Redesign the QWERTY keyboard

This activity asks students to consider the design layout of keyboards. Students will most likely be familiar with the QWERTY keyboard. But have they ever met other layouts such as the Dvorak or the Coleman?

The left shows heatmaps for the most used keys for different layouts. Which layouts might be best for different types of users? Do some make better use of our fingers than others? Why is the QWERTY keyboard the dominant layout?

Provide students with persona briefs that detail the needs of different type of keyboard users. An example brief is provided here for Dotty DigitDancer who is an avid one-finger typer and also a dance instructor.

Other user needs might include users:

• with carpal tunnel syndrome

• who can only type with one hand

• who are EAL speakers

• learning to touch type

• issues with fine motor skills

The purpose of the Persona Brief is to understand the specific needs that students will be designing for.

Use the Build it - Break it- Fix it tool to facilitate ideation and testing of ideas. This activity requires students to brainstorm an early idea and then build upon it. Then, they need to consider any weaknesses and why their idea might fail. Once students have identified any potential problems, they can redesign their keyboard with these weaknesses in mind.

At all stages, encourage students to refer to their data collection to justify any design decisions.