Paper Reading #9 - Performance Optimizations of Virtual Keyboards for Stroke-Based Entry on a Touch-Based Tabletop

Comments:
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Reference:
 Performance Optimizations of Virtual Keyboards for Stroke-Based Entry on a Touch-Based Tabletop
Jochen Rick
UISK '10

Summary:
Thought the keyboard is the norm for a standard desktop, it is difficult to utilize on other computing situations.  Scaled-down and virtual keyboards have been created for handheld devices, but interactive tabletops constitute an area yet to be thoroughly explored.  Rick proposes that a stroke-based text entry system can be applied to these tabletop devices.

The OPTI II keyboard

While a virtual qwerty keyboard is acceptable for tap-based input, it is inadequate for stroke-based.  To determine what model should be used for a stroke-based virtual keyboard, Rick studied the time required to
complete various stroke-based movements.  He then determined which keyboard layout would be optimal based on the recorded data.  Based on his findings, Rick estimates that stroke-based qwerty input would have a 17% increase in imput speed, while switching to a layout such as OPTI II could yield speed improvement in the range of 50%.

Discussion:

While I doubt that I will have access to a tabletop computer anytime soon, this research could have long-term implications.  I certainly have issues with the current tap-based input that is common on portable devices, so I would welcome new technology to improve upon it.  However, I have to wonder how often errors occur using stroke-based input instead of tap-based, and how tolerant it is to user mistakes.  I guess we'll find out sooner or later.