On the usefulness of off-the-shelf computer peripherals for people with Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

People who suffer from Parkinson's Disease face many challenges using computers, and mice are particularly problematic input devices. This article describes usability tests of standard peripherals for use by people with Parkinson's Disease in order to search for optimal combinations relative to the needs of this user group. The results are used to determine their effect upon inertia, muscle stiffness, tremor, pain, strain and coordination and show that widely available equipment could significantly improve mouse pointer control for many users. The results reflect the diversity of challenges experienced by computer users with Parkinson's Disease, and also illustrate how projector-based technology may improve computer interaction without risking strain injuries.

Measuring acceptable input: What is “good enough”?

“…Consequently, many researchers have taken the view that perhaps a new input device / user interface arrangement [e.g., 4] or a re-design of the device/interface [e.g., 5] may alleviate or remedy the difficulties faced by many such users. Tablets, for example, do not use keyboards or mice/pointers in the same way as, say, a laptop or desktop, but on-screen keyboards and direct touch interfaces still present major accessibility challenges to users with vision and motor impairments [6], as well as older adults [7].…”