For decades, PC users have faced a significant limitation in input devices, constrained to standard keyboards that offer no options for additional input types without relying on separate devices. This lack of diversity extends to keyboard sizes, with few options available, leaving no room for personalization or ergonomic solutions. As software has evolved to provide extensive user customization, the hardware landscape remains stagnant, failing to adapt to the changing needs of users.
In light of this, it is essential to develop a modular keyboard that addresses these constraints, enabling users to create a tailored input experience that enhances comfort, functionality, and adaptability to individual preferences. This innovation aims to bridge the gap between software versatility and hardware limitations, fostering a new era of customizable input solutions.
There are a few main sources of this problem, that all relate to a lack of options in the keyboard market. This hole in the market comes from corporate greed. The concept of allowing people to purchase only what they need and want as opposed to what their business is selling, is not favorable to said business. Businesses will always shy away from any open-source model because it's not the most profitable course of action. These companies have created a standard and can produce this standard for extremely cheap and sell it for a massive up charge. Additionally, if people do desire alternative input devices, they have to buy an entirely different product. The modular keyboard gives people the opportunity to customize and purchase the exact product they dream of.
Timing
Known - Market is saturated with traditional mechanical keyboards. More customizable input solutions are in demand.
Tasks - Market research is needed to gather more accurate figures for demand for this product, and costs customers would be willing to pay for this product.
Trend
Known - The overall demand in tech is shifting toward the open-source user user-customizable options in software and in other hardware components such as the internals of the PC. Users want the product best suited for their own needs.
Tasks - Market research is needed to gauge specifics about what features in the keyboard need to be included for it to be a success. Next, we need to identify specific technologies that are trending and should be used in the keyboard to make it as efficient as possible, and high in demand.
Impact
Known - A modular keyboard could significantly improve user satisfaction and engagement, leading to increased market share and brand loyalty.
Tasks - In the designing phase it will be important to research what designs product the highest satisfaction in the users. Next, a concrete marketing plan will need to be developed that specifically emphasizes user satisfaction and the pros of our product vs the standard of the competition (i.e. we offer everything they do but more).
Identity - The primary issue is that traditional keyboards are limited in terms of customization and adaptability. Users are constrained to a fixed set of keys and input types, and there is no seamless way to integrate additional functionalities or create custom shapes without resorting to external devices or separate peripherals.
Location - The problem is widespread across the entire market for PC input devices, with no major manufacturers offering modular or customizable keyboard options.
Timing - The problem has been persistent for decades, but it has become more pronounced in recent years as user demand for customization in hardware has grown. This is especially true as software becomes more personalized and adaptable, creating a stark contrast with static hardware.
Magnitude - The issue impacts a broad range of users, from casual PC users to professionals and gamers, with no industry-standard solution for a fully customizable or modular keyboard. The potential demand for modular keyboards could be significant, as many users desire personalized hardware experiences similar to their software.
Overall Potential Problem - The root cause of the problem lies in the outdated approach to keyboard design, where manufacturers have focused on the mass production of standardized devices rather than creating customizable, modular solutions. This lack of innovation in the hardware space, combined with rapidly advancing software personalization, has led to a gap between user needs and the available hardware options.