Using Multiple Specialized Keyboards on Touch Screen Displays: Is Switching Keyboards Distracting to Novice Users?

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate, effects of using multiple specialized keyboards within the context of a simple data entry task. Twenty-four participants with minimal or no computer experience were asked to enter name and address data as well as choose a personal identification number (PIN) utilizing three data entry conditions. The first condition utilized a QWERTY keyboard exclusively, the second utilized a numeric keypad for the PIN and the third utilized a numeric keypad for the ZIP code, telephone number and PIN. The offset of the keys on the QWERTY keyboard was also manipulated. Results suggest that switching keyboards has no effect on data entry time or accuracy. Additionally, no significant effect was found for keyboard offset. User preferences as well as applications to design and limitations on generalizability are discussed.