to the “F” keys arethat they allow quick access to frequently used functions;disadvantages are that because they are not labeled, theyrequire the user to remember what those functions are.A keyboard with the keys arranged all at a single level.A movement of a segment of the body causing a decreasein the angle as the joint, such as bending at the wrist.Keys provided for extra or general functions, typicallylabeled F1, F2, and so on. (See F Keys)The row of keys on a keyboard where all typing/fingerstrokes begin and end. The home row on a QWERTYkeyboard contains the keys ASDFGHJKL;’.Home row locator Tactile cues, generally bumps or dots on the F and J keysto aid the user in locating the correct position of theirfingers on the home row keys.9-43